How do I reduce swelling after rhinoplasty?

What swelling/bruising can I expect after rhinoplasty?

After a Rhinoplasty procedure you can expect to experience some degree of bruising and swelling. Bruising and swelling is a natural part of recovery and is the body’s natural response to invasive surgery. Rhinoplasty patients should expect some bruising to the face, this should subside after 7-14 days.  The most common areas affected will be your nose and around your eyes.

When does Rhinoplasty swelling go down?

Swelling typically takes 1-12 weeks to reduce and can appear on the bridge and tip of the nose, in between the brows and with some patients it can occur across the whole face. Swelling will continue to reduce over several months, but it can take up to 1 year post-op to see the final nose result.

How to reduce bruising and swelling after a nose job?

While there isn’t one simple rule to follow to reduce swelling after a rhinoplasty, following these simple steps will help swelling to go down safely and more quickly.

The following instructions can help reduce swelling following rhinoplasty surgery:

• DO NOT tamper with or remove your splint at any point; the clinic nurse will remove this during your post-operative appointment under the instruction of the surgeon.

• You must be cautious when sneezing, avoid aggressive sneezing and try to sneeze through your mouth.

•  It is important the splint stays dry; wash around the area but avoid hot baths/showers as the steam can cause the splint to loosen.

• You are encouraged to breathe through your mouth and drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dry and dehydrated.

• No blowing your nose for 6 weeks.

• No flying on an aeroplane, MYA advise that you wait at least 4 weeks to fly short-haul and 6 weeks long-haul post-surgery.

• No physical sport, exercise, or attending the gym for 6-8 weeks post-op. Heavy lifting and contact sports, can be resumed between 6 months -1 year post-op. Individual circumstances should be discussed with your MYA surgeon and clinical team.

• No swimming or use of saunas or steam rooms for 6-8 weeks or until you are advised by your surgeon and clinical team at MYA that it is safe to resume these activities.

• Ensure that you sleep propped up on pillows with your shoulders raised for the first 7-10 days, the elevation helps to reduce swelling.

• Avoid sleeping face down or resting on your nose for at least 6 weeks post-op.

• Do not wear glasses for 6 months; your nasal bone is not fully healed and remains soft for 6 months post-operatively.

• Avoid exposure to the sun for 6 months, hot temperatures can cause the nose to swell.

• Do not touch/massage the nose for 4 months.

• Do not follow advice from your peers or other patients as everyone’s journey is different, it is vital you stick to the guidance provided by your MYA surgeon and clinical team.

• For the first 3 days post-operatively, it is advisable to apply a cold compress to your cheeks, ensuring that this is not applied to the nose.

• Drink at least 6 to 8 (1.2 – 1.6 litres) glasses of water a day to keep hydrated.

• Eating a balanced diet will help your body to rebuild the damaged tissue to the nose, which in turn will speed up your recovery. Include plenty of protein-rich foods, such as nuts, meats, eggs, yoghurt and fish. (Limiting your dietary salt intake may help reduce the fluid retention underneath your nose.)

• Quit smoking -you will already be aware of our smoking guidelines pre and post-operatively; the nicotine in tobacco products will reduce oxygen-rich blood supply to your nose and can interfere with the healing process.

• Use a gentle mouth wash or rinse with water to keep your mouth clean and fresh.

Staged of Rhinoplasty healing:

1 week post op- Your surgeon will remove the splint from your nose. Your nose will be very swollen and enlarged however, you should be able to see the general profile of your new nose. You experience a lot of bruising at this stage.

1-3 months post op- Majority Bruising and swelling will have gone down and you will be able to see more of your new nose. Bare in mind there will still be swelling on your nose and still a long way to go until you see the final results.

6 months to 1year post op- At this stage the sides and tip of your nose will be more defined. At one year after your rhinoplasty there should be no remaining swelling and you will be able to see the final  results of your new nose!

How much swelling or bruising is normal after a rhinoplasty?

Swelling and bruising after a rhinoplasty is normal. Every patient is different when it comes to swelling and bruising. However, in the first couple of weeks following the surgery, you would experience reasonable amount of swelling.

When can I go back to work after a nose job?

Patients can expect to return to work between 7-10 days post-op for office-based jobs. If your job is more physically demanding, you may be required to take 2 weeks off work for recovery, this can be discussed with your MYA Nurse.

When can I get back into the gym/ exercise after a rhinoplasty?

It is advised to wait at least 6 weeks before getting back into the gym or heavy exercise. Your surgeon will advise you during your consultations.