Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery that enables the effective correction of post-traumatic consequences, the complete restoration of tissue structures, the correction of nasal breathing, and the adjustment of the shape or size of the nose for aesthetic purposes.
The procedure is a complex type of surgical intervention, as this organ works continuously, participates in the breathing process, warms, hydrates and disinfects the air. Due to its complexity, the recovery period takes more time than other types of plastic correction and requires the patient to strictly follow the surgeon's recommendations and prescriptions.
The speed and characteristics of rehabilitation are individual and depend on many factors: the complexity and amount of surgical intervention, correction methods, the patient's health, the doctor's qualifications, etc.
Stages of rehabilitation after rhinoplasty
The exact timing of the recovery period is determined individually in each clinical situation, but all rehabilitation can be conditionally divided into several stages.
On the day of rhinoplasty
The correction takes an average of 2-4 hours, most often it is done under anesthesia, so the patient is under observation at the clinic on the first day after the intervention. Drowsiness, weakness, apathy may occur for several hours, but these symptoms disappear quickly, and after 3-4 hours the patient can move and eat independently. Nasal breathing may become difficult due to nasal splints and nasal swelling. Hematomas often appear around the eyes and near the nose. The next day, the patient receives all the necessary recommendations and is discharged home.
Stage I - the first 7 days after the correction
During this period, the patient's nose is fixed with a splint, which prevents the structures from moving, and silicone splints are placed in the nasal passages, which make it possible to maintain nasal breathing. All this can cause discomfort in the first days - contraction, foreign body, heavy feeling. In addition, the early postoperative period is characterized by pain, severe swelling and possible hematomas.
In this stage, it is necessary to take the medicines recommended by the doctor, to rinse the nose, to rest completely, to avoid physical activity, to sleep on the back, with the head raised, and to refrain from applying make-up.
II. stage - 7-14 days after plastic surgery
The patient's well-being improves, the pain ceases, the hematomas disappear, the main swelling begins to decrease, but remains on the tip, back and sides of the nose. After about 10 days, the doctor removes the cast, sutures and splints. Restrictions on physical activity, hot and cold water procedures, use of decorative cosmetics and exposure to sunlight remain.
III. stage - 2 weeks to 1 month after rhinoplasty
All signs of surgery disappear on the face and the shape of the nose improves. By the end of stage 3, physiotherapy procedures are recommended to strengthen the new structures of the nose. Within 3-4 weeks, the patient can return to the usual rhythm of life and go to work.
ARC. stage - 6 months-1 year
During this period, the nose acquires the desired ideal shape, scars become invisible, all tissues are completely restored, and at the same time all restrictions and prohibitions are removed. After one year, cosmetic manipulations in the nose area are allowed.
What should the patient pay particular attention to during the recovery period?
Particular attention should be paid to the hygiene and safety of the nose. We recommend following the rules below:
- Do not remove or cut sutures yourself;
- avoid mechanical effects on the nose area;
- treat the operated area with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection;
- In case of discharge, you should not blow your nose, the nasal passages should be cleaned carefully and with a sterile cotton pad;
- Rinsing the nose with sea salt is allowed.
If symptoms such as hyperthermia (temperature above 38 degrees), nausea, skin rash, hyperemia, increased pain at the site of the procedure, persistent nosebleeds, shortness of breath occur, contact a plastic surgeon immediately.
Plastic surgeon recommendations to speed up and ease the healing period
In order for the rehabilitation period to go faster, as comfortably as possible and without complications, it is advisable to apply some of the surgeon's recommendations, namely:
- after the manipulation, sleep only on your back with the head of the bed raised - this will increase the outflow of fluid from the head, and the swelling will be less pronounced;
- use a cold compress to reduce swelling - the compress should be placed on the area near the nose, not on the organ itself;
- after removing the splint, massage is allowed, the purpose of which is to activate the lymph nodes of the face, which also reduces swelling, improves blood supply and regeneration (active actions are unacceptable, the massage consists of applying light pressure with the fingers according to the following principle: "finger touch " -"light pressure for 30 seconds" - "release");
- In order for the hematomas to absorb faster, special ointments recommended by the doctor can be applied to them.
Physiotherapy procedures are also well-proven, the patient is prescribed microcurrents, ultrasound therapy, phonophoresis and mesotherapy. All manipulations are performed after removing the bandage, the specific type and frequency of the procedure is determined by the doctor, taking into account the patient's condition.
Post-operative appointments with a plastic surgeon
The patient should see a plastic surgeon at certain times for follow-up:
- 7 days after manipulation;
- 1 month after the intervention;
- 2 months later;
- in 3 months;
- in six months;
- in one year.
After about 7-10 days, the doctor will remove the cast. If the condition worsens or complications arise, an emergency visit to the surgeon is necessary.
Use of medicines
Any local or systemic medication should only be used as prescribed by the plastic surgeon. If necessary, painkillers, swelling-reducing diuretics, microcirculation-improving drugs, and vitamin therapy in the autumn-winter postoperative period are recommended. A sea salt solution is prescribed for rinsing the nose; ointments are sometimes recommended to optimize blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
Nutrition and diet
The postoperative period involves certain dietary restrictions. Resting the face is an important condition for correct and rapid regeneration, so it is recommended to minimize the activity of the masticatory muscles.
On the day of the plastic surgery, a light diet consisting of liquid dishes must be followed, regular food intake is allowed the next day, but rough and hard foods that require chewing power must be avoided for 2 weeks, the food itself should be approx. comfortable temperature. For a month after plastic surgery, it is recommended to limit the consumption of salty, sweet, smoked foods - foods that retain fluid in the body and, as a result, increase swelling. In order to improve the metabolic processes, it is advisable to stick to fractional balanced meals - 5-6 times a day.
Restrictions
Rhinoplasty does not limit the patient's social life, but during the recovery period it is recommended to pay more attention to your health and to focus on personal feelings: if any activity is accompanied by discomfort, then avoid it. During rehabilitation, it is also advisable to refuse:
- active blowing of the nose - only careful cleaning of the nasal passages is allowed;
- sleeping on the stomach and side - it is optimal to rest on the back;
- wearing any glasses for at least 2 months, including corrective glasses;
- weight lifting and physical activity;
- solarium, bath, sauna visit;
- showering in extreme temperatures.
Various experiments with traditional medicine are strictly prohibited, especially in the case of "solutions" made from food, hot poultices made from salt, etc. It is important to remember that in the first two weeks you should not touch your nose, so be careful. for a comfortable wardrobe, it is better to have a zipperor wears button-down clothes.
Visible result
The first visible result can be evaluated approximately one month after the correction, when the postoperative manifestations disappear. The nose takes a clearer shape after 6-8 months, the final result after a year. In the case of non-surgical rhinoplasty, the final result can be seen a few hours after the procedure.
F. A. Q
When can you go to the solarium after surgery?
Ultraviolet radiation and the thermal effect dilate blood vessels and capillaries, which can cause bleeding, increase swelling and slow down the regeneration of soft tissues. You can visit the solarium no earlier than 6 weeks after rhinoplasty, when the hematomas have completely disappeared and the edema syndrome has passed.
When can you do gymnastics after rhinoplasty?
Sports exercises cause an increase in heart rate and increased blood circulation, especially bleeding on the face, so all activities should be postponed for 2-3 months, and the return to professional sports - for at least six months.
When can you have sex after rhinoplasty?
Sex is a fairly significant physical activity that should be avoided in the first 2-3 weeks after the correction, otherwise bleeding, increased swelling may occur, and even the slightest touch of the nose may deform the organ and affect the final result.
When can you wash after surgery?
Showering is allowed 3-5 days after the correction, only the water should be warm. It is important to avoid wetting the plaster, it must remain dry, as the first replacement is possible at least 5 days after application.
When can you drink alcohol after surgery?
Ethyl alcohol, which is contained in all alcoholic beverages without exception, slows tissue regeneration and has a negative effect on blood vessels and the heart, so it is extremely important to give up alcoholic beverages for at least one month after surgery.
How long does the swelling last after surgery?
Tissue swelling is a common phenomenon after rhinoplasty. Swelling peaks approximately 3 days after correction, when swelling is noticeable on the nose, eyelids, cheeks, and in some cases, the chin, and then gradually begins to decrease. Noticeable manifestations disappear within 1-3 weeks. The residual compaction, which is not visible to others, disappears after 6-8 months.
How long after surgery can I go to the bathroom?
Do not expose your body to strong heat or sudden temperature changes for 2 months after rhinoplasty. Accordingly, during this period, avoid visiting the spa, sunbathing (including the solarium) and contrast showers.
Conclusion
Rhinoplasty is a rather complex plastic surgery, which is performed not only for aesthetic purposes, but also for therapeutic purposes. The level of complexity is determined by the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the organ and its continuous operation. The duration of rehabilitation after plastic surgery varies and depends on the type of surgical intervention, the complexity and scope of the correction, and the individual characteristics of the patient. In order for the recovery period to be as comfortable and fast as possible, various complications do not develop, and the end result meets your wishes, it is extremely important to responsibly accept the recommendations of the plastic surgeon in the post-operative period and strictly follow allyour instructions.