Relieve nasal swelling after surgery. Is swelling dangerous after rhinoplasty? ❸ Residual edema

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 depends 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.

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.

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:

1. Voltaren-gel;
2. Traumeel (available in tablet form);
3. Enzyme Bromelain;
4. 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.

The rhinoplasty procedure is performed not only to correct the appearance of the nose, but also to restore respiratory functions. With the help of surgery, it is possible to eliminate both congenital defects that prevent breathing and mechanical injuries. But nose surgery always has a temporary side effect in the form of swelling.

Any incisions during surgery are considered injuries. Not only the skin is damaged, but also the smallest blood vessels. For this reason, blood circulation is impaired and fluid is retained in the tissues, resulting in swelling after surgery.

Of course, the professionalism of the doctor during rhinoplasty is important, but it has absolutely no effect on the appearance of edema. The intensity of the reaction is determined by the volume of surgical interventions, as well as the individual ability of the patient’s cells to regenerate. The duration of wound healing and the formation of edema depend on what was susceptible to change, the skin and cartilage or bone segments. In some cases, due to increased tissue sensitivity, the nose begins to swell during surgery.

Often, rhinoplasty without surgery provokes the formation of nasal swelling. This phenomenon is the body’s reaction to tissue expansion using the gel.

Types of swelling

Based on reviews from patients and observations from doctors, swelling after rhinoplasty always goes away slowly. This takes from 3-4 months to 1 year. In some cases, almost imperceptible nasal swelling may be present for several years. The restoration of the normal state of tissues occurs smoothly and gradually, in the process, swelling of varying intensity is observed:

• Primary.
• Secondary.
• Residual.

1. Primary.

Swelling occurs during surgery or immediately after its completion. At the end of the manipulations, tampons soaked in special healing substances are placed in the nose. A fixing plaster cast or splint is applied on top to prevent tissue swelling and deformation. The greatest swelling appears 2-3 days after the nose job.

Tissue swelling after procedures appears on the nose and around the eyes. Often the amount of accumulated fluid is so great that the patient is not able to open them in the first days. After 5 days, the swelling decreases significantly. After this time, the fixing plaster cast is usually removed. As a result, the swelling may increase slightly.

2. Secondary.

Secondary swelling begins from the moment the plaster is removed. Swelling after rhinoplasty is characterized by the appearance of noticeable tissue compactions. The area of ​​the back and the tip of the nose expands. Based on patient reviews, this period lasts 4-6 weeks. Despite the duration of the stage, swelling is much less pronounced than in its initial appearance.

3. Residual.

The duration of the stage ranges from 8 weeks to 1 year. Most often, by the 4th month, the swelling noticeable to others practically disappears. The nose takes on its final appearance. Adjustments, if necessary, can be made six months after the first rhinoplasty.

Prevention of edema

In order for nasal swelling after rhinoplasty to go away faster, it is important to take preventive measures even before surgery. To do this, you must begin to adhere to the following recommendations at least a week before the procedure:

• Avoid taking non-steroidal medications with anti-inflammatory effects, acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen.
• Do not eat salted, smoked or containing large amounts of spices.
• Complete cessation of smoking and drinking alcohol.

These requirements are due to the ability of these products and substances to negatively affect tissue repair and saturate the blood with toxins and cholesterol. Failure to follow the rules of preparation for the procedure and the subsequent long secondary period result in swelling on the nose subsiding unevenly. To improve the condition, the observing doctor may prescribe special medications that relieve inflammation.

Ancillary measures after surgery

To understand how to deal with swelling on the nose that occurs as a result of rhinoplasty in a particular case, you need to consult with your doctor. However, there are general recommendations that can significantly speed up the process of disappearance of swelling. After this, the nose will take on the desired shape much faster.

The main conditions for quickly relieving swelling are:

• lack of heavy physical activity, especially those accompanied by bending forward;
• avoiding any injuries to the nose;
• visiting saunas and baths is prohibited, a hot bath is also not welcome;
• quitting smoking and alcohol;
• it is necessary to avoid the manifestation of negative emotions, such as anger or tears, as they lead to the onset of nosebleeds;
• stay away from hotspots of cold infections;
• Use protection from direct sunlight to avoid skin burns. Particular sensitivity is observed in patients after rhinoplasty of the tip of the nose.

The swelling goes away much faster if you follow a diet. It is not recommended to eat foods with a high content of spices. Salted and smoked food only in limited quantities. An effective way to remove swelling is to sleep in a semi-sitting position. This position favors the outflow of blood.

After removing the plaster cast, the attending physician will prescribe auxiliary medications that accelerate healing and improve the general condition. In some cases, attending procedures is attributed to:

• phonophoresis;
• electrophoresis.

To achieve a quick positive effect, physiotherapy requires the use of additional medications in the form of specialized ointments and solutions.

Complications after rhinoplasty

Serious side effects after rhinoplasty are quite rare. Their number does not exceed 4% of all those who underwent this operation. However, the nature of the disorders is varied and depends on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body. Among the most common side effects are:

1. Increase in body temperature to 37.5-38°C. This indicator is the body’s natural reaction to damage. However, if the condition persists for more than 3 days and the temperature exceeds 38°C, this is direct evidence of the presence of infection.

2. Swelling inside, which prevents breathing through the nose. Only a doctor can tell how long this type of edema goes away after performing an examination, but usually the process lasts 3 months.

3. Lack of smell. This complication is quite rare and is associated with the individual susceptibility of the patient. Functional restoration occurs independently.

Among the serious side effects, various curvatures are most common. The nose in this case may be asymmetrical, with depressions or humps, or have an irregularly shaped tip. The reason is inaccurate cutting of the cartilage. This problem can be eliminated with surgical correction.

More serious consequences of rhinoplasty are also possible, in which the nose completely loses its functions. Inside, pus forms on the mucous membrane, and the cartilaginous septa atrophy. As a result, the nose has a through hole. All this is the result of untreated infections in the patient’s body.

Rhinoplasty is a complex but very popular operation in modern plastic surgery. Some people undergo it for medical reasons, while others independently make this decision in order to improve their appearance.

Whatever the reason for surgery, it is important for the patient to prepare in advance for the postoperative period. For example, not everyone is prepared for the fact that swelling after rhinoplasty lasts long enough. What do you need to know about the rehabilitation period? How long does swelling last after rhinoplasty? How to deal with it as quickly as possible?

Despite the fact that the nose is a relatively small area of ​​the body, all operations in this area are complex. During surgery, many small vessels are damaged, and recovery takes time. While the capillaries are damaged, the outflow of fluid is impaired, and swelling forms. Only after the blood flow is completely restored will the nose acquire the desired shape.

The time it takes for the swelling to completely subside after rhinoplasty depends on the characteristics of the person’s body and how carefully he listened to the doctors’ recommendations. But it is still possible to distinguish four stages, each of which is characterized by its own timing and features of the appearance of the operated area. Let's look at each of them, as well as how to relieve swelling as quickly and safely as possible.

First

The first period is the shortest - a week after surgery. But it is the most difficult for the patient. The damaged areas of the face are very painful, and the swelling of the nose after the operation is very extensive; it is impossible to externally assess the final result. All this can greatly affect a person’s mood.

Edema begins to form on the operating table. To ensure that it does not greatly interfere with the healing and proper fusion of tissues, a butterfly-shaped plaster bandage is applied to the nose. Therefore, a swelling forms around it, all over the face; the cheeks, forehead, chin, and area near the eyes swell. During the first few days, the swelling continues to increase, sometimes to such an extent that it is difficult to see the patient's eyes.

There is also a postoperative hematoma, the nose hurts very much, you can only breathe through your mouth, and there is a considerable risk that bleeding will begin. Therefore, the first week should definitely be spent in the hospital, under the careful supervision of the attending physician.

Second

The second stage of recovery lasts two weeks. At this time, the bandage is removed, the swelling gradually decreases by at least half, is localized only in the nose area and by the end of the period is very noticeable only to the patient himself. People around you, especially those who did not know about the treatment, may not notice anything.

At this time, if there are no complications, the patient is discharged from the hospital. All hygienic and therapeutic procedures should continue to be performed just as carefully, but at home.

Third

The third period takes place over the next two months. The post-operative wound has already completely healed, does not hurt, there is nothing that could significantly interfere with the usual way of life. Of course, some restrictions still apply, but they are much softer than in previous periods.

The swelling goes away almost completely. Small lumps remain on the tip of the nose and along the back. But this is noticeable only to the patient himself. A few months after the operation, it is already possible to draw conclusions about how well the shape of the nose meets expectations.

Fourth

This is the longest stage. Residual compactions and swelling can normally last up to a year. They are located in those places that were damaged on the operating table. But from the outside it is absolutely invisible.

If a person is not one of those who is very attentive to all the little details of his appearance, he may not even see the remnants of edema himself. They do not cause absolutely any inconvenience either during everyday activities or at work, unless it involves heavy physical exertion and bending.

Treatment of edema

In order to eliminate swelling as quickly as possible, you need to properly care for the wound from the very first day and listen to all recommendations. There are most restrictions in the first weeks, then you can gradually return to your usual way of life.

Medicines, ointments and duration of sick leave are selected individually, but general principles can be identified on how each rehabilitation stage should proceed. You should not expect complete elimination of edema in the first weeks, even if you listen to doctors in everything. But careful care will help prevent the development of complications that could significantly delay the recovery period.

First and second stage

During the first few weeks, the risk of complications is very high. Failure to follow recommendations or carelessness can lead to increased swelling after rhinoplasty, and nosebleeds may even occur.

• Tips to help you safely navigate the first stages of rehabilitation:


• Do not touch your face with your hands, especially the bandage area.
• Under no circumstances should we remove the bandage ourselves.
• You can sleep with your head elevated, or even half-sitting. In this case, the blood flow to the nose will be minimal. It is forbidden to sleep lying on your stomach.
• Heavy physical activity is contraindicated, especially if it involves bending forward.
• It is not advisable to overheat your face. Therefore, you should not go to the bathhouse, sauna, or stand near the stove or heater for a long time.
• It is necessary to temporarily completely abandon cosmetics, including facial creams.
• If the bandage has not yet been worn, when washing you need to make sure that it does not get wet.
• If your doctor allows it, you can apply cold compresses.

It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the postoperative wound. If signs of inflammation (suppuration, redness) are added to the swelling, you must immediately tell your doctor about it.

Third and fourth stage

If the first months passed without complications, most likely there will be no more complications. Therefore, restrictions are further reduced; doctors no longer control the condition of the operated person. The wound has healed, the swelling of the nose after rhinoplasty has decreased significantly and does not pose any threat. But there are some recommendations that will help bring closer the time when there will be no traces of swelling left.

What to avoid to avoid slowing down the recovery process:

1. Smoking, frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages and other bad habits that affect general blood circulation.
2. Rubbing the nose and other parts of the face that are located next to it.
3. Applying large amounts of cream and decorative cosmetics to the skin.
4. Sleep on a low pillow lying on your stomach or side.
5. Staying in a bent position for a long time. Tilts of both the head and body are undesirable.
6. The use of medications, especially ointments on the nose and nasal drops, which the doctor did not prescribe.

If all recommendations are followed, the risks of complications after rhinoplasty are low. Even if they appear, it will not be dangerous and will not affect the healing rate if proper treatment is started immediately. Therefore, you should not worry that swelling of the tip of the nose after rhinoplasty does not go away in the first days - this is a normal phenomenon.