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During
the recovery period after a rhinoplasty, bruising and
swelling usually occur as well as nasal congestion (a
stuffy nose). While this can be uncomfortable, most
patients are surprised by how quickly it begins to heal
after a few days.
discomfort : Pain ranges
from none to moderate and typically lasts less than
3 days after surgery. If pain is present it is easily
controlled with prescription narcotic medications, such
as Vicodin.
swelling: Swelling is variable
from minimal to moderate, and may involve the eyelids.
About 1 week after your rhinoplasty, most people will
not be able to detect the swelling, however some residual
swelling may last for up to a year.
bruising: Bruising is also
variable from none to moderate and may extend to the
eyelids, giving you a racoon or "black eye"
appearnace. Most bruising disappears by day 10 after
nose surgery
packing: Some patients leave
with nasal packing (cotton packed into the nasal passages),
some don't, depending on the case and the doctor. It
is commonly used more in cases where breathing correction
was involved, as it helps keep the septum straight during
initial healing. Some surgeons use it in every case,
some rarely do. If you leave your surgery with packing,
it will be usually be removed in 1-3 days at your first
visit with the doctor after surgery.
nasal congestion: Even after
the packing comes out, it is normal to still feel congested
for several more days. This is due to swelling of the
delicate mucous membranes, and will subside as the swelling
dissipates. Do not blow your nose as this may cause
your nose to bleed, especially for the first 10 days
after surgery. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will instruct
you on the care of your nose that may include saline
nasal spray, nostril cleaning with peroxide, and ointment.
sleeping: Laying flat can
cause dilation of the capillaries and blood vessels,
and increased swelling. You should sleep at a 30 degree
angle, such as in recliner chair or with at least 2-3
pillows. This helps keep the swelling and bruising to
a minimum since the blood is not rushing to your head.
medications: Alcohol and
medications containing aspirin (such as advil, motrin,
or ibuprofen) should not be taken after revision nose
surgery, as they may inhibit blood clotting and cause
nosebleeds. Your doctor will give you prescriptions
for pain medication and antibiotics. Especially if you
have had any grafts placed, it is very important to
take your antibiotics to prevent infection.
activity : Exertion should
be avoided for 1-2 weeks or as instructed by your doctor.
Contact sports are to be avoided for at least 3 weeks,
by which time the nasal bones are at 70% of their strength
(which is pretty strong). By 6 weeks the bones have
reached most of their hardness, and your surgeon may
allow you to return to all of your normal activities.
sensation: The nasal tip
can be numb for several months after the operation.
Occasionally, the nasal tip may feel much harder for
months after surgery due to the residual swelling.
If you notice these signs you
should call your doctor
- Severe nosebleeds
- Any kind of discharge that is not normal nasal mucous
- Uncontrollable pain
- Vomiting
- Fever over 101° F
- Dizziness unrelated to the pain relievers
results : Although the nose
looks presentable at 1 week after surgery, quite a bit
of healing remains. By 6 weeks, most of the healing
has completed and most of the final result is achieved.
However, the nasal skin continues to tighten around
the nasal framework for approximately 1 year, resulting
in a more refined appearance of the nose. The results
of rhinoplasty or nose surgery are permanent.
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