Postoperative period after rhinoplasty

Correction of the shape of the nose allows you to eliminate various shortcomings, as well as dysfunctions in this organ. Rhinoplasty is a fairly popular operation that allows you to get a quick result with a minimum number of consequences.

The recovery process after rhinoplasty is relatively short. Following all the recommendations of the doctor allows you to avoid complications after the operation, as well as achieve the desired result.

General rules

At the time of rehabilitation, there are a number of rules that should be observed in order to avoid the occurrence of complications. Even with a properly performed operation, there is a risk of consequences if the patient does not properly care for the nose.

Rhinoplasty allows you to make changes to the shape of the nose. During surgery, all internal tissues of the nasal cavity are involved. The higher the complexity of the operation, the longer the patient will recover.

The body of each person is individual, which means that the terms of the recovery period may also vary. In general, the recovery period takes several months. At this point, the patient can lead a normal life, but contact sports should be excluded.

There are a large number of adverse effects, the development of which may disrupt the further functioning of the body.

Possible Complications

Complications develop due to medical errors during surgery or due to improper care in the postoperative period. This brings not only aesthetic discomfort, but also worsens the state of health in the future.

Complications after rhinoplasty include:

1. The formation of rough scars that need to be removed separately in the future. They appear due to incorrect actions of the doctor during the operation.
2. Bone damage. This leads not only to an unaesthetic appearance, but also violates the functions.
3. Severe bleeding in the postoperative period. Occurs due to a violation of blood clotting, is eliminated with the help of drugs.
4. Wound infection.
5. Deterioration of blood supply. As a result, tissue necrosis may develop.
6. Divergence of seams. If you notice this in time, then the seams are re-applied. In the worst case, rough scars form at the site of the operation.
7. Nose deformities, respiratory disorders. This appears due to various medical errors during the operation.

Aesthetic complications may also develop. To eliminate complications in most cases, repeated surgery is required.

Stages of rehabilitation

The recovery period in most cases goes smoothly. The very next day after the operation, you can wash your hair with outside help. It is important to ensure that the bandage does not get wet during the washing process. Recovery after surgery is carried out at home and is divided into four stages.

First stage

This period includes the first week after the operation. For patients, this stage is the most unpleasant. There are edema, hematomas and other manifestations. They can also spread throughout the face and bring pain even without affecting the affected area.

Removal of secretions from the nose is mandatory. The use of antiseptics disinfects the surface, which prevents the development of infection.

Second phase

Lasts the next two weeks after the first stage. At the end of this, the bandage and most of the stitches are removed. However, the shape of the nose still remains changed. Bruises take on a yellowish tint. Soreness is reduced, but discomfort is present. The nasal cavity is washed, clearing of blood clots and mucus. This improves breathing.

Third stage

In the next 2-3 weeks, the patient's condition improves significantly. The sutures become less pronounced, the hematomas resolve. Many patients at this stage are still unhappy with the shape of their nose, as the final result has not yet arrived.

Fourth stage

Lasts until the end of the third month from the start of the operation. Residual negative consequences are eliminated: bruises gradually disappear, hematomas remain in the form of slight skin pigmentation, and soreness is practically not expressed.

Also during this period, it is necessary to recognize any deviations in order to carry out surgical intervention in time. The final result will be visible only one year after rhinoplasty.

Recovery Features

Successful rhinoplasty is characterized not only by the desired shape of the nose, but also by the restoration of natural functions. However, if the final form can be seen in a year, then the functions should be fully restored within a couple of months.

Breath

After surgery, the patient's normal breathing is hindered by swelling and protruding tampons.

On the first day after the operation, you will have to breathe only through your mouth. Breathing difficulties may last one to two weeks. This is due to the fact that during this period the patient needs to sleep on his back, and blood clots and mucus block the airways.

Runny nose

A runny nose is an individual reaction of the body to surgical intervention.

If it appears, then you should report this feature to your doctor.

Wound care

The first time it is necessary to treat the wound. Its duration depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. In some patients, the wound heals after a couple of treatments, while others diligently treat the wound for a long time.

Postoperative sutures must be kept sterile. To treat a wound, you can use ordinary iodine or brilliant green. Many patients use a silicone patch to prevent scarring.

Patients wearing glasses should refrain from wearing them. It is recommended to replace them with contact lenses. The frame is heavy enough for the operated bridge of the nose, which can destroy all the efforts of the surgeon.

Restrictions after rhinoplasty

During the rehabilitation period, the following rules must be observed:

• do not stay in direct sunlight for a long time;
• do not visit the solarium;
• do not visit the bath or sauna;
• give up contact sports;
• avoid moving heavy objects;
• Avoid swimming in open water.

Physical activity is absolutely contraindicated in the postoperative period of rhinoplasty. In the first three weeks, even minor loads can bring harm. After this period, you can carry out light exercises.

You should also not drink alcohol for 1.5 months. The reaction can be quite unpleasant and is characterized by various manifestations. They are mainly expressed in the pigmentation of the skin of the nose, the appearance of edema and bruising.

Also, alcohol impairs the therapeutic effect of drugs used during the rehabilitation period. If coordination is impaired, there is a risk of falling and damaging the nose.

Medical treatment

In the recovery period after rhinoplasty, medication should also be carried out.

It is necessary to take antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and, if necessary, painkillers.

Antibiotics are prescribed according to an individual scheme, the duration of the course is not more than 7 days. Analgesics are taken no more than 10 days.

Various ointments and gels can also be prescribed to relieve swelling, bruising.

It is important to know that the selection of medicines is carried out only by the attending physician individually for each patient.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapeutic procedures and massage are prescribed by the attending physician. The following physiotherapy procedures are allowed:

1. Darsonvalization - helps to improve metabolic processes.
2. Ultraphonophoresis - exposure to a specific area with the help of ultrasound and drugs.
3. Electrophoresis - the use of electric current with painkillers.
4. Phototherapy.

These procedures improve the process of cell regeneration. They improve blood circulation in this area, and also reduce pain.

Thus, rhinoplasty is quite a serious operation. However, medical errors or non-compliance with recommendations during the rehabilitation period can lead to complications. To prevent this from happening, you need to properly care for the seams, as well as follow all medical recommendations.

Video: Rehabilitation after rhinoplasty