Swelling on the bridge of the nose after rhinoplasty. Swelling after rhinoplasty: how to recover faster. Preparations for rapid tissue healing after rhinoplasty

Swelling after rhinoplasty is a common phenomenon that absolutely all patients experience. Some tissues swell more, others less. As a rule, it spreads not only to the tissues of the nose, but also affects the areas closest to it. The rehabilitation period after such an operation lasts about a year.

Edema is the accumulation of fluid in tissue. It contains water and protein substances. Swelling can spread to the connective tissue area, mucous membrane, as well as the superficial layers of the skin.

Swelling after rhinoplasty occurs at different times after surgery. Based on this criterion, they are divided into 4 groups:

primary;
secondary
residual;
swelling in the area periosteum.

The first signs of edema appear during the operation. In order to minimize this process, the patient is given a plaster cast and turundas are inserted into the nostrils. In addition to the fact that swelling can greatly interfere with the doctor during the operation, it can spread to the neck and face, under the eyes.

A reduction in swelling should be expected 4 days after surgery. In the first few days, the patient may experience severe swelling after rhinoplasty, which will subside over time.

Secondary edema is practically invisible visually, since it is located in the deep layers of the skin, periosteum, and near the cartilaginous tissue. It causes a lot of inconvenience to the patient. As the mucous membrane swells, a person experiences nasal congestion and a hint of nasal tone is heard in the voice.

Secondary edema has its own specific manifestations:

is happening seal nasal tissue;
observed extension its tip.

Secondary swelling lasts a long time: from a month to two. At this stage, the patient feels that something has gone wrong, which is why nasal congestion is observed. Many people try to resort to various means to reduce swelling, but they only give a temporary effect. The main thing at this stage is to be patient.

Residual edema appears at the last stage of rehabilitation. Visually it is not noticeable because it is located very deep. Many patients note that the tip of the nose remains hard to the touch.

The swelling completely subsides within a year and a half from the date of surgery. It takes a long time for the blood supply to be restored. When this process is fully restored, the swelling will subside.

It has been observed that swelling persists longer in patients with thicker skin, as well as in those who have undergone revision rhinoplasty. After the operation, scars remain inside. Blood circulation in these areas is impaired, which means recovery takes longer.

Swelling of the periosteum often occurs after osteotomy. The periosteum is a thin tissue covering the bone. It plays a key role in the process of bone fusion. Swelling on the bridge of the nose after rhinoplasty occurs if the bone is injured in some way during the operation.

Swelling may appear on the sides of the bridge of the nose, looking like a dense callus. Such swelling is dangerous because if it is left untreated, a growth may appear. You can only get rid of it through surgery.

It is impossible to reduce such swelling on your own. You need to see a doctor who will introduce a special agent instead of the seal.

In some cases, the patient himself provokes the appearance of calluses. The main reason is wearing sunglasses in the early stages of rehabilitation. They pinch the bridge of the nose, as a result of which the bone may heal incorrectly. A year after rhinoplasty is the standard period during which bones should heal, blood circulation should be restored and swelling should subside.

It is almost impossible to get rid of swelling or speed up the process of their removal. The maximum that can be done is to follow the doctor’s recommendations so that this process goes without complications.

Causes of edema

The main reason for swelling is that the skin peels off and becomes dislodged during surgery. This is necessary to get to the bone and cartilage tissue. As a result, the vessels are damaged, blood circulation is impaired and, as a result, swelling.

There are additional factors that influence the appearance of swelling.

Degree of complexity of the operation

The larger the intervention site, the greater the swelling. If the operation is performed only on the tip of the nose, touching the cartilage tissue, the side effect of swelling will not be as visible as with an osteotomy.

Removing a hump is one of the most difficult and traumatic operations, since bone tissue is injured. The consequence of such an operation can be swelling not only of the nose, but also of the face as a whole. Swelling takes longer to go away than with other types of rhinoplasty.

When correcting the wings of the nose, the trauma for the patient is the lowest. In this case, the swelling is minor and goes away quite quickly. The rehabilitation period for this type of operation is six months.

When undergoing revision rhinoplasty, the swelling is significant due to repeated surgical interventions.

Patient age

It has been established that as a person ages, the healing process occurs more slowly. There is a high risk of complications and side effects. Therefore, in older people, swelling after rhinoplasty lasts longer.

Skin thickness

The skin is equipped with a large number of blood vessels and capillaries. People with thicker skin have higher numbers. It takes more time to restore blood supply.

Patient's health status

Vascular diseases significantly complicate the process of rehabilitation and reduction of edema. To make the recovery process easier, you need to follow your doctor's recommendations.

Non-compliance with rules after surgery

If a person often tilts his head, sleeps with his face in the pillow, does not raise the head of the bed, does not follow a diet, or smokes, this will significantly complicate the recovery period.

How long does it take for the swelling to go down?

The first stage – the swelling goes away within 7-10 days. The first signs that the swelling is subsiding appear on the 4th day after surgery.

The secondary stage of edema lasts up to three weeks.

The third stage can last two and a half to three months.

The fourth stage is from a year to a year and a half.

The end of the recovery period is considered to be the complete disappearance of signs of swelling.

How to relieve swelling

Normally, the swelling should go away on its own after blood circulation is completely restored. It is impossible to completely get rid of the consequences of surgery.

Reducing stress on the nasal area. These may include the following restrictions:

avoid physical loads, especially tilts of the head and torso;
keep your nose away injuries;
limit thermal procedures, visits to the bathhouse, sauna, solarium;
give up smoking and alcohol;
avoid crying because bleeding may occur;
Not sunbathe;
avoid diseases ARVI, since they can lead to additional swelling of the mucous membrane;
decrease conversations;
you need to wash your face water room temperature without touching the bandage.

To quickly get rid of residual edema, the patient must follow certain nutritional rules. There is a list of foods that must be limited 14 days before surgery and two weeks after.

It includes products such as:

almond nuts;
berries;
cucumber;
grapefruit
lemon;
grape;
peaches and apricots;
oranges;
tomatoes and cucumbers;
raisin;
garlic;
fish fat;
vinegar;
juices from cranberries, oranges.

7-10 days before surgery you need to go on a low-salt diet. An excess of salty foods retains fluid in the body and provokes the formation of swelling. You should also limit your consumption of complex carbohydrates: bread, rice, potatoes, pasta.

In addition, you should not take medications containing aspirin. They thin the blood, which can cause bleeding. You should also not take weight loss medications.

Following a diet and taking plenty of vitamins can help reduce nasal swelling after rhinoplasty.

Medicines

There are no creams, ointments, or tablets that will give a noticeable and long-term effect, but their systematic use can alleviate the condition for some time.

The most popular medications:

Voltaren-gel;
Traumeel (available in tablet form);
Enzyme Bromelain;
Wobenzym.

Compresses

The essence of using compresses is to apply ice or cooled objects to the nose area. You can use cotton pads, gauze, pieces of cloth moistened with cold water.

It must be remembered that the compress should not be applied to the nose itself, but to the area nearby, since there is a risk of injury to the cartilage or displacement of the bones.

Ointments and creams

To reduce swelling, many doctors advise applying special ointments with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects. They need to be applied using applicators or a cotton swab, but not with your fingers. It is important to avoid getting the drug on the seams.

The most popular ointments with decongestant action:

Badyaga;
Troxevasin.

Use of other medicines

Under no circumstances should you choose your own medications to combat swelling. They should be prescribed by a doctor based on the current condition and individual characteristics.

In the postoperative period, the doctor recommends the use of antibiotics in combination with anti-inflammatory and painkillers. Antibiotics are taken twice daily during the first week of rehabilitation. Anti-inflammatory drugs are taken during the first two weeks after surgery.

Injections

The injections are prescribed by the doctor. It is worth noting that despite the fact that they are very painful, they have a pronounced positive effect. The most popular drug is Diprospan. It belongs to hormonal medications and is used only after a doctor’s prescription.

Physiotherapeutic procedures

Treatment with physiotherapeutic procedures helps improve blood microcirculation in tissues.

Electropheresis is a procedure in which the drug enters the deep subcutaneous layers using ultrasound vibrations. This procedure helps to speed up the recovery and regeneration of damaged tissue areas.

If the patient continues to be bothered by swelling, he is prescribed electropheresis in combination and medicinal applications that are applied to the parotid area.

If patients feel nasal congestion, they are encouraged to take inhalations based on medications, as well as herbal remedies.

There is also hardware cosmetology aimed at rehabilitation and removal of puffiness. Cosmetology procedures consist of the following activities;

microcurrent and laser therapy;
application ultraphonophoresis using enzymatic agents;
use in rehabilitation ultra-high frequency fields.

The course includes from 7 to 12 procedures.

As a measure to help reduce swelling and restore blood supply, doctors recommend doing a light massage. It is important to remember that this method is appropriate at later stages of rehabilitation. Use your fingertips to gently massage the area of swelling. Moreover, this must be done through a cloth or napkin. Massage helps increase blood flow and also reduces swelling and bruising.

There is no exact answer to the question of how long swelling lasts after rhinoplasty. The speed of healing depends on many related factors. In order for the swelling to go away faster, you should follow all the doctor’s recommendations. For the first month, you need to sleep only on your back, or raise the head of the bed.

It is necessary to limit heavy lifting and active physical activity. If the situation with edema does not improve despite the use of special medications, you should contact your doctor.

Swelling of the tip of the nose after rhinoplasty or the entire nasal region is a natural consequence of this surgical intervention. All patients who have undergone rhinoplasty through surgery encounter similar phenomena. The accumulation of fluid is usually noted in the nose or eye area, which leads to some discomfort.

How long does swelling last after rhinoplasty, how long to wait for the swelling to subside? In some people, the swelling may persist for more than a year, and in some people it is less severe than in others. During the preliminary consultation, the plastic surgeon notifies the patient about the almost inevitable development of edema and explains that this is not a medical error or an unforeseen postoperative complication.

Swelling of the nose after rhinoplasty

Swelling of the tip of the nose after rhinoplasty means a strong accumulation of fluid in this part of the nose, and it is problematic to quickly remove it. Edema develops not only in the skin, but also in the mucous and connective tissues of the nose. As a result, pronounced swelling occurs at the tip of the nose, as well as additional external manifestations, clearly visible in the photo.

During rhinoplasty, the surgeon cuts the skin to gain access to the osteochondral framework. Even in the case of the highest professionalism, damage to small vessels inevitably occurs, which disrupts blood circulation. As a result, the volume of blood entering the skin is significantly greater than the amount of fluid removed, which leads to swelling of the nose.

Types of edema

There are three types of edema after rhinoplasty: primary, secondary and residual. Primary swelling occurs already during rhinoplasty and makes the surgeon’s work difficult. Anticipating its development, doctors use special approaches to minimize this phenomenon. Immediately after rhinoplasty is completed, the doctor applies a plaster cast to the corresponding area and places gauze swabs in the nostrils. This is necessary to prevent severe facial swelling after rhinoplasty.

Secondary edema is usually visible only upon close examination. Its occurrence is preceded by expansion of the back and thickening of the tissues of the tip of the nose. However, this phenomenon is temporary, and after 30–45 days this problem usually goes away on its own. Residual swelling is almost invisible. Only when you feel the tip of the nose can you feel its swelling and thickening. This type of swelling usually goes away within a year and a half. The accumulation of fluid after rhinoplasty causes the greatest discomfort to patients with relatively thick skin; swelling and bruising in them goes away much more slowly.

Degree of swelling

Patients who are faced with swelling after rhinoplasty often think about how to relieve this problem. The answer to this question largely depends on the degree of swelling and its nature. As with other types of plastic surgery, the degree of swelling depends on the nature of the surgical intervention, the length and depth of the incisions, and their nature. The quality of the operation and the features of the procedure determine the location of problem areas, their size, as well as the duration of the recovery period to eliminate swelling.

The severity of swelling of the tip of the nose varies significantly depending on the nature of rhinoplasty:

correction of the wings of the nose and reduction of the nostrils is relatively low-traumatic, therefore the swelling is minimal and usually disappears completely within six months
eliminating a nasal hump is a very complex surgical procedure, so the swelling is quite pronounced and lasts quite a long time
Correction of the tip of the nose is a highly invasive procedure; accordingly, the swelling is very pronounced and prolonged, and rhinoplasty of the tip of the nose sometimes has quite unpleasant consequences

The degree of swelling of the tip of the nose after correction is also largely determined by the method of performing the operation. Closed rhinoplasty brings less stress to the body, is characterized by reduced trauma and less pronounced swelling. Due to the peculiarities of this procedure, open rhinoplasty is associated with extensive fluid retention in the operated tissues, and swelling is much more pronounced.

The age of the patient also affects the development of edema after rhinoplasty; reviews from patients after surgery indicate this. Recovery processes and swelling are faster in young people compared to older people. The condition of the patient’s body, as well as how strictly he adheres to the doctor’s recommendations during the rehabilitation period, also largely determine the rate at which nasal swelling subsides after rhinoplasty. Early consideration of contraindications to rhinoplasty surgery is also important to prevent the development of significant edema.

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.

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.

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 not applicable to complications caused by the actions of the surgeon or 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 body 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:

Primary
Secondary
Residual
Periosteal

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.

Detachment of the skin necessarily damages the blood vessels, which naturally has a negative impact on the blood supply. It is this problem that is the catalyst for the occurrence of uncomfortable swelling.

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.

Residual swelling goes away more slowly even after secondary rhinoplasty - the surgeon has to work with scar tissue, which is characterized by an already heterogeneous blood supply. The duration of their regeneration is long.

By following your doctor's recommendations, you can stimulate the process of eliminating swelling. But know that you won’t be able to remove it yourself. As a rule, this requires a course of physical therapy.

All photos before and after rhinoplasty V.S. Grigoryants and patient reviews.

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 implementation

- 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

The patient may increase swelling by ignoring the surgeon's recommendations. This occurs due to playing sports, sleeping on the side or in a pillow, tilting the head down, smoking, drinking alcohol, and a large amount of salt in the diet.

Surgeon's skill and experience

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 skimp 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:

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.

Preparations "Traumeel S" belong to homeopathy. They contain extracts of chamomile, calendula, comfrey, mountain arnica, daisy, St. John's wort, yarrow, echinacea, belladonna officinalis and other medicinal herbs.

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.

Important! The use of the drug must be agreed with your doctor!

Dimexide

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

Important! The medicine is not harmless, has many limitations and can cause complications. It can only be used with the permission of a doctor!

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.

Read the details of the procedure and its actions.

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.

The method helps to partially eliminate swelling, but you should not expect instant recovery from it.

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.

Only a qualified doctor can notice the problem. He will assess the condition of the bone tissue 3-4 weeks after rhinoplasty, and if he notices deviations, he will immediately begin to eliminate them. Inflammation of the periosteum is treated with hormonal drugs administered by injection.

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!

In the first six months after rhinoplasty, it is important to abandon corrective glasses and sunglasses - they put pressure on the fracture site and provoke deformations in the bridge of the nose.

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