Recovery after rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a type of plastic surgery that can eliminate various defects of the nose. Such an intervention can be carried out both in the presence of medical indications, and as a cosmetic procedure. The operation is considered quite complicated, and any doctor's mistake can lead to various complications in the postoperative period. Rehabilitation after rhinoplasty is carried out taking into account some factors and is carried out under the supervision of a doctor with the obligatory observance of all the rules.

Stages of rehabilitation

After rhinoplasty, the rehabilitation period includes several stages:

1. Fixation in the field of surgical intervention. At the very beginning of the rehabilitation period, it is important to ensure the immobility of the nose, which will accelerate the proper fusion of the bones and the healing of soft tissues. Thanks to timely fixation, it is possible in the future to obtain the result that was planned before the operation. For fixation, a special tight bandage is used, but in some cases plaster can also be used. When recovering from rhinoplasty, the patient develops swelling and bruising, but this is considered a completely natural process. The duration of the first stage of rehabilitation is approximately a week, and the patient may complain of pain, which can be relieved with painkillers.
2. Removing the bandage. The second stage lasts about three weeks and on the 10-11th day the bandage, plaster and internal splints are removed. In the event that self-absorbable threads were not used during rhinoplasty, then the main sutures are also removed. The nose is washed and all clots are removed from it, after which the specialist checks its shape and condition. After removing the plaster, the nose does not look attractive, but over time its shape will be restored. The swelling does not disappear yet, and sometimes it can grow even more and take on the appearance of bruises. The release of the airways greatly facilitates the patient's breathing and improves his general condition.
3. Cosmetic healing. The most important stage of the rehabilitation period after rhinoplasty is the cosmetic restoration of the nose, which begins immediately after the bandage is removed and the swelling of the face is eliminated. The third stage continues from the 4th week to the 12th. The patient's bruises disappear, the shape of the nose is restored, all sutures are removed and the places of their application begin to heal. However, the edema has not yet completely resolved and this slightly spoils the overall picture, which is especially noticeable during tip rhinoplasty.
4. Final healing. The final stage after rhinoplasty lasts about a year and during this time everything can change dramatically. The final result depends on the individual characteristics of the tissues and the presence of certain diseases in the patient. Some roughness and irregularities may disappear, while others, on the contrary, appear.

In the event that the result obtained after rhinoplasty does not suit the patient, then you should not rush with a second operation. You just need to be patient and wait a bit.

Possible Complications

Rhinoplasty is considered a rather complicated operation, because any doctor's mistake can cause dangerous complications in the postoperative period.

As after any other surgical intervention, the following complications may occur after such an operation:

• During the operation, damage to the skin and cartilaginous tissue of the nose is possible, which ends with the formation of adhesions and rough scars;
• damage to the bone tissue structure is a serious complication that ends in an unsatisfactory aesthetic and functional result;
• heavy bleeding during surgery usually develops due to problems with blood clotting and is eliminated with medication;
• infection and, as a result, the development of additional complications, which can be eliminated with the help of drugs;
• if there are problems with the blood supply and as a result of excessive incisions, skin necrosis may develop, and dead tissue must be removed;
• the divergence of the seams can result in the formation of scars, so the incision should be processed and new ones should be applied.

After closed rhinoplasty, the risk of complications is much less and recovery is much faster.

Contraindications during recovery

After the operation, the specialist gives the patient recommendations for further actions during rehabilitation. The doctor necessarily tells what can not be done after rhinoplasty and what rules should be followed.

After nose correction surgery, it is not allowed:

• sleep on your side and stomach;
• lift heavy objects;
• take hot or cold baths;
• swim in ponds and rivers;
• sunbathing and sunbathing for a long time.

During the recovery period after rhinoplasty, it is not allowed to wear glasses, but if there is an urgent need, lenses can be used during the recovery period. Throughout the postoperative period, you should maintain your immunity and protect yourself from diseases. The fact is that pathology can provoke the development of complications and even infection. In addition, it is not recommended to sneeze during the entire first month of rehabilitation, as this can cause nose deformity. After nose correction surgery, it is not allowed to plan a pregnancy for a year and use cosmetics for about two weeks.

Features of recovery after surgery

After rhinoplasty, rehabilitation is carried out with the help of medications, which are selected by the attending physician, taking into account the patient's condition and the tendency to allergic reactions. The patient must be prescribed antibiotics, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Antibiotics are taken according to the scheme for 5-7 days, and painkillers - about 7-10 days. During rehabilitation, injections such as Diprospan are prescribed to eliminate edema after rhinoplasty. In addition, a patch can be used for the same purpose, but after removing it, an influx of edema is possible.

For a speedy recovery after surgery, massage and the following physiological procedures can be prescribed:

• darsonvalization stimulates the outflow of venous blood and improves metabolic processes in the human body;
• electrophoresis involves the use of electric current in combination with drugs;
• phonophoresis is the effect of ultrasound on certain areas in combination with drugs.

For the massage, a special ointment is used, which is selected by a specialist. With an increase in temperature during the rehabilitation period, antipyretics should be used, and analgesics will not interfere with pain relief.

After removing the tampons, the nasal mucosa should be treated every day with a cotton swab, previously moistened with hydrogen peroxide and oil. Apricot, peach, grape and almond oil gives a good effect, and you can buy them at a pharmacy. Rinsing the nose is allowed with a saline solution, which is quickly prepared at home.

How to quickly recover after surgery?

In order to speed up recovery, you should adhere to the following recommendations after rhinoplasty:

• do not touch the installed fixing dressings and turundas, and before removing them, generally avoid any physical contact with the nose;
• in the first week after the operation, you need to breathe through the nose and do not try to clear the nasal passages on your own;
• learn to sleep on your back;
• to reduce swelling after rhinoplasty, salt and fluid intake should be limited;
• in the first months after the operation, try to avoid situations that cause bleeding from the nose;
• before the complete disappearance of edema, alcohol and smoking should be abandoned.

In most cases, the rehabilitation period after rhinoplasty goes smoothly, but requires the patient to follow certain recommendations and prescriptions. In fact, how long the rehabilitation after rhinoplasty lasts depends on the complexity of the surgical intervention and the individual characteristics of the human body. Experts say that it is best to resort to such an operation in the presence of serious indications and responsibly approach the choice of a surgeon.

Rehabilitation after rhinoplasty - video