Swelling After Rhinoplasty
The rhinoplasty is currently one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. But it is a procedure some people may be curious about or sometimes experience fretfulness about afterward. Certainly, the well-known and disconcerting element of this process to patients is swelling after rhinoplasty. Hypertrophy is a phenomenon that typically follows surgical insult to the nasal tissues and is generally viewed as a normal finding. But it is one of those cases in which patients really want to know how much, for how long, or the precautions.
What is Post-Rhinoplasty Swelling?
Swelling after rhinoplasty is accumulation that happens due to surgery-induced tissue manipulation and surgical impairment during the operation. Edema is temporary swelling in the soft tissues around the nose and below on the nasal bridge. The most common instances of this happen in the first day or two after a patient has had rhinoplasty. In this post-surgery period the patient will have some swelling that highlights in areas like nose bridge, nose tip, around eyes and cheeks.
Influencing Variables on Intensity of Edema
The extent of edema following rhinoplasty can also differ according to various variables related to the biology of the procedure and the patient operated. The most prominent factors are:
- Extent of the Surgery: Other procedures that are performed in addition to rhinoplasty, like correcting a nasal bridge and shaping a nasal tip or septoplasty can lead to more swelling.
- Personal Body Response: In others the tissues retain more fluid as a response to surgery trauma, and swelling can take longer to settle.
- After-Care: Application of ice, sleeping with the head raised and taking medications as per the doctor’s prescription can help in quick post-surgery reduction of swelling.
When Does Swelling Go Down After Rhinoplasty?
Swelling generally peaks in the first week following a surgery. The swelling reduces, on an average, by at least 50% in the first 7-10 days. Nevertheless, mild tip swelling and in particular subcutaneous nose swelling may continue for several weeks’ months after surgery in some patients. It does not affect the final result and is a perfectly normal part of healing.
Recommendations to Reduce Swelling
There are some steps that can be taken to reduce swelling following rhinoplasty and promote healing:
- Elevate Your Head When Sleeping: For the first week in particular, sleep with your head slightly propped up to reduce fluid build-up.
- Cold Compress: Use cold applying pack on the nose for initial 48 hours of surgery, it will help reduce the swelling around the nose.
- Fluid and Salt Intake: Eating too much salty food and drinking too much fluid can cause tissue swelling.
- Say No to Smoking and Alcohol: Both of these habits can affect blood flow post-rhinoplasty, which only exacerbates swelling.
- Doctor Checkups: Visit your doctor if the swelling does not go away soon or you have swollen skin and contusions (bruising).
The Difference Between Swelling and Bruising
Swelling and bruising following a rhinoplasty may not only be mistaken for each other. A regular bruise involves blood pooling under the skin, and it should heal within 7-14 days. The swelling is caused by the accumulation of fluid, and lasts longer than bruising.
Conclusion
Swelling is a natural consequence of rhinoplasty and is temporary. It is at its maximum in the first week postoperative and then diminishes rapidly by good care and strictly following the instructions of the doctor. Overlap of swelling patients understanding the swelling process makes for a less anxious and more comfortable post-op recovery.
For specific swelling after rhinoplasty details or questions, you can consult Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güncel Öztürk personally if you join, please go to page admin and send me a message! Good counselling before and after surgery is the key to a natural and long-lasting result.
