Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job” is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures today. Most people seek this type of nasal surgery to address either aesthetic or functional concerns. Unlike many other cosmetic procedures, nose jobs are requested by men, women, and teens alike. When planning for a rhinoplasty, many patients focus solely on their long-term result. Although the post-surgical result is important, it’s also necessary to have a full understanding of the healing process. After a rhinoplasty the nose can be swollen and change as it recovers from surgery, so having realistic expectations is extremely beneficial. Luckily, there are a few things that patients can do before and after surgery to help reduce this swelling.
Why Am I Swollen After a Rhinoplasty?
It’s common for patients to wonder why swelling can happen after a rhinoplasty procedure. Dr. Azizzadeh explains that swelling occurs because your nose has been through a lot during surgery. The nasal structure is being altered which sometimes includes fracturing the nose during the procedure. The initial external swelling will go down in the first couple of weeks following surgery and continue to improve throughout the first year. Internal swelling can take up to 2 years to completely resolve, which requires patience. Although everyone heals at a different rate, most people are able to begin to enjoy the results of their rhinoplasty procedure within the first few weeks after surgery. Ultimately, patients who experience the least amount of swelling have surgeons who are extremely experienced and who have a very high level of expertise with rhinoplasty procedures.
How Can I Help Reduce Swelling Before my Rhinoplasty?
Before your rhinoplasty procedure, there are certain things that you can do to help reduce the effects of swelling. A week before your surgery, you should avoid the following items:
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Fish, Herbals, Vitamins
How Can I Help Reduce Swelling After my Rhinoplasty?
After your rhinoplasty, there are other things that you can do to help minimize post-surgery swelling.
- Cold compresses can be used for the first 72 hours and can be replaced with warm compresses on any bruising after that.
- Keep your head elevated while sleeping.
- Take Arnica and bromolin as directed by your physician.