Rhinoplasty is one of the most demanded plastic surgeries and with which you must have more patience. It is an intervention that directly affects one of the main points of the face: the nose.
This facial surgery can be worrisome for the patient, since the results usually require patience and special care over a long period of time. Next, in, we talk about this operation and how to reduce inflammation of the nose after a rhinoplasty. Notes!
What is rhinoplasty?
One of the most demanded plastic surgeries is the so-called rhinoplasty. It is a surgical process that aims to reshape the nose, changing its appearance and structure, so that it works or looks much better.
The nasal anatomy is not only concentrated in the center of the face, it is a fairly deep cavity that connects with many nerves, bones and organs. That is why, according to multiple experiences of rhinoplasty, it is one of the most complex surgical operations and requires a careful and long postoperative period, in order to keep the nose in perfect condition.
In the following image you can see an example of the changes months after a rhinoplasty.
Types of rhinoplasties
Rhinoplasty can be performed in conjunction with other surgeries. However, the main purposes of the intervention are:
- Reduce or increase the size of the nose
- Modify the tip
- Narrow the width of the nasal wings
- Change the angle of the nose
Thanks to rhinoplasty, it is possible to correct problems of birth formation, nasal lesions or respiratory problems, as well as improve the aesthetics of the nose. Therefore, rhinoplasty is not a single operation, but is designed depending on the needs of each patient.
How long the postoperative period of rhinoplasty lasts
Undoubtedly, the first days of a postoperative period due to rhinoplasty are decisive. Although the operation does not limit the patient's abilities to perform their daily tasks two days after a rhinoplasty, it is important that you know that it will not be until a few weeks later that you will be fully recovered.
The appearance of the face will be completely different during the first days, since the peculiar feature of this intervention is the inflammation of the nose and part of the face. Little by little, the face will recover normality.
How to deflate the nose after a rhinoplasty – here is the answer
To remit the first postoperative symptoms, such as inflammation of the nose or face, as well as nasal obstruction or headache, the doctor may prescribe analgesics and decongestants, in order to relieve the pain and reduce discomfort.
Along with inflammation or swelling, it is normal for bruising to appear in the eye area, which usually subsides within a few weeks. Some patients may also suffer from small nosebleeds, which will be aggravated if you sound strong. Avoid it, to make sure your tissues heal properly.
Swollen nose after rhinoplasty, what to do?
To help reduce inflammation of the nose after rhinoplasty, you may want to do the following:
- Wash your face with cold water: in order to help the deflammation of the nose, but always do it around, avoiding wetting the nose area directly.
- Cold compresses on the nose: the first 48 hours after the operation are crucial. This is because it is from the third day when the nose becomes most inflamed. Therefore, the use of cold compresses in the first two days is highly recommended. Place them around the nose, near the eyes, in the eyes, forehead and cheeks, but NEVER directly on the nose, as it could cause the opposite effect.
- Follow the surgeon's instructions: after rhinoplasty, your doctor or surgeon will give you guidelines to follow to fully recover from the operation. Most of them you will find in the following section.
Postoperative rhinoplasty care
Once the rhinoplasty is finished, you must take extreme care and take certain precautions to ensure that the nose deflates correctly, that the tissues heal and that the result is as expected. In this sense, we recommend you take into account the following considerations:
- Take the medicines prescribed by the doctor.
- Rests.
- Do not perform physical exertion or activities that require direct contact with the face.
- Try not to talk much and, as far as possible, during the first days try not to make sudden gestures with your face, as well as cry or laugh hard.
- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages for the first two weeks.
- Try not to eat foods that are too hot or that require chewing too much.
- Do not smoke for the first few months, as it makes it difficult to heal. Also avoid, as far as possible, being a passive smoker.
- Sleep on your stomach, never on your side or with your nose directly on your pillow.
- Try not to sunbathe during the first months. Avoid, also, the wind or the direct cold.
- Be careful with glasses during the first days, it is advisable to use contact lenses.
- Avoid blowing your nose hard, so you will help improve healing.
- Try to sneeze with your mouth open.
However, consult with your doctor or surgeon about the specific care for the type of rhinoplasty you have had, in order to avoid inflammation of the septum, the tip of the nose, or having the entire nose swollen after rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty recovery time
It is important to carry out all the care and precautions mentioned above, especially during the first three weeks of postoperative rhinoplasty.
However, you should know that the nose will progressively deflate during the first 3 or 6 months, in which it will also change shape and the tissues will settle.
The results of rhinoplasties are usually seen definitively after 12 or 18 months after the intervention has been performed, although this will depend on the type of rhinoplasty that has been performed, as well as the patient.
Now that you know how to deflate your nose after a rhinoplasty, you may also be interested in this other article on How to Reduce Inflammation of the Face.
