Correcting the shape of the nose allows you to eliminate visible violations in their location and symmetry, as well as eliminate certain pathologies in the process of functioning of this organ. Rhinoplasty today enjoys well-deserved popularity, since this operation allows you to quickly achieve the expected positive result of the procedure and has a minimal number of possible side effects.
The recovery process after rhinoplasty is relatively short, following all the doctor's recommendations will eliminate the possibility of negative health consequences and get the shape of the nose that meets the patient's wishes.
recovery period after the operation
General rules
Features of the rehabilitation period after rhinoplasty is the need to meet a number of requirements that minimize the risk of complications after this type of procedure. And even with the modern sophistication of the surgeon's actions when correcting the shape of the nose, the use of the least aggressive drugs and the extremely convenient and trouble-free equipment, there is a certain possibility that the negative consequences will manifest themselves rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that allows you to make adjustments to the physical shape of the nose. This affects the bone, mucus, and cartilage tissues of the nose that make up its inner and outer covering. Since there is a significant impact on the nasal tissues and nasal passages during the process of performing rhinoplasty, a certain amount of time is required for their recovery. And the more interventions were made, the longer the recovery took.
Since each organism is individual, the course of recovery can be different. At the same time, depending on the practice, the rehabilitation period lasts on average several months, after which, subject to all the recommendations of the doctor, the patient can lead a habitual active lifestyle without contact sports.
There are several possible negative consequences of this operation, which interfere with the process of repairing nasal tissues and can have a significant negative impact on the functioning of the nose in the future. The entire recovery period of the patient after the operation can be divided into four main stages, during which all the requirements of the doctor who performed the procedure must be strictly observed.
Possible Consequences
The most common side effects of a rhinoplasty include:
- scarring. Their appearance is due to the peculiarities of the skin, the tendency to poor tissue healing. Modern techniques for rhinoplasty and the materials used in it make it possible to achieve minimal trauma in this type of intervention. In closed surgery, when the tissue in the nose is injured, there are usually no visible marks on the skin.
- Capillary network on the skin, which is due to the tendency of the upper layer of the epidermis to bleed, poor resorption of hematomas. The protruding capillaries testify to their hypersensitivity, fragility of their walls. To prevent the appearance of a capillary network, a doctor may recommend taking medications that increase the degree of elasticity of the capillary walls and their faster recovery.
- Edema. Tissue swelling after rhinoplasty should be considered a normal reaction of the body. Injured tissue reacts in this way to mechanical influences, in which a rhinoplasty manifests itself. Usually, the swelling is more localized around the eyes and near the nose. Their decrease in the normal course of the recovery process is noted after 5-7 days.
- Hematomas, especially large bruises, are common during rhinoplasty surgery. They pass by themselves, but the time for their disappearance can be significantly reduced when using drugs that promote the resorption of bruises and hematomas.
- Pain often occurs after rhinoplasty, which is due to multiple mechanical damage to the bone and cartilage tissue of the nose. Pain is eliminated with the help of painkillers, which can be prescribed by a surgeon. Establishing a rehabilitation plan and strictly following it will speed healing of injured tissues.
With the external method, there may be traces of rhinoplasty in the form of sutures and scars, but these are usually barely noticeable and can be corrected with laser treatment.
In addition to the listed negative consequences of rhinoplasty, organic changes can occur that affect the further process of recovery and the well-being of the patient. These include:
- Deterioration or loss of smell due to mechanical damage to nasal tissues;
- deterioration of the shape of the nose - the tip of the nose is too raised, acquiring a saddle shape;
- inflammatory process of the periosteum;
- tissue infection during surgery;
- development of volumetric callus at the surgical site;
- Heavy bleeding during surgery.
Restoration of nasal tissue occurs within 1. 5-3 months from the moment of rhinoplasty.
The rehabilitation process is conditionally divided into four periods, each of which differs in duration and effectiveness.
Photos of rhinoplasty during the rehabilitation period:
Rehabilitation after rhinoplasty
The course of the recovery process is mostly smooth, the very next day after the procedure you can wash and wash your hair with someone else's help, being careful not to get the bandage on your face wet. No hospitalization is required after rhinoplasty. Recovery is done at home.
1-7 days
The recovery process takes up to 7 days, which is what most patients who have undergone rhinoplasty find most uncomfortable. Swelling of damaged tissues, bruising, multiple hematomas - all these manifestations worsen the general condition. At the same time, edema can spread, "spread" over the entire surface of the face. Therefore, at the first stage after rhinoplasty, the most severe condition is noted, pain is noted even without affecting the nose and areas adjacent to it.
Removal of secretions from the nose, regardless of the use of tampons, is a prerequisite for a speedy recovery. The use of disinfectants also prevents the development of inflammatory reactions, adding infection to damaged tissues.
7-12 days
During the second recovery phase, the bandage is removed, but the shape of the nose can still be changed. Careful management of damaged tissue and use of all medications can speed recovery and healing.
During this period, bruises still remain, which gradually acquire a yellowish tint, their size decreases. Pain is still significant, all mechanical impacts cause pain and discomfort.
Third section
Over the next 2-3 weeks, the general condition of the nose improves significantly: the skin acquires a healthier shade, its hypersensitivity decreases, bruises and hematomas resolve. The places where the seams are sewn gradually become more and more inconspicuous, and when using non-resorbable material, the affected area takes on an increasingly healthy appearance.
But even during this period one should be very careful with the nose to avoid mechanical impact on it.
fourth stage
During the last, fourth phase of recovery, which lasts 3-5 weeks after the procedure, the last negative manifestations are eliminated: bruises disappear, hematomas remain only in the form of minor changes in skin color, pain is felt less and less .
In the final stages of the recovery period, it is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations of the attending physician. Identifying deviations from the expected result allows timely detection of indications for a second operation. The most common indication of this is the asymmetry that appeared in the fourth phase of rehabilitation.
Nose care afterwards
At the end of the rehabilitation period, certain conditions that the doctor prescribes must be observed. These include the following recommendations:
- do not expose to direct sunlight for a long time;
- do not visit the solarium;
- do not bathe in the steam room and sauna;
- taking hot and cold baths;
- give up contact sports;
- Lifting weights is not recommended for six months from the date of the rhinoplasty.
- You should not swim in rivers and open water.
Thanks to the strict observance of these simple rules, it is possible to avoid the likelihood of a risk of negative consequences for health in general and the condition of the nose.
Reviews about rehabilitation
Since the duration of the recovery process is strictly individual and depends both on the age of the patient and the condition of his skin, reviews can be different. Most of those who have undergone rhinoplasty speak about the possibility of a short rehabilitation period if all the doctor's recommendations are followed. The absence of external mechanical influences, a careful attitude to the nose, the use of disinfectants to eliminate the negative effects of infection on damaged tissues and regular removal of secretions from the nasal passages allow the recovery process to be completed more quickly.
However, in some cases there are negative consequences such as pronounced asymmetry of the nose, deterioration of the sense of smell and patency of the nasal passages, the condition of the skin can change. A weak immune system can slow down the recovery process.