How long does it take for swelling to go away after rhinoplasty? Swelling after rhinoplasty. When will swelling go down after rhinoplasty? How dangerous is he?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical correction of the shape of the nose, or any cosmetic defects in the nose area. In addition to aesthetic correction, rhinoplasty is also performed for medical reasons for a deviated septum.

For a person who has decided to undergo rhinoplasty, the question of healing time and rehabilitation period is logical. The question of swelling after surgery and how to eliminate it is one of the most important.

Any surgical intervention is a violation of the integrity of the skin and, accordingly, a wound. Swelling and bruising are inevitable during the healing process.

Edema is the excess accumulation of fluid in tissue. Connective tissues, mucous membranes and the skin itself undergo swelling. The fluid that accumulates during swelling contains small amounts of protein, fat and lymphocytes.
But don’t worry if your nose swells after rhinoplasty; oddly enough, swelling is necessary. Edema fluid helps the regeneration process. Thanks to it, cell division occurs faster.

During surgery, blood vessels are damaged, since the doctor needs to separate the upper skin, and this cannot be done without injuring the vessels. This is the reason why the nose swells. Once the blood supply is restored and the blood circulates normally, the swelling will go away.

There is one more point - in the majority of patients, the tip of the nose after surgery, no matter which one, open/closed, loses sensitivity, do not be afraid, this is temporary, sensitivity will be restored in 1 - 3 months.

If we consider the stages of edema in detail, we can distinguish three types:
  1. primary
  2. secondary
  3. residual

Primary edema

Primary edema causes inconvenience not only to the patient, but also to the surgeon, as it occurs already during the operation. At the end of the operation, the nose must be fixed with plaster, and turundas (gauze swabs) are inserted into the nostrils. The plaster helps reduce the amount of swelling and will keep the operated area in the correct position. Since a plaster cast is applied to the nose, swelling will affect nearby areas. The area of ​​the cheeks and eyelids is the first to be affected.

How long does swelling last after rhinoplasty?

The worst swelling lasts for five days. Then it begins to gradually subside. After two weeks, most of it comes off.
After the doctor removes the cast, the swelling will noticeably increase again. It must be said that this is not a pathology. This is a normal process for this type of operation. Some time after rhinoplasty, the operated area will appear normal in appearance. But swelling of the tip of the nose may still persist (in some cases for more than a year), we will touch on this problem later.

In order to alleviate your condition and not cause harm, you need to follow some rules from the first day:

  • exclude physical activity, especially those associated with bending forward;
  • sleep on high pillows to reduce blood flow to the head;
  • do not touch or massage your face;
  • Avoid overheating your face. It is better to completely abandon unnecessary heat sources (fireplace, heater, gas stove);
  • Make sure that when washing, water does not get on the bandage area or in the nose.

Secondary edema

With secondary edema, practically no changes are visually visible. The back and tip of the nose are not very thick. For the patient, this brings discomfort, as the tissues undergo swelling. The result of swelling will be nasal congestion in the patient.

When the swelling goes down

On average, it takes 4 weeks for such symptoms to disappear. Unfortunately, it is not possible to relieve nasal congestion with such swelling on your own. Attempts at treatment lead to some relief for an hour and a half. In such a situation, you just need to wait patiently. But you need to know that some factors can slow down the rehabilitation process.

What to give up:

  • sleeping on your side or stomach;
  • smoking;
  • alcohol;
  • long bends;
  • excessive activity;
  • habit of rubbing your nose;
  • If possible, stop wearing glasses (switch to contact lenses).

Residual edema

Residual edema is internal edema. Outwardly this is absolutely not noticeable. The only thing that speaks about him is the hard tip of his nose. It takes the longest amount of time for the swelling of the tip of the nose to finally go away after rhinoplasty. The swelling does not go away due to the fact that the blood vessels have not completely recovered; it will persist until good blood circulation is completely restored. This usually takes from a year to a year and a half.

Several other factors influence the recovery process:

  • Patient's skin thickness. Those with thick skin are a little less fortunate in this case. Healing and recovery will take longer.
  • Revision rhinoplasty. The healing process is impaired by scar tissue.
Depending on which part of the nose is corrected, the degree of swelling will depend.

Rhinoplasty of the tip of the nose . The structure of the tip of the nose is quite complex. Healing will take a long time. Swelling of the tip of the nose after rhinoplasty lasts a long time and goes away slowly. The choice of surgeon for such rhinoplasty plays an important role.
The operation should only be performed by an experienced and careful surgeon. The scale of swelling depends on accuracy.

Removal of nasal hump . Quite a complex type of operation. During such an intervention, not only cartilage is affected, but also part of the bone tissue. Essentially, this is a fracture, and with a fracture, swelling is inevitable. They last a long time and go away gradually.

Revision rhinoplasty . Since scars remain after the first operation, they interfere with the process of restoring blood circulation and thereby affect the duration of swelling and healing time.

Septorhinoplasty . Correction of the nasal septum. The operation is quite traumatic. Almost the entire organ is affected. The swelling is quite strong and takes a long time to go away.

Surgery in the area of ​​the wings of the nose or nostrils (change in shape, reduction of nostrils) One of the easiest and least traumatic operations. The swelling is not strong and goes away quite quickly.

Surgeons offer two methods of operation. The way rhinoplasty is performed affects the formation of edema.

  1. Closed rhinoplasty
  2. Open rhinoplasty

❶ Closed rhinoplasty (endoscopic)

In this operation, incisions are made inside the nostril. This type of rhinoplasty causes less tissue damage, and therefore the swelling is not as intense and goes away faster.

❷ Open rhinoplasty

The surgeon removes the skin; accordingly, this is a more extensive wound surface and, therefore, the swelling is strong and takes time to disappear.

Several more factors influencing swelling

Surgeon experience. Rhinoplasty always means swelling, since damage to blood vessels is inevitable. The more experienced and careful the surgeon, the less traumatic the operation will be. With precise plastic surgery, the degree and scale of swelling can be reduced.

Patient age. It is known that with age, all processes occurring in the body slow down. Accordingly, the younger the patient, the faster the healing process occurs and the fewer complications occur.

Skin thickness. As already mentioned, swelling goes away more slowly in thick skin. This is explained by the presence of a larger number of small blood vessels.

General health of the patient. The state of the circulatory system can affect the rate at which swelling subsides. If vascular diseases exist, they will significantly slow down recovery.

If a patient starts smoking, drinking alcohol, eating salty foods, then he makes things worse for himself, because all these habits contribute to fluid retention in the body.

Smoking and alcohol also affect the rate of vascular recovery.

Physical exercises, especially those associated with bending forward, sleeping on the side or stomach, contribute to a rush of blood to the head, which is also harmful.

How to relieve swelling after rhinoplasty

In order to alleviate the patient’s condition, the doctor, in addition to recommendations, may prescribe medications.

Dimexide. Preparation for external use. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It comes in the form of an ointment, gel or solution.

Bromelain. Biologically active food supplement. It contains juice from the stem of pineapple. This substance breaks down protein. Used as a decongestant and anti-inflammatory agent.

Traumeel C. Tablets or ointment. This is a homeopathic medicine. It is made from herbs. Used to speed up healing and relieve swelling.

Lyoton 1000. Ointment for external use. Has anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effects. Used for injuries and bruises.

Important! All medications should be prescribed only by your doctor!

For better healing, physiotherapy is also prescribed.

Ultraphonophoresis. During this procedure, ultrasound is applied to the skin. Prescribed to improve blood circulation and the formation of new cells. The faster the processes go, the faster the tissues are restored.

Microcurrents. Currents are used to influence the swollen area. The main objective of this procedure is to improve metabolic processes in cells. Due to this, the swelling subsides faster.

Warning ! All procedures are prescribed only by specialists.

If the decision has been made to undergo surgery, the most important thing is to choose a good specialist and follow his instructions, and be patient.

Swelling after rhinoplasty is an inevitable consequence of surgery that develops in most patients. Swelling of the tissues of the nose, eyelids and parts of the face is the body’s response to intervention. The rate at which swelling disappears varies from person to person, but a certain pattern can still be observed.

The causes of edema lie in tissue detachment during rhinoplasty, so they cannot be considered the consequences of the surgeon’s erroneous actions. During rhinoplasty, the patient has to deal with four types of edema:

  • primary;
  • secondary;
  • residual;
  • swelling of the periosteum.

Nasal congestion, along with tissue swelling, as well as a nasal voice bother the patient in the postoperative period.

The cause of edema is excess fluid accumulated in the tissues. In the postoperative practice of rhinoplasty, swelling of the connective tissue, nasal mucosa and skin is observed.

To work with the osteochondral structure of the nose, it is necessary to peel off the skin from it. There is often a need to displace the skin in order to aesthetically distribute it over the cartilage changed as a result of the intervention.

When the skin is separated from the main part of the nose, its blood supply deteriorates due to damage to blood vessels and capillaries. This provokes the development of edema.

The damaged tissue receives more blood than it can remove, which serves to swell all the soft parts of the nose. After blood circulation is restored, the swelling subsides.

Primary edema and methods of combating it

Primary edema develops during rhinoplasty and causes inconvenience during work. Applying plaster and inserting turundas into the nostrils immediately after the operation helps reduce swelling and helps the nose “keep its shape.” If this is not done, the operated part of the face and the area around the eyes may become alarmingly swollen.

Swelling noticeably decreases four to five days after surgery. It will take two weeks for it to disappear. After removing the plaster cast, the severity of the edema increases. There is no need to be afraid of this, because everything will return to normal soon.

Secondary edema

Secondary edema is mild, but despite this, it causes a lot of inconvenience to the patient. The reason for this phenomenon is the expansion of the back and tip of the nose, as well as the compaction of the tissues themselves.

Secondary edema resolves within forty-five days. Nasal congestion during this period is caused by swelling of the mucous membrane. No methods can alleviate this condition. The only way out in this situation is to wait, because only time can correct this circumstance.

What is residual edema?

In the depths of the nose, residual swelling makes itself felt. The hardness of the tip of the nose is still felt at this time. The swelling will disappear completely only after 12–18 months.

The disappearance of swelling is directly related to the normalization of blood circulation in the nose. Those with thick skin have to wait longer for swelling and bruises to subside after surgery.

The healing and swelling processes after revision rhinoplasty are difficult. This is due to the presence of scars from a previous operation, which have to be dealt with again. A feature of scar tissue is uneven blood circulation, so with repeated rhinoplasty, recovery processes proceed more slowly.

It is impossible to influence the rate of resolution of residual edema, so the task for this period is to follow the doctor’s recommendations. Violating the surgeon’s instructions can not only delay recovery, but also distort the result of rhinoplasty.

Factors influencing the degree of swelling

The occurrence of edema is inevitable, but the time of its disappearance and severity depend on the following factors:

  • complexity of the operation;
  • method of surgical intervention;
  • skin thickness;
  • patient's age;
  • the health status of the person being operated on;
  • compliance with the instructions of the plastic surgeon during the rehabilitation period;
  • qualifications and skill of the doctor himself.

The most complex surgical options are tip rhinoplasty and removal of the nasal hump.

When removing the nasal hump, bone tissue is involved along with cartilage. Severe swelling is due to the presence of a controlled fracture of the nasal bones. There is a danger of complications - inflammation of the periosteum. If correct treatment is not carried out, a bone callus will inevitably form.

The recovery period after rhinoplasty of the tip of the nose differs in duration due to the complexity of the structure of this part of the organ. The amount of swelling depends on the experience and skill of the plastic surgeon.

Rhinoplasty of the wings of the nose is performed to reduce the size of the nostrils. This is the least traumatic intervention, so full recovery occurs within six months, and swelling goes away noticeably faster.

During septorhinoplasty surgery, not only the nose itself is affected, but also the nasal septum. Therefore, there is significant swelling.

The difficulty of healing after revision rhinoplasty increases due to the longer recovery of previously injured nasal tissue. In this case, the swelling is more pronounced.

With a closed type of rhinoplasty, swelling is less pronounced and goes away much faster due to less trauma.

With open rhinoplasty, the damage is noticeably worse, since the base of the nose is opened, followed by peeling of the upper layers of the skin.

Rehabilitation time depends on many factors. Let's look at each of them in more detail:

  1. Patient's age. The speed of recovery processes is inversely proportional to the age of the person being operated on. That is, the potential for regeneration in a young organism is noticeably greater than in an elderly one.
  2. Skin thickness. In thicker skin, the number of capillaries and vessels is increased. For this reason, damage received during surgery takes longer to heal.
  3. Patient's health. In case of cardiovascular diseases, restoration of blood circulation in the operated area occurs more slowly, and accordingly, swelling takes longer to subside.
  4. Experience of a plastic surgeon. When drugs and methods to reduce swelling are used during surgery, the postoperative period is noticeably easier.

What depends on the patient?

The main quality a patient needs to recover is patience. It is important to follow the doctor's recommendations. Typically they are:

  1. Maintain the only correct position while sleeping - on your back, with your head slightly elevated.
  2. Eliminate foods that cause swelling (reduce or completely eliminate the consumption of spicy, salty and sour foods).
  3. It is prohibited to bend forward during the first 14 days of the postoperative period.
  4. Sports and physical labor are banned for 60 days.
  5. Smoking is prohibited due to a sharp deterioration in blood circulation under the influence of nicotine, and this will significantly increase the process of swelling. In addition, this can provoke tissue death (necrosis) and other serious complications.
  6. Prohibition on the consumption of any alcoholic drinks, energy drinks.
  7. Strictly taking recommended medications and attending physical treatments.

Before deciding to undergo rhinoplasty surgery, you should weigh all the arguments in favor of such an operation and be prepared in advance to endure some restrictions and difficulties. A thoughtful approach will help you overcome all the difficulties and achieve the desired result.

People, having undergone minor inconveniences, forget about many complexes and feel much more confident. It comes in several types - bone, osteocartilaginous, cartilaginous. These types change the tip, straighten the nasal septum, and eliminate the hump.

How are the procedures different? When open, an incision is made under the nose to raise the skin flap, and a correction is made underneath it. This is very convenient, since a plastic surgery specialist sees the result of actions and keeps them under control. Closed rhinoplasty is performed through incisions from the inside of the nostrils. The appearance will quickly recover, but the operation itself is dangerous. Lasers are also used in modern plastic surgery clinics. This is a good alternative to a scalpel and reduces the risk of injury.

After surgery, many people worry about swelling. As is known, it depends little on the quality of the operation; its nature is natural. But swelling after rhinoplasty is not the only thing to expect after the procedure.

Consequences typically include:

Some loss of sensation;

The need for splints.

On average, swelling occurs for two weeks if health is not compromised, or if the immune system is not adjusted to an ideal level. In severe cases, it does not subside for up to six months.

Swelling is not a signal of incorrect surgery. The main sign of unsuccessful rhinoplasty is deformation of the outline of the nose. To correct this, you will have to undergo revision rhinoplasty. With it, simple and complex types of correction are expected. Surgeons always remember: facial tissues after primary surgery are very vulnerable to any damage.

Swelling does not mean that there is any danger. Any patient faces this problem to one degree or another. An operation is a tissue damage, and it is extremely careful, in which precautions are observed. You can remove it, or just wait until it goes away on its own.

At first, the specialist himself helps in the fight against this consequence. Primary swelling occurs immediately after the intervention. Splinting is a measure to combat it. It is necessary to fix the shape of the respiratory organ and prevent fluid from accumulating at a certain point. Five days - and there will be a noticeable improvement. After 10 days, traces of the intervention usually disappear. The plastic surgery center always warns that when the splint is removed, the swelling will still be noticeable. It belongs to the secondary ones. You will have to wait 1 - 1.5 months for his departure. It is not dangerous and does not signal danger; this is the natural course of recovery. It is not recommended to use medications, the exception being what a specialist prescribes.

In most cases, this type of swelling cannot be removed; it lasts for about 6 months. It is worth noting that during this period it is almost invisible. It is recommended to stop worrying for this reason and relax. When figuring out how to relieve swelling after rhinoplasty, you can often hear that it is necessary to protect yourself from stress. In some cases, a depressed patient will not even be allowed to undergo surgery, since this poses a large number of risks.

How to take your mind off such stress? It is important to remember that surgery always leads to a deterioration in mental health. You need to remind yourself that everything that was in your power has been done, and all that remains is to wait for the end of the rehabilitation course. It is advisable to avoid taking medications, including sedatives, take care of restoring the immune system, switch to other issues, and spend more time in the fresh air.

Nasal swelling after rhinoplasty is a side effect and cannot be avoided. Everyone who decides to undergo rhinoplasty does not know; the clinic must warn about this. After removing the plaster, it may not be visible, then patients will immediately see what kind of nose it will be after the rehabilitation period, but it seems too thick. It affects not only the respiratory system, but also the eyes. The tip of the nose is especially affected.

Sometimes experts recommend traditional methods. These include homeopathic preparations from mountain arnica, compresses and tea are made with them. The aloe plant is effective, excellent at reducing swelling and also providing an analgesic effect. If they are strong, after rhinoplasty, suitable hormonal drugs are prescribed, usually injectable. They are well absorbed and give a quick effect.

An operation such as rhinoplasty has become one of the most popular in the world. It has been proven in practice: changing the shape of the nose is the best way to perfect facial proportions. It's not just the shape of the nose that changes. At the same time, the eyes become larger and the whole appearance changes. The patient's self-esteem noticeably increases and he feels more confident.

How to relieve swelling after rhinoplasty

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How can I recover quickly after rhinoplasty and remove swelling and bruising?

Good afternoon, please tell me how to recover as quickly as possible after rhinoplasty, remove swelling and bruises?

Before deciding to have surgery, a person always has questions: how long will he have to recover, what rules will he need to follow, and what procedures will he need to do.

When are turundas removed from the nose after rhinoplasty?

Turundas are installed in the nose after rhinoplasty to prevent bleeding and to support the nasal septum in the desired position. This makes it difficult to breathe through your nose.

Turundas are removed one or two days after surgery. This is done carefully and quickly, so the patient does not have time to feel pain.

After removing the cotton swabs, internal swelling appears, which also makes breathing difficult. Over time it goes away. If you are interested in information about edema, check out the article on primary and secondary edema.

Is it painful to remove the cast after rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty, after a week or 10 days, the plaster cast or special nasal splint is removed. By this time, the initial severe swelling has already partially subsided, the bandage does not lie so tightly and dangles. Therefore, removing the plaster is almost painless. In rare cases, it flies off on its own.

Important! It is strictly forbidden to remove plaster yourself. Otherwise, this will lead to unwanted complications.

How to treat bruises after rhinoplasty?

After rhinoplasty, bruising can be considered a natural, expected complication. They arise due to the fact that blood vessels are inevitably injured during surgery.

To reduce bruising immediately after surgery, your doctor may apply ice, if appropriate.

Then the patient can use ointments, special lotions, do a light facial massage, do prescribed physical procedures and follow all the surgeon’s recommendations.

It is best to consult with your plastic surgeon before deciding which ointment to use. Maybe it will be Badyaga, maybe Traumeel-S gel and so on.

Bruises should disappear completely within two weeks after surgery.

How to deal with nasal swelling after rhinoplasty?

The fight against edema begins even before surgery. In what sense? The patient needs to completely stop smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages and taking certain medications a few days before surgery.

Then the plastic surgeon plays his role. Even during the operation, he uses special drugs that reduce tissue swelling. About how Grigoryants V.S. does it. We invite you to find out from the following video.

After surgery, swelling will certainly occur. However, the patient can either enhance its formation or help restrain it.

This will depend on:

  • how a person sleeps (you only need to sleep on your back with your head elevated)
  • what the patient eats (it is not recommended to eat a lot of salt, which retains fluid)
  • whether the person is exposed to physical activity (for the first 10 days, you should avoid exertion, especially if you can’t tilt your head down), etc.
  • does the person avoid smoking and alcohol?

To reduce swelling, the doctor prescribes physiotherapeutic procedures (microcurrent therapy, massage, electropheresis, etc.) and appropriate treatment.

How long does swelling last after rhinoplasty?

There are three types of swelling after rhinoplasty:

  • Primary (appears immediately after surgery and goes away after 14 days)
  • Secondary (expressed in a slight thickening of the back and tip of the nose and goes away after a month and a half)
  • Residual (tissue swelling is only felt by the patient, but not noticeable to others. Completely disappears after a year and a half)

How does physical therapy help with recovery?

  • Microcurrent therapy

Exposure to necessary areas of the body with microcurrents helps improve blood circulation, which helps reduce swelling.

Ultrasound helps improve metabolic processes between cells, restore blood circulation and helps stimulate the formation of new cells.

When is Traumeel-S gel needed?

After plastic surgery, to speed up tissue recovery, agents that reduce swelling and resolve hematomas are often used. Traumeel-S ointment is such a remedy. The substance is carefully applied to the affected problem area twice a day. In some difficult cases, external use is combined with oral tablets of a similar composition.

Important! Before you finally decide whether to use the drug or not, be sure to consult with your doctor.

What is periosteal swelling after rhinoplasty?

Periosteum is a thin tissue that covers bones. It plays a very important role in helping bones grow together.

Damage to the periosteum occurs when bone is affected during surgery. In particular, if they remove the nasal hump with osteotomy.

Swelling of the periosteum appears for various reasons. This is most often due to the structural features of the human body. If it appears, and this is already noticeable in the third or fourth week after nose surgery, it is necessary to start treatment on time. Otherwise, a callus or bone growth may form, which can only be removed surgically.

The photo shows what a callus looks like

In this case, it is very important to seek timely help from your surgeon.

On the part of the patient, it is necessary to refrain from wearing sunglasses during rehabilitation after removal of the nasal hump. They cause pressure on the bridge of the nose and can lead to improper fusion of bone tissue.

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Skin and scar care after rhinoplasty

What determines the time frame for full recovery after rhinoplasty?

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Swelling of the nose after rhinoplasty

Swelling of the superficial and deep tissues after rhinoplasty is observed in 100% of patients to varying degrees of severity. Associated with the body’s natural reaction to traumatic outside interference. Postoperative swelling involves not only the nose, but also neighboring areas of the face. Superficial swellings go away quite quickly, deep ones - up to 1 year. That is why it is better to evaluate the final result of rhinoplasty after its expiration.

Tissue swelling after rhinoplasty is not a complication caused by the actions of the surgeon or the patient. Although, without taking into account the doctor’s recommendations during the rehabilitation period, a person can aggravate his own situation.

What is edema?

Edema is the excessive accumulation of biological fluids in soft tissues. They consist of water, protein compounds and other substances. Edema equally affects the skin, mucous membranes and connective tissue.

Stagnant processes after rhinoplasty somewhat deform the nose, giving it visual massiveness, disrupt nasal breathing, and make the voice nasal. You should not be afraid of this - the listed ailments disappear on their own after a short time.

Swelling after rhinoplasty is classified into four types:

Facial swelling after rhinoplasty: what are the causes?

During the operation, the surgeon peels away the skin from the cartilage and soft tissue to create a full surgical field and gain access. This manipulation is also necessary for the subsequent correct distribution of the skin in the desired position.

The organization of the blood supply system in different layers of the skin is shown in the diagram:

The outflow of blood is slower than the inflow. Therefore, the tissues swell, and the nose itself seems to swell. As blood circulation is restored, the swelling neutralizes on its own.

Primary edema: combat tactics

Intraoperative, or primary edema, begins during the intervention. It often interferes with the surgeon’s ability to work normally and complicates his actions. Since the popularization of rhinoplasty, doctors have been using various tricks to control swelling during rhinoplasty.

To reduce primary postoperative swelling, the surgeon places a supporting splint (plaster) on the patient’s face, and inserts splints or turundas into the nasal passages. If these steps are not taken, the swelling will reach enormous proportions.

Primary edema is visible to the naked eye. They disappear within 5-12 days after rhinoplasty, depending on the individual characteristics of the body.

Swelling increases sharply after removing the immobilizing bandage. Quite often this frightens patients - they expected a miniature nose, but see the opposite in the mirror. There is no need to worry - remember that any temporary side effects will soon subside.

What is the difference between secondary edema?

Secondary edema, unlike primary edema, is not too noticeable. But the patient clearly feels them.

They are characterized by thickening and expansion of the tissues of the nose from the back to the tip. They can persist for 1-1.5 months and partially block free nasal breathing, especially at night.

Sometimes this provokes real panic in patients - it seems to them that the surgeon did something wrong. Be patient and calm - I guarantee you that this will not last long.

What are the signs of residual swelling after rhinoplasty?

“Residual” edema, as its name suggests, remains after the secondary edema has subsided. It is absolutely invisible, because... localized in deep structures. May manifest as hardness of the tip of the nose. Neutralized within 4-6 months.

In people with thick skin, all swelling takes longer to go away.

Factors influencing the level of swelling

The intensity of edema is dictated by various factors:

technical complexity of the operation

    • Osteotomy. A technique that involves both soft and hard tissues. In everyday language, this is a controlled fracture, after which the face swells with appropriate force. If the surgeon acts incorrectly during osteotomy, inflammation of the periosteum can be provoked, leading to the formation of bone calluses.
    • Plastic surgery of the tip of the nose. From an anatomical point of view, this area of ​​the nose is complex. Trauma to its structures leads to a long recovery. In this case, much depends on the talent and professionalism of the surgeon - the more accurately and carefully he works, the fewer negative consequences the patient expects.
    • Plastic surgery of the wings of the nose. This procedure is the simplest. The tissue is damaged minimally, the discomfort is insignificant, and the swelling goes away within 4-6 months.
    • Septorhinoplasty. During the procedure, both external tissues and the septum are involved, so the traumatism of the operation is average. Therefore, the timing of swelling reduction is standard.
    • Secondary rhinoplasty. Swelling is the most intense. Due to slow regeneration, it takes longer to go away than with the initial correction.

principle of conduct

    • Closed rhinoplasty causes almost no swelling. But its results are also called into question.
    • Open rhinoplasty is a classic. Swelling after it persists in the traditional manner.

Patient's current age

Young people are rehabilitated much faster - this is explained by the age-related slowdown of regenerative processes.

skin thickness

A nose with thick skin takes a long time to heal. It has more blood vessels than the thin one. Consequently, injuries are more widespread.

well-being and health status of the operated patient

Any problems with blood vessels significantly slow down overall healing.

conscientiousness of compliance with rehabilitation standards

skill and experience of the surgeon

Using special medications during surgery, a competent surgeon prevents severe swelling.

Measures on the part of the surgeon to prevent swelling after rhinoplasty

The manifestation of edematous processes depends 80% on the anesthesiologist, and not on the surgeon! During the operation and immediately before it, the anesthesiologist administers adrenaline-based drugs that cause transient vascular spasm.

A “dry surgical field” is an ideal option for a surgeon to consistently and correctly achieve the goals and objectives planned before rhinoplasty. And this is the merit of an intelligent anesthesiologist, working with whom is real luck.

It is very important that the surgeon has a professional anesthesiologist! Good surgeons take pride in their team. The bad ones save on it.

Conscientious specialists during the manipulations introduce special solutions that neutralize swelling. This is beneficial for both the surgeon and the patient.

Vladislav Grigoryants talks about this in detail in an interview:

What can the patient do to reduce discomfort?

It will not be possible to eliminate postoperative swelling in a week, so you should not count on a miracle.

But in order for the swelling to go away faster, you need to follow some rehabilitation standards:

  • Sleep exclusively on your back, preferably with a firm pillow
  • Eat right - avoid pickles and smoked foods during the recovery phase
  • Do not tilt your head down for 2 weeks
  • Eliminate physical activity for 2 weeks. Limit sports and training in the gym for 2 months
  • Quit smoking. Nicotine has a detrimental effect on blood vessels and capillaries, which means it further suppresses normal blood supply
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks, especially carbonated ones
  • Try to take the medications prescribed by the surgeon and undergo a course of physical therapy.

Preparations for rapid tissue healing after rhinoplasty

Traumeel S (ointments and tablets)

Apply the gel to problem areas of the face twice a day. This will speed up the regeneration process.

Important! Despite its over-the-counter availability, you cannot prescribe medications without permission!

Bromelain

Proteolytic enzyme contained in pineapple fruit extract. The active substance has an anti-inflammatory effect. The drug is prescribed in the preparatory period.

Dimexide

A local remedy that has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic effects.

Physiotherapy to relieve swelling after rhinoplasty

Microcurrents

Microcurrents regulate, normalize and stabilize tissue metabolism at the cellular level. The pulse parameters are similar to the strength of biological currents of cell membranes. Microcurrent therapy provides an isolated effect on injured tissue.

Ultraphonophoresis

A session during which a volumetric effect of ultrasonic waves occurs on the skin and tissues. Optimizes blood circulation, stimulates lymph flow, activates proliferation.

Important! Ultraphonophoresis is carried out only in consultation with a doctor.

Therapy for periosteal edema

The periosteum is damaged during rhinoplasty with osteotomy. This tissue, which serves as a kind of shell for the bone itself, concentrates the cells necessary for consolidation.

When bone tissue is involved during rhinoplasty, the periosteum may swell. Without adequate prevention and effective treatment, the membrane becomes inflamed, which subsequently leads to the growth of calluses.

Important! Avoid self-medication and do not use any folk remedies! Popular steaming compresses in this situation can lead to irreversible consequences!

Prevention of swelling of the periosteum

Surgeons prescribe herbal ointments and tablets to prevent the disease. Prescribing therapy on your own is strictly prohibited!

With proper therapy, swelling of the periosteum disappears after 7-9 months.

How to reduce swelling after rhinoplasty?

Positive and true results of rhinoplasty do not appear immediately after surgery. It takes about a year to completely restore facial tissue. Swelling after rhinoplasty is as normal as hematomas, scars, splints and plaster. How long does swelling last after rhinoplasty and is it possible to remove it faster?

Mechanism of occurrence

Swelling, oddly enough, after rhinoplasty is necessary for the speedy healing of surgical incisions. The accumulation of a large amount of fluid in the subcutaneous tissue promotes the regeneration process and accelerated cell division. Therefore, swelling after rhinoplasty is a normal reaction of the body and it lasts as long as necessary for tissue healing.

Sizes vary depending on the extent of surgery. If bone structures were involved, then, of course, the area of ​​edema becomes larger. Even after non-surgical interventions, the nose and surrounding tissues swell. Although the doctor just injects a gel with a needle, which pushes the structures apart.

How long does swelling last?

The swelling goes away completely, in most patients, within a year. During this time, the patient goes through several stages of rehabilitation. It is worth remembering that swelling goes away for everyone at different rates; it depends on the characteristics of the body, as well as on the correctness of the rehabilitation.

First stage

The duration of this period is one week. The most difficult time psychologically and physically. Swelling begins to form when the surgeon performs the operation, and after that it only increases. To avoid deformation of the operated tissues, a fixing splint or bandage is applied to the nose, so excess fluid accumulates in the area of ​​the eyelids and cheeks.

The volumes of excess fluid can be as large as desired, and in some patients the eyes are invisible.

Already during this period you need to follow the rules:

  • sleep in a half-sitting position; a large pillow placed under your back will help with this;
  • do not tilt your head or body;
  • Do not under any circumstances visit a bathhouse or sauna, or stay in hot rooms;
  • apply cold compresses as recommended by your doctor;
  • do not wet the splint while washing;
  • do not touch your face, do not use care products.

When the first week of rehabilitation passes, the patient is forced to remain in isolation. Doctors should prepare for this in advance.

Second phase

This period lasts two weeks. During this time, with good regenerative abilities of the body, the swelling quickly subsides and becomes noticeable only to the patient.

For accelerated rehabilitation it is necessary:

  • do not sleep on your stomach or side;
  • choose delicate facial care, that is, do not use aggressive cleansers, and do not press too hard on the skin when applying makeup;
  • avoid heat exposure;
  • Do not play sports, do not bend over.

At this time, doctors prescribe lymphatic drainage and absorbable gels, but you should not expect a miracle effect from them - the swelling will subside faster, but will not go away forever.

Third stage

This is the period from the second to third month after surgery. In the previous stages, up to 50% of the swelling goes away, which now remains in the form of seals in the tip of the nose and its back. Now it depends on the patient how quickly the remaining part comes off.

To reduce swelling, you must exclude:

  • smoking;
  • drinking alcohol;
  • inactivity;
  • mechanical effects on the nose (wearing glasses, constant scratching);
  • tilts of the body and head;
  • sleeping position on your side or stomach.

As long as the period from the first to the third stage lasts, you cannot expose your face to thermal influences for that long.

Fourth stage

This is the period when inflammation is completely eliminated. Continues from the fourth to the twelfth month of rehabilitation. At this stage, the swelling is no longer noticeable to others; only the patient herself feels the seal in those parts of the nose that were most involved.

For the remaining six months of rehabilitation, you can wait until everything resolves on its own or undergo physical procedures as directed by a doctor. Among them are ultrasound and phonophoresis, which improve tissue microcirculation.

Drugs

Traumeel S (ointment or tablets)

It is used for rapid resorption of hematomas and elimination of edema. Prescribed by a doctor and used twice a day. It is used as long as the second and third stages last.

The gel and tablets contain homeopathic components of chamomile, calendula, echinacea, mountain arnica, comfrey, St. John's wort and some other herbs.

Bromelain

The drug in tablets is prescribed for preventive purposes to prevent severe swelling after surgery. The active component of the product is a pineapple extract containing an anti-inflammatory enzyme.

Taking pills must be agreed with your doctor.

Dimexide

The solution is used to treat swollen areas. The effect of using the drug: pain relief, swelling relief, disinfection.

Dimexide has serious contraindications: kidney and liver diseases, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, stroke.

Traditional methods

From the second and third stages, you can turn to traditional medicine recipes.

A decoction of mountain arnica can be used as tea or compresses. In any case, two teaspoons are poured into a glass of boiling water and infused.

Take 200 g of pineapple pulp on an empty stomach three times a day. The effect is similar to Bromelain: the active substances contained in pineapple provide an anti-inflammatory effect.

Aloe leaves are applied to swollen areas for several minutes.

Physiotherapy

Microcurrents

The procedure improves metabolism at the cellular level. Microcurrents imitate natural biological impulses passing through healthy tissues of the body. The main advantage is that the device has a targeted effect on specific areas.

Ultraphonophoresis

During this procedure, the skin becomes more receptive to nutrients, blood circulation and exchange within cells are accelerated. The effects are provided by ultrasound. The procedure not only reduces swelling, but rather promotes tissue regeneration.

Swelling of the periosteum

When bones are touched during rhinoplasty, the periosteum, the protective covering of bone tissue, is always damaged.

The danger of injuring the periosteum is that it will swell and, in advanced cases, become inflamed. Due to inflammation, bone growths and calluses form, disfiguring the contour of the nose. You can see the healing process and monitor it from the third or fourth week after surgery. If something goes abnormal, the doctor prescribes hormonal drugs by injection.

The problem can be eliminated only in the first month of healing.

Swelling occurs in everyone who has undergone rhinoplasty. To see your beautiful nose as soon as possible, you must follow all the rules, take prescribed medications, and do not avoid physical procedures.

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Positive and true results of rhinoplasty do not appear immediately after surgery. It takes about a year to completely restore facial tissue. Swelling after rhinoplasty is as normal as hematomas, scars, splints and plaster. How long does swelling last after rhinoplasty and is it possible to remove it faster?

Mechanism of occurrence

Swelling, oddly enough, after rhinoplasty is necessary for the speedy healing of surgical incisions. The accumulation of a large amount of fluid in the subcutaneous tissue promotes the regeneration process and accelerated cell division. Therefore, swelling after rhinoplasty is a normal reaction of the body and it lasts as long as necessary for tissue healing.

Sizes vary depending on the extent of surgery. If bone structures were involved, then, of course, the area of ​​edema becomes larger. Even after non-surgical interventions, the nose and surrounding tissues swell. Although the doctor just injects a gel with a needle, which pushes the structures apart.

How long does swelling last?

The swelling goes away completely, in most patients, within a year. During this time, the patient goes through several stages of rehabilitation. It is worth remembering that swelling goes away for everyone at different rates; it depends on the characteristics of the body, as well as on the correctness of the rehabilitation.

First stage

The duration of this period is one week. The most difficult time psychologically and physically. Swelling begins to form when the surgeon performs the operation, and after that it only increases. To avoid deformation of the operated tissues, a fixing splint or bandage is applied to the nose, so excess fluid accumulates in the area of ​​the eyelids and cheeks.

The volumes of excess fluid can be as large as desired, and in some patients the eyes are invisible.

Already during this period you need to follow the rules:

  • sleep in a half-sitting position; a large pillow placed under your back will help with this;
  • do not tilt your head or body;
  • Do not under any circumstances visit a bathhouse or sauna, or stay in hot rooms;
  • apply cold compresses as recommended by your doctor;
  • do not wet the splint while washing;
  • do not touch your face, do not use care products.

When the first week of rehabilitation passes, the patient is forced to remain in isolation. Doctors should prepare for this in advance.

Second phase

This period lasts two weeks. During this time, with good regenerative abilities of the body, the swelling quickly subsides and becomes noticeable only to the patient.

For accelerated rehabilitation it is necessary:

  • do not sleep on your stomach or side;
  • choose delicate facial care, that is, do not use aggressive cleansers, and do not press too hard on the skin when applying makeup;
  • avoid heat exposure;
  • Do not play sports, do not bend over.

At this time, doctors prescribe lymphatic drainage and absorbable gels, but you should not expect a miracle effect from them - the swelling will subside faster, but will not go away forever.

Third stage

This is the period from the second to third month after surgery. In the previous stages, up to 50% of the swelling goes away, which now remains in the form of seals in the tip of the nose and its back. Now it depends on the patient how quickly the remaining part comes off.

To reduce swelling, you must exclude:

  • smoking;
  • drinking alcohol;
  • inactivity;
  • mechanical effects on the nose (wearing glasses, constant scratching);
  • tilts of the body and head;
  • sleeping position on your side or stomach.

As long as the period from the first to the third stage lasts, you cannot expose your face to thermal influences for that long.

Fourth stage

This is the period when inflammation is completely eliminated. Continues from the fourth to the twelfth month of rehabilitation. At this stage, the swelling is no longer noticeable to others; only the patient herself feels the seal in those parts of the nose that were most involved.

For the remaining six months of rehabilitation, you can wait until everything resolves on its own or undergo physical procedures as directed by a doctor. Among them are ultrasound and phonophoresis, which improve tissue microcirculation.

Drugs

Traumeel S (ointment or tablets)

It is used for rapid resorption of hematomas and elimination of edema. Prescribed by a doctor and used twice a day. It is used as long as the second and third stages last.

The gel and tablets contain homeopathic components of chamomile, calendula, echinacea, mountain arnica, comfrey, St. John's wort and some other herbs.

Bromelain

The drug in tablets is prescribed for preventive purposes to prevent severe swelling after surgery. The active component of the product is a pineapple extract containing an anti-inflammatory enzyme.

Taking pills must be agreed with your doctor.

Dimexide

The solution is used to treat swollen areas. The effect of using the drug: pain relief, swelling relief, disinfection.

Dimexide has serious contraindications: kidney and liver diseases, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, stroke.

Traditional methods

From the second and third stages, you can turn to traditional medicine recipes.

A decoction of mountain arnica can be used as tea or compresses. In any case, two teaspoons are poured into a glass of boiling water and infused.

Take 200 g of pineapple pulp on an empty stomach three times a day. The effect is similar to Bromelain: the active substances contained in pineapple provide an anti-inflammatory effect.

Aloe leaves are applied to swollen areas for several minutes.

Physiotherapy

Microcurrents

The procedure improves metabolism at the cellular level. Microcurrents imitate natural biological impulses passing through healthy tissues of the body. The main advantage is that the device has a targeted effect on specific areas.

Ultraphonophoresis

During this procedure, the skin becomes more receptive to nutrients, blood circulation and exchange within cells are accelerated. The effects are provided by ultrasound. The procedure not only reduces swelling, but rather promotes tissue regeneration.

Swelling of the periosteum

When bones are touched during rhinoplasty, the periosteum, the protective covering of bone tissue, is always damaged.

The danger of injuring the periosteum is that it will swell and, in advanced cases, become inflamed. Due to inflammation, bone growths and calluses form, disfiguring the contour of the nose. You can see the healing process and monitor it from the third or fourth week after surgery. If something goes abnormal, the doctor prescribes hormonal drugs by injection.

The problem can be eliminated only in the first month of healing.

Swelling occurs in everyone who has undergone rhinoplasty. To see your beautiful nose as soon as possible, you must follow all the rules, take prescribed medications, and do not avoid physical procedures.

One of the most popular operations in plastic surgery is rhinoplasty or nose correction. It is carried out not only to have a more attractive appearance, but also to treat problems with the respiratory system. Contrary to popular belief, this is not at all a harmless manipulation. After it, as after any surgical intervention, there is a high probability of developing postoperative complications.

Swelling after rhinoplasty is an inevitable consequence of nose correction. In addition, a patient who decides to undergo this operation should be prepared to wear a cast and bandages, as well as hematomas in the eye area and problems with nasal breathing.

Why does it occur

A patient who decides to undergo rhinoplasty should be 100% prepared for the appearance of swelling. The face swells in all operated people, but to varying degrees of severity, this is due to the specifics of the operation itself. During the intervention, the skin is completely peeled off, which is a prerequisite for creating the nose shape required by the patient. Tissue detachment is accompanied by massive damage to capillaries, as a result, deterioration of blood flow and the process of fluid removal.

The occurrence of swelling does not depend on the qualifications of the surgeon; the size of the swelling can only be affected by the volume of surgical intervention and the individual characteristics of the body. The swelling will subside immediately after blood flow in the tissues normalizes.

How dangerous

Swelling after nose correction is a natural and therefore safe phenomenon. If you follow all the doctor’s recommendations and properly care for the wound surface, the side symptoms will pass in the allotted time, leaving no traces behind.

Recovery period

The severity of swelling after nose correction will change over time. During the recovery period, surgeons distinguish 4 separate stages, each of which has its own special symptoms, limitations and expert advice that must be followed.

Stage 1

This is the most difficult period, which takes up the entire first week after surgery. Swelling forms during the surgical intervention, and during the first days after its completion, the swelling will only increase. To fix the structures of the just operated nose in the required position, a special splint or butterfly bandage is applied to it, which has this name because of its shape. Such products prevent the development of edema at the site of application, because of which the fluid passes under the eyes to the area of ​​the lower eyelids, cheeks and chin.

The amount of fluid may be so copious that the swelling may completely obscure the patient's eyes.

To reduce the discomfort associated with the first stage of recovery after nasal surgery, you must follow these instructions:

  • sleep in a semi-sitting position, for this you can lean on a large pillow or a raised headboard, in this position it is better to drain blood from the face;
  • reduce physical activity and completely eliminate activities associated with bending the torso and head;
  • do not expose your face to excessive heat, do not go to the steam room, do not hold your face over the stove or near the fireplace;
  • apply cold compresses, but only with the permission of a doctor;
  • wash your face carefully and try not to wet the bandages on your face;
  • do not touch your face, do not massage it, do not use decorative cosmetics, even avoid face creams.

The patient should be prepared for the fact that in the first week after nose correction she may encounter the following inconveniences:

  • swelling of the face and hematomas;
  • problems with nasal breathing;
  • postoperative pain syndrome;
  • high probability of nosebleeds;
  • forced social isolation.

Stage 2

Two to three weeks after the operation, the patient’s well-being improves slightly. The swelling gradually subsides and by the end of the second stage only the patient himself can know about its presence. At this time, you can already return to performing daily duties and communicating with people.


To speed up rehabilitation until the end of the third period, the following instructions should be followed:

  • do not sleep on your stomach or side, since in such positions fluid accumulates faster in the facial tissues and swelling takes longer to go away;
  • carefully perform facial care actions, do not allow tissue to move while washing or applying makeup;
  • not be exposed to elevated temperatures;
  • do not bend over and limit physical activity.

At this stage, the swelling on the face will decrease faster if, on the doctor’s recommendation, you use special gels with a resolving and lymphatic drainage effect.

Stage 3

At this stage, the swelling will go away almost completely; only a slight thickening may remain on the tip or back of the nose.

Further resorption of the swelling may be slowed down if the patient smokes, drinks alcohol, moves little, constantly touches his nose with his hands, tilts his head and sleeps sideways or on his stomach.

Stage 4

The final stage of recovery after rhinoplasty lasts from a quarter to a year. During this time, swelling of some areas of the nose that were most subject to correction may still be observed. But only the patient himself can notice them. If there were no complications, then the residual swelling will not even be visible to the prying eye.

How long does swelling last?

How long will swelling last after rhinoplasty? Depending on the individual characteristics of the body, this period may vary slightly.

Primary swelling of the facial tissues begins during the operation, it subsides during the first 10 days of the postoperative period, and begins to subside dramatically no earlier than after 2 weeks. When the splint is removed, secondary swelling remains for another month and a half, which is less pronounced and represents only tissue compaction and widening of the back or tip of the nose. 2 months after the intervention, the patient may observe residual swelling, which is completely invisible to others.

Effective ways to get rid of puffiness

Immediately after the operation, the surgeon must provide the patient with complete information on how to relieve swelling. By following his instructions, you can minimize the likelihood of complications and speed up the recovery process.

We quickly get rid of swelling on the face after nose correction by following the doctor’s recommendations:

  • Be sure to take antibiotics, which not only fight pathogenic microflora, but also have an anti-edematous effect;
  • we can instill vasoconstrictor drops, but do not abuse them;
  • We eat right, do not eat pickles, sour and peppery foods;
  • we do not smoke, so as not to impair blood circulation and cause tissue necrosis;
  • We do not drink alcohol, especially carbonated drinks and fermented products;
  • We don’t worry about trifles, eliminate stress and get more positive emotions.

Drugs

Various ointments, creams and gels will help get rid of swelling:

  • product of animal origin – Badyaga;
  • antiprotective agent – ​​Troxevasin ointment;
  • homeopathic remedy - Traumeel ointment or gel;
  • ointments Lyoton, Panthenol.

Even before the operation, you can start using Bromelain, a drug based on pineapple extract.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

To speed up the process of getting rid of postoperative swelling, physiotherapeutic procedures may be prescribed:

  • phonophoresis;
  • electrophoresis;
  • phototherapy.

Folk remedies

Traditional medicine recipes will help to effectively remove swelling after nose correction, but any of them can only be used with the permission of a doctor:

  • An aloe leaf cut and applied to the swelling will quickly relieve swelling;
  • you can brew tea from dry arnica and drink it twice a day, or you can make compresses from this brew to the swollen area;
  • Compresses made from decoctions based on string and chamomile give good anti-edematous results;
  • Tea with ginger or an infusion based on ginger, which can be sweetened with honey and a slice of lemon, quickly relieves swelling. This remedy should be taken with caution, since it is contraindicated for hypertensive patients, allergy sufferers, people with high acidity in the stomach and some other categories of patients.

Since rhinoplasty is a fairly complex operation, before deciding to undergo it, you need to be patient and prepare for a long recovery period.