Rehabilitation after rhinoplasty - all possible complications and recommendations. Rhinoplasty: what is normal and what is not (Kuzin Danila Aleksandrovich) How many days after rhinoplasty is the plaster removed
Rhinoplasty is a surgical method for correcting congenital or acquired deformities of the nose, performed to improve its functional state and/or for aesthetic purposes. In most cases, these operations are quite traumatic, and the rehabilitation period after rhinoplasty is characterized by duration, possible side effects and serious complications.
They can cause not only emotional and aesthetic problems for the patient, but also serious violations of his health. This largely depends on the qualifications and experience of the surgeon, the individual characteristics of the patient’s body and the latter’s compliance with the doctor’s recommendations during the recovery period.
Some features of rhinoplasty
One of the features of these operations is a certain unpredictability of tissue changes during the recovery period. To some extent, this is due to the small volume of soft tissue in the nasal area, which creates conditions for its deformation by postoperative scars already during the recovery period. In addition, rehabilitation after the procedure is lengthy and has strict restrictions. They are quite debilitating for some patients, and the latter often do not have the patience to follow the surgeon's recommendations. According to statistics, about 30% of operated people require, in this regard, corrective or repeat plastic surgery.
To reduce the severity of side effects after surgery and prevent possible and frequent complications, it is necessary not only to correctly follow the doctor’s recommendations throughout the entire recovery period, but to do this consciously based on a general understanding of the course of the surgical intervention, possible complications and stages of the rehabilitation period.
Briefly about methods of online access
Depending on the nature of operational access, all types of operations are combined into 2 groups:
Open
They involve making incisions not only in the nasal cavity, but also, most importantly, in the area of the outer folds of the nose, including across the vertical skin fold (columella) separating the nostrils. This allows the soft tissue to be moved upward to allow manipulation of the nasal bones and cartilage. “Open” surgery is performed when there is a significant amount of surgical intervention or the need for re-correction.
Closed
When they are carried out, one or several incisions are made from the side of the nasal cavity, that is, without violating the integrity of the skin and the formation of postoperative scars on it. After this, soft tissues, including skin, are shifted upward for further manipulation. The possibilities of access to the cartilage and bones of the nose with this type of operation are quite sufficient to eliminate typical aesthetic defects. At the same time, rehabilitation after closed rhinoplasty is easier and with fewer complications. Therefore, plastic surgery clinics predominantly use the closed method.
Side effects and complications during the rehabilitation period
The postoperative recovery period is accompanied by unpleasant but natural side effects of surgical intervention and possible early and late complications, which may be accompanied by undesirable consequences of an aesthetic nature.
Side effects are:
- Hematomas and pinpoint hemorrhages directly in the nose area, around it and in the periorbital zone, and sometimes subconjunctival hemorrhages of various sizes, which are associated with tissue detachment during the intervention and inevitable, even with the most gentle plastic surgery technique, rupture of blood vessels.
- Severe swelling of the tissues in the nose and under the eyes, which can spread to the cheeks and down to the chin area.
- Increase in body temperature in the first 1-2 days after surgery.
- Severe difficulty breathing through the nose, and sometimes complete impossibility, associated with swelling of the mucous membrane and hemorrhages under it.
- Lack of smell.
- Temporary partial or complete impairment of skin sensitivity in individual areas or all of the skin in the operated area.
- Development of temporary asymmetry of the nose due to displacement of its soft tissues by uneven swelling.
All of the above phenomena, which create a feeling of discomfort, sometimes significant, and gradually disappear within 7-14 days, are natural and are not considered complications. However, during the rehabilitation period, serious complications are possible. The main ones are:
- The development of microbial infection and various additional complications caused by it.
- The occurrence of necrosis of skin, cartilage or bone tissue, usually caused by excessive dissection, vascular damage, coagulation to stop bleeding, infection. All these factors can lead to disturbances in the blood supply to tissues and, accordingly, to their necrosis (death).
- Dehiscence of postoperative sutures, which contributes to the formation of a rough scar.
- The formation of hypertrophic and not only worsens the aesthetic results of the operation, but also can lead to functional disorders (difficulty in nasal breathing and impaired sense of smell).
- Nose deformity.
In terms of the frequency of complications during the rehabilitation period, the second place (after the surgeon’s fault) is occupied by reasons associated with non-compliance with the doctor’s recommendations.
Stages of recovery after rhinoplasty
The rehabilitation period begins with the introduction of gauze tampons into the nasal passages, which prevent nasal breathing (but they are soon removed) and plaster splints are applied. The duration of the recovery period, determined by the volume of the operation, the quality of its execution and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body, ranges from six months to 1 year, and in some cases more. Conventionally, it distinguishes four stages.
Stage I
Duration is 1-2 weeks. The main goal of the first stage is to ensure the immobility of the bone and cartilage structures and soft tissues of the nose. This is achieved through special fixatives or (more often) a plaster splint, as well as by introducing hemostatic tampons into the nasal passages, which also provide additional tissue fixation.
Why is plaster applied?
During the operation, correction of cartilage, bone, and soft tissues is carried out. A plaster cast, despite the fact that it causes discomfort, itchy skin and a general feeling of discomfort, allows you to:
- to finally fix the required shape and anatomical proportionality of the nose;
- prevent displacement of bone and cartilage plates;
- protect the operation area from unwanted external mechanical influence;
- When an antiseptic drug is added to the layers of a plaster cast, it also acts as a means of suppressing the development of infection.
Stage II
The average duration is 1 week. It begins with the removal of the plaster cast. In addition, hemostatic tampons are removed from the nasal passages and washed (to remove blood clots and crusts) with an antiseptic or 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Almost all unresolved surgical sutures are also removed. By this time, the general condition improves and stabilizes, and after removing the tampons, breathing becomes easier.
On what day after rhinoplasty is the cast removed?
In cases where the fixing ability of the plaster cast has decreased, it has become deformed, was accidentally or intentionally damaged by the patient, or has become wet during water hygiene procedures, it must be removed and replaced with a new one. The plaster splint is finally removed on days 7-14.
Swelling at this stage still persists and may even increase. If the swelling increases after removing the plaster, this is quite acceptable and should not bother the patient. The fact is that a rigid plaster cast not only supports the structures of the nose, but also restrains swelling of the soft tissues, redirecting it to surrounding areas. After removal of the obstacle, swelling also appears in the freed areas, but it is no longer dangerous, since it cannot lead to deformation of the fused bones, and quickly passes due to a decrease in the degree of the inflammatory process.
Can I remove the plaster myself?
Sometimes patients want to check the strength of its fixation, lift it or even temporarily remove it in order to get rid of unpleasant sensations or check whether the cartilaginous and bone plates have already fused. Such experiments cannot be carried out, since the correction performed by the surgeon may be violated, as a result of which the entire aesthetic result of the operation may be reduced to “zero”.
Stage III
Lasts on average 2-2.5 months and is a period of cosmetic recovery. During this time, swelling and hematomas almost completely disappear, and the shape of the nose, except for its tip and nostrils, takes on an almost final appearance. This stage is also important psychologically, since the patience of many patients is already running out by this time. However, they can already roughly assess the results of plastic surgery.
Stage IV
Lasts up to 1 year, and sometimes a little longer. This is the period of final healing and formation of the appearance, during which various defects may disappear and, conversely, new defects may appear in the form of asymmetry of shape, irregularities, scars, the formation of visually detectable callus, etc.
When rhinoplasty is performed using the classical method, the first thing doctors do is create a cast, which allows not only to maintain the resulting shape, but also to avoid disastrous consequences.
Let's figure out why plaster is needed after rhinoplasty and what rules to follow when using it.
RHINOPLASTY WITHOUT SURGERY
Plastic surgeon, Pavlov E.A.:
Hello, my name is Pavlov Evgeniy Anatolyevich, and I am a leading plastic surgeon at a famous Moscow clinic.
My medical experience is more than 15 years. Every year I perform hundreds of operations, for which people are willing to pay HUGE money. Unfortunately, many people do not even suspect that in 90% of cases surgery is not required! Modern medicine has long allowed us to correct most appearance flaws without the help of plastic surgery.
Plastic surgery carefully hides many non-surgical methods of appearance correction. I talked about one of them, check out this method
Many people are unhappy with the shape of their nose, and therefore go under the knife, no matter what. And until they wake up after anesthesia, they don’t even suspect how difficult the first week and a half after the operation will be. The first thing that awaits the patient:
- hematomas on the face;
- swelling;
- painful sensations.
And this is only a small part of what has to be endured. You have to sleep on your back so that your head is as high as possible. There are turundas in the nose that interfere with breathing, and the most corrected nose has plaster on it. This is what irritates many people. But, as it turned out, this is not just a way to fix the operated olfactory organ. This is also a method to avoid severe complications.
Plaster after rhinoplasty allows you to:
- Maintain the shape that the surgeon gave the organ.
- Avoid severe swelling.
- Reduce the appearance of hematomas.
- Helps reduce bleeding.
- Protects against infections.
Such “decoration” must be endured not for the sake of the doctor’s whim, but for one’s own health. Plaster after rhinoplasty does not look very beautiful in the photo, but with its help you will speed up your functional recovery.
After what period is the plaster removed?
The question of when the cast is removed after rhinoplasty is relevant for everyone who has had or plans to have rhinoplasty. This is not surprising, because it causes inconvenience, does not allow you to return to work, fully walk outside, or engage in physical exercise.
When the plaster will be removed depends on the individual patient's indications
In most cases, before removing the plaster, the turundas are removed; this is done after 24 days have passed from the date of the operation. If any contraindications are found, the plaster may be removed only after 72 hours. Plaster is a more serious protection, so it is recommended to wear it for 8-10 days. But after removing such a device, swelling will still be observed, this phenomenon is considered normal.
Our readers write
Topic: Fixed my nose
From: Ekaterina S. (ekary*** [email protected])
To: Site Administration
Hello! My name is Ekaterina S., I want to express my gratitude to you and your site.
Finally, I was able to change the shape of my nose. Now I am very happy with my face and no longer have complexes.
And here is my story
From the age of 15, I began to notice that my nose was not what I would like, there was not a large hump and wide wings. By the age of 30, my nose had grown even more and had become quite a “potato”, I was terribly complex about this and even wanted to have surgery, but the prices for this procedure are simply astronomical.
Everything changed when a friend gave me one to read. You can’t imagine how grateful I am to her for this. This article literally gave me a second life. After just a few months, my nose became almost perfect: the wings noticeably narrowed, the hump smoothed out, and the tip even rose slightly.
Now I don’t have any complexes about my appearance. And I’m not even shy about meeting new men, you know))
Is it possible to do without plaster?
Many surgeons recommend not to put a plaster on the nose, but to use a special medical splint to maintain the shape. This is a bandage that is durable and can protect even from severe damage. It is recommended to wear the splint for the same amount of time as the cast.
Although both the cast and the splint bring inconvenience and unpleasant sensations, they must be worn. This will allow you to achieve the maximum result from the operation.
The process of removing plaster after rhinoplasty
After the specified time has passed from the moment of the operation and the application of the plaster, they come to the plastic surgeon to remove the plaster.
After rhinoplasty, it is contraindicated to independently manipulate this medical attribute. There are many reasons for this. You can introduce an infection into the affected area and worsen your own health. But the most important thing: you can nullify all the results of the correction. And then you shouldn’t blame the doctor, because it was the patient who, through his actions, led to such an outcome.
When rhinoplasty is performed, removal of the cast is strictly contraindicated, even after a ten-day period, if the doctor decides to prolong walking in it. With the help of a medical attribute, you save deformed tissues from external influences and damage. Plaster is always combined with tampons, which are inserted into the nasal passages. All this will interfere with breathing and cause significant discomfort. You need to be patient and wait.
What should you not do while wearing a cast?
Many people do not understand that a doctor's advice must be taken seriously. This is due to the fact that you must not only maintain the resulting shape of your nose, but also your own health. The risk of complications is especially high during the rehabilitation period in the first two stages. The most important of them is wearing a cast for a week or more.
Stories from our readers
Fixed my nose shape at home! It's been half a year since I forgot what a hump of the nose is. Although it is generally accepted in society that appearance is not the most important thing for a man, I really didn’t like my nose. In addition, I also work in a field where appearance matters, I work as a wedding host.
Oh, how many consultations I attended - all the doctors quoted exorbitant prices and talked about long rehabilitation, but for me this is in no way suitable because weddings happen all the time, especially during the season. One day I had an appointment with Dr. E. A. Pavlov. He told me that in my case it was quite possible to do without surgery, it was enough to wear a special corrector every day. Here is an article in which he describes this method in detail. I obediently wore the concealer every day for several months and was amazed at the results, judge for yourself. In the end, I’m very glad that I was able to get by with “little blood”
If you have the same problems with finances or don’t want to go under the knife, then I recommend reading this article
In order not to introduce an infection into the operated area, not to injure already damaged tissues and not to spoil the work of the plastic surgeon, we recommend adhering to the following “don’ts”.
Contraindicated when wearing a cast on the nose:
- Taking a shower in general. You will have to wash your body and head separately so as not to wet the bandages and cause them to become deformed.
- You will have to forget for a while about the pool, going to the sauna.
- Heavy physical activity and sports are prohibited.
- Prolonged sneezing is also contraindicated. Here you will have to learn how to do it through your mouth.
- Sleep on your stomach or face down.
- Remove, adjust or do anything else with the plaster yourself.
When rhinoplasty is done and the cast is removed, the doctor will then tell the patient how to behave during the rehabilitation period. It is likely that at first it will still be difficult to breathe. After removing the plaster, you will have to rinse your nasal passages daily with the utmost care. For about three more months, patients will see swelling and bruising in the mirror. But if you had not had a cast on from the very beginning, the symptoms would have been more pronounced, the swelling would have spread to the cheeks and neck to a large extent. We recommend following your doctor's advice exactly so that the results obtained are worth the effort and patience.
Will it be possible to remove the cast without the help of a doctor?
Only those who do not want to spend money on the services of a specialist can remove the plaster themselves. But in this case, the plastic surgeon may refuse to be held responsible for the results obtained from the performed rhinoplasty if he suspects that such actions were carried out. You should not engage in “amateur activities” regarding turundas and seams.
Sometimes there are cases when the splint and plaster come off on their own. In such a situation, it is recommended not to panic, but to immediately contact a specialist. It is strictly forbidden to independently remove bandages that have been secured by a doctor.
Plaster is a kind of “shield” for a vulnerable respiratory organ that has recently been amenable to rhinoplasty. Such a device is needed to maintain bone and cartilage structures in the required position. Also, such a solution is necessary to protect the respiratory organ from accidental injury. It is recommended to adhere to the main rule - to exclude any possible risks.
To do this, you should observe the following:
- Avoid using glasses with heavy frames.
- Sleep exclusively on your back.
- Try not to make sudden movements with your hands.
- When driving a car, it is recommended to wear a seat belt.
- Avoid sports, including going to gyms and fitness classes.
- Also, you should not attend various rallies, concerts, and festivals during the first month after removing the cast.
- Do not take public transport during rush hour.
- For facial treatment, it is recommended to use only special tonics and micellar waters. Perform all procedures as carefully as possible.
Current information from the mouth of a plastic surgeon
In order for patients to understand in detail what the procedure for applying and removing plaster looks like, we suggest that you read the interview with the famous Moscow plastic surgeon Gaik Pavlovich Babayan:
What is the purpose of applying a plaster cast after nose surgery?
A plaster cast is necessary to fix bones and tissues, the adjustment of which was carried out during the manipulation process. Thanks to the plaster, the final result that the patient will receive after the operation is formed. This allows you to hold the bone and eliminates the possibility of displacement due to swelling. The plaster also additionally protects the area where the operation was performed from mechanical damage. If plaster is applied incorrectly or at the wrong time, there may be side effects - including the risk of completely losing the shape that was the desired result.
How is plaster applied?
First, the surgeon prepares pieces of the required size using a special bandage with plaster. Adds water to the fabric - the dressing hardens. This type of protective device can consist of 5 levels, each of which plays an important role - it provides an antiseptic effect, protects against injury and various types of damage.
In 95% of cases, plaster is applied for 7-14 days. After this you can safely remove it. Sometimes you have to change the plaster. This happens extremely rarely, but still occurs due to the patient’s fault. This can happen due to intentional or accidental deformation of the bandage, its loosening, or removal. Also, the plaster cast must be changed if it gets wet during the bath procedures.
Is there any pain during plaster removal and what does the procedure look like?
The procedure for removing the plaster cast is not pleasant, but there is no painful sensation as such, rather just discomfort. The entire procedure will take a professional surgeon 6-10 minutes. The patient sits on the couch, and the doctor takes the necessary instruments and performs the required manipulations. It is very important that the movements are careful and that the bandage comes off as a single layer.
Will there be swelling after removal?
There is no swelling immediately after surgery because it is contained by the bandage. After the fixation is removed, the swelling intensifies. This phenomenon is considered normal and will pass after a certain time.
What to do with the itching that occurs under the bandage?
Itching is a normal consequence of wearing a cast. You'll have to wait a few days. It is strictly forbidden to scratch your nose with various improvised objects, such as a toothpick or tweezers. When performing such manipulations, you can break the bandage and make its fit less tight. This will lead to improper fusion of cartilage and bone structures.
I usually talk about all the recommendations during the consultation. The only thing I would like to emphasize is to try not to drip water onto the bandage. Of course, this is difficult, but if you do not let the plaster come into contact with water, you will be able to achieve the desired result faster, and you will not have to re-apply the bandage.
Reshaping the nose is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgeries. The success of the result largely depends on the recovery period. And rehabilitation after rhinoplasty includes many prohibitions and mandatory conditions.
Read in this article
Stages of recovery and their features
Rhinoplasty is a serious operation. Therefore, healing is quite slow. And before the final result appears, your appearance and well-being will change more than once.
First days
Immediately after the patient comes to his senses from anesthesia, he feels weakness, drowsiness, and nausea. All this is a consequence of the influence of anesthetics. As they are removed from the body, the symptoms will disappear.
Immediately after the operation is completed, turundas are placed in both nostrils, and a plaster or plastic pad is fixed on the nose. So we won't be able to see what it looks like yet.
The face has a frightening appearance due to. It is especially noticeable in the eyelid area, making the eyes appear swollen. Bruises are visible underneath. The cheeks may also become swollen. But after 5 - 7 days, the volume of fluid in the tissues will decrease, and the face will take on a more familiar appearance.
The day-by-day rehabilitation after rhinoplasty looks like this:
- the first couple of days you may experience pain, so appropriate medications are prescribed;
- While the risk of infection remains, a course of antibiotics is usually recommended;
- in the intranasal passages, hemostatic turundas are installed for several days to support the new shape of the organ, which also absorb secretions;
- Until the tampons are removed from the nostrils, it is difficult to breathe through the nose, so you have to do it with your mouth;
- in between replacing turundas, the mucous membrane is treated with medications prescribed by the doctor to promote healing;
- You should lie down more for a week, an acceptable position for resting and sleeping is on your back;
- after 10 - 14 days, the stitches are removed, the plaster or plastic pad is removed.
In general, the features of the recovery period depend on the volume of intervention. With an extensive operation, there is more damage, so the discomfort is greater. Rehabilitation after rhinoplasty of the tip of the nose will go faster. For example, the plaster will be removed within a week; the swelling in this case is not so pronounced. And septoplasty is associated with less discomfort, requirements and prohibitions than correction of the back of the organ.
However, after a month you don’t have to hide from prying eyes, since your face looks quite presentable. But the size of the nose will still decrease, and the shape will improve. And if something about it doesn’t suit you, you don’t need to tune in to a new correction.
Ultimate rehabilitation
The final period of rehabilitation after rhinoplasty starts from the 3rd month. By this time the swelling should have gone down. And the nose takes on the shape and size newly created by the doctor. If the operation is performed well, all the imperfections that were annoying before will disappear. And, conversely, errors made during the intervention become noticeable. At this stage, we can say whether rhinoplasty was a success, or whether it is worth thinking about a new correction of defects.
How long does recovery take?
The length of the rehabilitation period varies.
Factors influencing the duration of the rehabilitation period | Rationale |
Difficulty of intervention | If the corrections affect a minimum of nasal tissue, they will heal faster. When changes affect bones and cartilage, recovery in total can take up to a year. |
Individual characteristics of the body | Patients have soft and hard cartilage, thin and thick skin, fast and slow tissue ability to form new cells. |
Compliance with or ignoring the rules of the recovery period | How long rehabilitation after rhinoplasty lasts depends on the patient’s behavior. |
Features of access during surgery | If it is done openly, it also takes time to smooth out the seams. |
Taking all the circumstances into account, the nose can take its final appearance 4-6 months or a year after the intervention. During this time, you should adhere to the conditions of the recovery period.
Removing stitches after rhinoplasty
If the rhinoplasty went without complications, and the recovery period proceeds in accordance with the norms, then the sutures will be removed 15 days after the operation. We are talking about superficial/external sutures, because doctors apply them to the mucous surface using self-absorbable threads.
During recovery, the seams can be treated with ointments containing antibacterial drugs, but this is not a mandatory manipulation.
Even after the stitches are removed, the nose does not immediately take its final shape - swelling still persists for several weeks.
How long does rhinoplasty take?
The operation itself does not last long - a maximum of 3 hours (depending on the complexity of the corrections), but rehabilitation after rhinoplasty of the nose can last for several months. And even after external restoration, it is possible to evaluate the results of the surgeon’s work only after 12 months.
Splints in the nose after rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, splints, which can be made of silicone, are inserted into the nose. They fix the nasal septum, serve as a hemostatic device and allow you to maintain the formed contour of the nose even with accidental mechanical impact on it.
Inside each splint there is a thin tube that allows the patient to breathe through the nose. These inserts remain in the nasal passages for a minimum of 48 hours postoperatively. If the intervention was accompanied by complications, the period can be extended to 4 days.
Self-removal of splints from the nose is strictly prohibited, as this can lead to a deviated nasal septum and bleeding.
Plaster after rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, a plaster cast is applied to the nose - a bandage that is designed to maintain the desired position of all bones and cartilage. It is worn for 2 weeks, then removed for the day, and put on again in the evening - this way it is possible to prevent damage to the organ during sleep. Additionally, this device speeds up the process of swelling disappearance.
You cannot lift the plaster cast yourself, remove it and put it back in place. You need to take water procedures in such a way that water does not get on the plaster - it will get wet, change shape and will not perform its functions.
What to apply to your nose after rhinoplasty
If the doctor has not given any instructions regarding the use of medications after rhinoplasty, then there is no need to smear your nose with anything. It is recommended to rinse with saline solution, but use drugs from the pharmacy for this - for example, Aquamaris. This way, it will be possible to avoid the introduction of an infectious agent to the mucous membrane of the nasal passages.
You can smear your nose along the seams with Contractubex, ointment with badyagi, or any decongestant creams. But you cannot choose such medications on your own; they are prescribed by a doctor.
Watch this video about the features of rehabilitation after rhinoplasty:
How to apply a patch after rhinoplasty
The patch is worn after rhinoplasty for 2 weeks, then the process can be extended; in some cases, wearing such a bandage for 3 months is recommended to preserve/consolidate the results. Algorithm for the process of gluing the patch:
- Wipe the skin of your nose with alcohol-containing lotion - this will remove the sebaceous film.
- Cut off a small piece of adhesive tape (it should not be wide - maximum 1 cm) and stick it on the back of the nose.
- The second fragment is applied in such a way that the tip of the nose is involved, and the edges of the patch are attached to the previous fragment and seem to pull the tip up.
- The third strip of plaster is applied to the back of the nose so that it half covers the first strip and fixes the “tails” of the second fragment.
Prohibitions during rehabilitation
Healing will proceed without problems, and the shape of the nose will line up as intended, if you protect it from negative influences. There are several factors that can cause harm that should be excluded for now:
- Large amounts of salt and alcohol. Because of them, pain and swelling can linger for a long time.
- Sport. Playing activities, bending over, and running create a risk of mechanical damage to the nose. Its tissues are very fragile after surgery, so there is a risk of injury and sutures coming apart. For the same reason, you should not lift weights. Physical activity also increases blood circulation, which is why swelling lasts longer.
- Overheat. High temperatures interfere with the normal fusion of bones, cartilage and skin, creating conditions for infection. Therefore, a bath, visiting a solarium and staying in the open sun should be postponed for at least 3 months. Instead of a hot bath, use a warm shower. Food should also be at a comfortable temperature.
- Cold. It causes vasospasm, which does not promote tissue regeneration. How rehabilitation goes after rhinoplasty also depends on the general condition of the body, so catching a cold is also undesirable.
- Open water or pool swimming. This should be avoided due to the risk of infection for at least 2 months.
- Wearing glasses. Even lightly framed plastic can deform a new nose. The swelling due to the pressure of the glasses on the bridge of the nose will also increase.
- Cosmetics. It cannot be used for at least 2 weeks. Washing is also prohibited. Now the most expensive cosmetics and water are sources of infection.
- Pose lying on your side or stomach. In both cases there is a danger of injuring the nose.
You should also not touch it without reason, much less rip off the crusts that have formed inside on the mucous membrane. This may cause additional damage and bleeding.
What not to do after rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty you cannot:
- have sex during the first 2-3 weeks of the recovery period;
- take a hot bath or contrast shower;
- wet the bandage applied by the doctor to the nose;
- play sports and stress the physical body for 2-3 months;
- wear corrective glasses - the frames, even the lightest, put pressure on the nose, you should give preference to contact lenses;
- press, knead, massage the nose;
- sunbathe and visit the solarium during the first 3 weeks of the recovery period;
- make sudden head movements for 3 days after surgery.
Some restrictions are lifelong: for example, if a person is a professional boxer and has undergone rhinoplasty, then it is highly undesirable to return to this sport in the future - the results obtained will be destroyed, and repeated surgical intervention may be required.
Watch this video about how long it will take to recover after rhinoplasty:
How to help yourself recover
The rehabilitation period after rhinoplasty will be shortened if you help the healing of injured tissues:
- Follow a salt-free diet, including more vegetables and fruits and proteins in your diet. And carbohydrates and fats should be reduced.
- Use Traumeel S and Lyoton gels after asking your doctor’s permission. They will help get rid of bruises faster.
- Before going to bed, place pillows on the sides of your body. They will not allow you to roll over on your side or stomach.
Why does the nose crook to the side after rhinoplasty?
If after rhinoplasty the nose crooks to the side, then the reasons for this may be the following:
- uneven correction - during the operation the surgeon performs resection of bone and cartilage tissue, and if it was performed asymmetrically, then curvature of the nose to the side is guaranteed;
- placement of grafts is uneven - the defect will be visible only after the patient has fully recovered;
- implant extrusion – the inserted material shifts and “pulls” the entire nose with it.
In addition to the surgeon’s mistakes, patients themselves can provoke a crooked nose by not following the rules of the rehabilitation period. The most common violations that occur are:
- removing tampons from the nasal passages on your own;
- wearing corrective glasses immediately after surgery;
- sneezing with your mouth closed, blowing your nose;
- Violation of the regime – sports activities are carried out, the person continues to smoke and drink alcoholic beverages without waiting for the end of rehabilitation.
Separately, doctors consider the temporary effect of curvature of the nose to the side - after rhinoplasty this is considered a normal, habitual side effect that disappears on its own by the end of the recovery period. That is why surgeons do not recommend assessing changes in appearance before the due date.
Bruises after rhinoplasty
Bruising after rhinoplasty is an inevitable side effect that disappears on its own and in most cases does not require medical intervention. They appear 2-3 days after surgery, quickly spread to the area around the eyes, the bridge of the nose and cover part of the forehead, but after 4-5 days they disappear without a trace.
To speed up the process of getting rid of bruises, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations:
- apply cold or ice compresses to problem areas for 10 minutes every 2-3 hours;
- do not take medications that contain aspirin or other blood thinners;
- You should not sleep on your back in the first week after surgery - your head should always be slightly elevated in relation to your body.
Any decongestant ointments, wound healing and folk remedies against bruises can only be used with the permission of a doctor.
Different nostrils after rhinoplasty: is this normal?
Most often, different nostrils in shape and size after rhinoplasty are a normal phenomenon that disappears after complete recovery (after 1-1.5 months). You should not evaluate your appearance immediately after surgery and the visual convergence of edema - the fluid may be deep in the tissue cells, and it will serve as a deforming factor.
But sometimes different nostrils are the result of a surgeon’s error, which occurs if:
- an asymmetrical resection of the nasal wings was performed;
- incorrectly placed implants;
- displacement of the endoprosthesis in the tissues;
- improperly performed cartilage transplantation.
If the difference in the size and shape of the nostrils is clearly visible at the initial stage of recovery, then you should seek help from the operating doctor. He can place a tampon in a too narrowed nostril, which will make it possible to correct the situation without additional surgical intervention. A difficult situation can be corrected by revision rhinoplasty, which is performed no earlier than 6 months after the initial operation.
Smell in the nose after rhinoplasty
An unpleasant smell in the nose is a natural phenomenon after rhinoplasty; it can persist only in the first days after surgery or bother the patient for 12 months.
But if such a side effect is accompanied by an increase in body temperature, yellow or green discharge from the nasal passages, pain and discomfort, then you should immediately seek qualified medical help. Most likely, an inflammatory process develops in the sinuses, which can lead to the formation of purulent contents.
Doctors consider an unpleasant odor in the nose after rhinoplasty as a normal symptom, do not take any action and only carry out diagnostics for the timely detection of inflammatory and infectious processes.
Numbness of the nose after rhinoplasty
Loss of sensitivity and numbness of the nose after rhinoplasty is a temporary phenomenon that completely disappears after 2-3 weeks. But for some people, the process of restoring sensitivity takes much longer; it can be felt for another 3-4 months after complete rehabilitation.
The specified period is considered the maximum, so if the unpleasant symptom persists, you should seek help from specialists - the nerve endings may have been damaged, which can be corrected.
Crusts in the nose after rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, crusts may form in the nose, which is not a pathology; most often this process stops immediately after the stitches are removed (on the 10-15th day of the recovery period). Under no circumstances should you “forcibly” remove the crusts, because this provokes:
- bleeding due to injury to the mucous membrane;
- introduction of infection into the resulting wound;
- the formation of additional crusts during the wound healing process.
Doctors allow you to soften crusts in the nose with peach or almond oil, which are instilled into the nostril 1-2 drops several times a day. Soaked crusts can be freely removed with turundas, tourniquets or soft cotton swabs.
Nose can't breathe after rhinoplasty
If after rhinoplasty the nose does not breathe, then in the first few days this is considered normal. The second stage of rehabilitation, when you need to pay attention to nasal breathing, is 10-15 days. During this period, the plaster cast is removed, and breathing becomes freer, but may still remain difficult due to persistent swelling.
On the 3rd day after rhinoplasty
In general, doctors say that problems with nasal breathing after rhinoplasty can persist for up to 3 months. You can alleviate the condition with vasoconstrictor nasal drops, but they are used for no longer than 5 days in a row, because subsequent addiction occurs, and the body simply does not respond to such medications.
Runny nose after rhinoplasty
A runny nose after rhinoplasty is not normal and is extremely undesirable, because in this case, rehabilitation and recovery will take several months. As a runny nose, patients often experience active secretion of mucus, which is not a pathology and does not require the use of medications.
If a runny nose is a consequence of a cold, then the doctor should prescribe appropriate treatment. The best option would be to rinse with a saline solution and use vasoconstrictor drops to ease breathing. Under no circumstances should you blow your nose; you should avoid sneezing - these actions can cause sutures to rupture, implants to dislodge, and the tip of the nose to become distorted.
Scarring after rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, the risk of scarring at the surgical incision sites is especially
high in people with thick and dark skin. Scars form in any case, but they can be of different types:
- normotrophic - they are distinguished by a light shade and thinness, almost invisible to others;
- keloid - the scar is constantly growing, itchy, its surface is pink or red, but after rhinoplasty such formations occur extremely rarely;
- internal - form in the nasal passages, can cause difficulty breathing, and decrease on their own over time.
Prevention of scar formation after rhinoplasty is strict adherence to the rules of the recovery period.
When does the tip of the nose droop after rhinoplasty?
If the tip of the nose after rhinoplasty is in an upturned state, then we can say with confidence that it will drop no earlier than in 2-3 weeks. But sometimes surgery on the nose leads to the tip remaining in a drooping state forever, and this is already a sign of unsuccessful work by the surgeon. You will not be able to solve the problem on your own; you will need to go to the clinic for revision rhinoplasty to correct the aesthetic defect.
The position of the nasal tip should be assessed no earlier than 12 months after surgery.
Swollen tip of the nose after rhinoplasty
A swollen tip of the nose after rhinoplasty, even if it was performed on the bridge of the nose, is considered a normal side effect. Swelling may be:
- primary – occurs during the operation;
- secondary – visible to the patient and others after removal of the plaster cast, can persist for 30-45 days;
- residual - located only at the tip of the nose, is a small bulge, not noticeable to others.
Complete recovery and disappearance of edema occurs only 12 months after surgery.
Watch this video about how to remove swelling after rhinoplasty:
After rhinoplasty, a hump appeared on the bridge of the nose
The formation of a hump on the bridge of the nose after rhinoplasty occurs after a few months, and this may mean the following:
- the connective tissue has grown too much at the site of the incision and the surgeon’s work;
- the patient did not follow the rules of rehabilitation and started massage too early;
- the demand to stop wearing glasses was ignored.
The problem can only be solved by revision rhinoplasty, which is performed only 12 months after the previous one.
Headache after rhinoplasty
Headache after rhinoplasty is a normal side effect that may persist for up to 3 months. The pain will be periodic and not intense, due to the fact that during work the surgeon literally breaks the nasal septum and moves the cartilage. Such intervention leads to damage to the nerve endings, which provokes pain in the head.
Sometimes this side effect means fluctuations in blood pressure, so you will need to monitor these indicators.
Solarium after rhinoplasty: when is it possible?
You can visit the solarium after rhinoplasty after 6 months. Ultraviolet
rays can provoke the formation of pigment spots on the nose, because scars are not exposed to them.
In addition, a solarium is a thermal procedure that can increase blood flow, raise blood pressure, and provide a rush of blood to the nose. And this is a direct violation of the rehabilitation period.
For the same reasons, you should not sunbathe, and before going outside, be sure to apply sunscreen cream to your nose.
How long can you wear glasses after rhinoplasty?
After rhinoplasty, doctors do not allow you to wear glasses for 2-3 weeks - during this period the stitches will be removed and basic recovery will take place. This limitation is associated with guaranteed pressure on the nose. And even if it is not the bridge of the nose that has undergone surgery, but, for example, the wings or nostrils, then the glasses will put pressure on top, which can cause skin displacement and curvature of the tip of the nose.
If glasses are necessary for vision correction, they are replaced with contact lenses during the rehabilitation period. They are allowed to be worn immediately after rhinoplasty.
Physiotherapy after rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, to speed up the rehabilitation process and prevent the development of unwanted complications, Doctors can prescribe a course of physiotherapy:
- . Used to quickly relieve swelling, treat hematomas/bruises, and improve skin nutrition after surgery. It involves a combination of medications and ultrasonic waves; one session lasts no more than 10 minutes and is painless. The full course is variable, depending on the patient’s condition. Procedures are carried out daily.
- . Restore sensitivity and improve blood circulation. Prescribed on the 10-14th day of the recovery period after complete removal of the plaster cast. Helps relieve swelling that has spread to the lower part of the face. The full course consists of 5 procedures, which are carried out with a break of 2 days. on the 15th day after rhinoplasty, which restores soft tissues, accelerates their regeneration and prevents the formation of scars. Nose massage
- alcohol increases blood pressure and increases blood flow - an excess rush of blood to the nose can cause bleeding and bruising;
- drinks containing alcohol inhibit regeneration processes and metabolism - tissues will heal more slowly;
- Fluid retention occurs in the body, which lengthens the period of disappearance of edema.
Massage should be performed 2-3 times a day for a month. It helps restore and strengthen the tone of the skin, which prevents sagging.
Sometimes doctors prescribe hardware or manual lymphatic drainage, which helps get rid of deep edema affecting the periosteum. But such procedures should only be performed by specialists.
How long after rhinoplasty can you play sports?
Doctors ban sports after rhinoplasty for at least 60 days; it is advisable to maintain a period of 3 months. The fact is that physical activity leads to a natural increase in blood pressure, increased/accelerated blood flow - a rush of blood to the face can provoke a change in the results of rhinoplasty and even lead to sutures coming apart.
If the surgical intervention was accompanied by complications, or they arose during the rehabilitation period, then the contraindication to sports is extended to six months.
Diet after rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, you do not need to follow any strict diet with many restrictions; the digestive system continues to work as usual. But there are a number of recommendations from doctors that must be followed:
Doctors categorically do not advise eating salted, pickled, smoked foods, sausages and deli meats, fast foods, semi-finished products - these products contain a large amount of salt, which will retain fluid in the body. And this leads to an extension of the period of getting rid of edema after rhinoplasty.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited for consumption during the 20-day recovery period.
Alcohol after rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, alcohol consumption should be avoided for 2-3 weeks. This recommendation from doctors is due to the following factors:
Some medications that are prescribed by a doctor to speed up rehabilitation are incompatible with alcoholic beverages - such a combination can cause an acute allergic reaction or make the medications functionally useless.
Read more about surgery to reduce the size of the nose.
During recovery after rhinoplasty, it is important for the patient to be patient, calm and confident in the result, despite the unattractive reflection in the mirror. If you have surgery from a good doctor, the beauty and grace of your nose may be beyond your expectations. The main thing is not to spoil the effect with incorrect actions after it.
Useful video
For information about what advice a plastic surgeon gives to patients after rhinoplasty, watch this video:
The postoperative period after rhinoplasty, including some unpleasant but inevitable consequences, lasts up to 3 months. At the same time the most important period of rehabilitation is the first weeks when the patient wears a cast. An experienced surgeon prefers plaster after rhinoplasty - it performs all the important functions that a “new” nose needs.
As you know, swelling of the face, especially the eyes and cheeks, can last up to several months - this is due to damage to the blood vessels in the nasal cavity. However, the nose itself does not experience as much swelling. This effect is achieved by plaster - it inhibits swelling. After removing it, of course, the shape of the nose will be far from the desired result, since swelling will still be present, albeit in a small amount. That is why surgeons recommend assessing the final result of the operation no earlier than 6-9 months, when the bone tissue has finished forming and the swelling has completely subsided.
Gypsum also plays another important role - it prevents mechanical damage. Even a small accidental blow can cause deformation, since the tissues immediately after the operation are still very soft. The plaster “holds” its new shape until the doctor allows it to be removed.
It doesn’t matter whether you wear a full-fledged cast with tampons or a splint for light protection - it is strictly forbidden to remove them before a doctor’s prescription, regardless of how much you will have to wear the cast after rhinoplasty. In addition, it is undesirable to wet, squeeze, hit or even sneeze - any impact on the nose can damage it.
Doctors also prohibit the following:
- Wear glasses for 4 weeks after rhinoplasty;
- If possible, eat only liquid foods;
- Avoid swimming pools, baths and excess liquid on the face;
- Sleep with your head elevated on the pillow to prevent excessive swelling.
How many days does it take to remove the cast after rhinoplasty?
Of course, every patient who has undergone nose correction surgery is concerned with the question of how many days after rhinoplasty the plaster is removed. Of course, because it causes so much inconvenience! With it, you will not be able to go outside, return to work or physical activity. Particular problems arise with breathing - due to tampons in the nose, you will only have to breathe through your mouth. At the same time, they also perform an important function: they remove excessive bleeding (a normal reaction of the body) and prevent the septum from deformation.
On what day should tampons be removed after rhinoplasty? As a rule, You can get rid of turundas in your nose in just 24 hours, maximum – 3 days after surgery. Until this point, the patient suffers from difficulty breathing and other related difficulties.
On what day is the cast removed after rhinoplasty? Plaster is a more serious protection, which is why it is worn a little longer. After 7-10 days the plaster is removed, however, nasal swelling persists for the next few weeks.
Splint after rhinoplasty - an alternative to plaster
Some surgeons prefer to maintain the shape of the operated nose not with plaster, but with a medical splint - a bandage that is strong enough and also protects from damage. To the question “How long do they wear a splint on the nose after?” surgeons answer unequivocally: the same as plaster.
Despite all the inconveniences, it is necessary to wear a cast, tampons and a splint. By taking all protective measures and following all the requirements, you can achieve the desired result - a perfect nose that suits your face shape.
Rhinoplasty is a modern way to achieve perfectly beautiful facial features. An important role is played by the rehabilitation period and removal of plaster after the intervention. Langet requires special care and careful treatment.
Only careful adherence to all the rules and instructions of the doctor guarantees an excellent result. The full period of recovery of the body lasts for one year. The most important period is the first two months after surgery. Therefore, the patient must be attentive to the body and monitor changes in well-being.
Care of the plaster cast
In the first days after surgery, severe swelling is observed. As a rule, it goes away completely within 2-3 days. Patients often complain of discomfort from wearing it. This sensation usually goes away within four days.
The plaster cast serves as the basis for fixing the shape of the nose in the postoperative period. It is removed a week after application.
- Avoid excessive physical activity completely activity, especially in the first days after surgery.
- Not scratch nose with a toothpick. One wrong move and the bandage will fall off. The risk of infection also increases.
- Relieve painful sensation can be achieved using an ice pack that is applied to the plaster. Additionally, you should follow a special diet that excludes the consumption of fatty foods.
- Reduce conversations and do not sneeze, as this can lead to displacement of the splint.
- For four weeks after surgery, do not blow your nose.
- Not wet gypsum , since water can destroy its shape. It is necessary to wash your face very carefully and ensure that the liquid does not spoil its structure.
- Under no circumstances should the design be checked for strength, this can lead to structural damage.
- It is strictly forbidden to use alcoholic drinks drinks, as they provoke bleeding.
- It is necessary to protect your face as much as possible from direct contact solar rays.
- Under no circumstances should you spend time in pool or sauna.
When wearing a cast on the nose, you are allowed to:
- Wear glasses.
- Mask the material tonal cream.
Plaster removal process
The procedure is virtually painless and includes:
- Establishment tampons, moistened with a special solution and antibiotics into the nasal passages. They are used for additional fixation of walls and tissues.
- Removal splints.
- Hygienic processing after completion of the procedure.
How long it takes to remove the cast after rhinoplasty largely depends on the speed of tissue healing. Doctors determine a period of 7 to 10 days for this. Therefore, it is in the patient’s interests to follow all recommendations and adhere to the basic rules.
After removing tampons, the nasal mucosa requires special care. For this, cotton swabs are used, which are pre-moistened in hydrogen peroxide or special oil.
The procedure can be performed using essential extracts of peach, apricot, grapes, and almonds. Their use promotes rapid removal of crusts and high-quality hydration of the mucous membrane. It is advisable to perform additional rinsing of the nasal sinuses with saline solution.