Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery that makes it possible to effectively correct post-traumatic consequences, fully restore tissue structures, correct nasal breathing, but also adjust the shape or size of the nose for aesthetic purposes.
The procedure is a complex type of surgical intervention, since this organ works constantly, participating in the respiratory process, warming, humidifying and disinfecting the air. Due to its complexity, the recovery period takes longer 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 volume of the surgical intervention, methods of correction, the state of health of the patient, the qualifications of the doctor, etc.
Rehabilitation stages after rhinoplasty
The exact timing of the recovery period in each clinical situation is determined individually, but any rehabilitation can be conditionally divided into several stages.
The day of the rhinoplasty
The correction lasts on average 2 to 4 hours, it is most often carried out under anesthesia, therefore the first day after the procedure the patient is in the clinic under observation. Drowsiness, weakness and apathy may occur for several hours, but these symptoms quickly disappear and after 3-4 hours the patient can move independently and eat food. There may be difficulty breathing through the nose due to nasal splints and swelling. Bruises often appear around the eyes and near the nose. The next day, the patient receives all the necessary recommendations and returns home.
Stage I - the first 7 days after correction
During this period, the patient's nose is fixed with a splint that prevents the structures from moving, and silicone splints are inserted into the nasal passages, which helps maintain nasal breathing. All this can cause discomfort in the first days – a feeling of constriction, a foreign body, a feeling of heaviness. In addition, the early postoperative period is characterized by pain, significant swelling and possible hematomas.
At this stage, one should take the medications recommended by the doctor, rinse the nose, rest completely, avoid physical activity, sleep on the back with the head of the bed elevated and refrain from wearing makeup.
Stage II – 7 to 14 days after plastic surgery
The patient's well-being improves, the pain disappears, hematomas disappear, the main swelling begins to subside, but remains on the tip of the nose, back and sides. After about 10 days, the doctor removes the plaster splint, sutures it and removes the splints. Restrictions remain on physical activity, hot and cold water procedures, the use of decorative cosmetics and exposure to the sun.
Stage III – 2 weeks to 1 month after rhinoplasty
All surgical signs disappear on the face and an improvement in the shape of the nose is observed. At the end of stage 3, physiotherapeutic procedures are indicated to strengthen the new structures of the nose. At 3-4 weeks, the patient can return to their usual rhythm of life and go to work.
Stage IV - 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 lifted. After a year, cosmetic manipulations on the nose are allowed.
What is especially important for the patient to pay attention to during the recovery period?
Particular attention should be paid to nasal hygiene and safety. It is recommended to respect the following rules:
- Do not remove or cut the sutures yourself;
- avoid mechanical impacts on the nasal area;
- treat the operated area with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection;
- In case of discharge, you should not blow your nose, you should carefully clean the nasal passages using sterile cotton swabs;
- It is allowed to rinse the nose with a solution of sea salt.
If symptoms such as hyperthermia (temperature above 38 degrees), nausea, rash, hyperemia, increased pain at the site of intervention, persistent nosebleeds, shortness of breath appear, you should immediately consult a plastic surgeon.
Recommendations of a plastic surgeon to speed up and facilitate the recovery period
In order for the rehabilitation period to pass as quickly, as comfortably as possible and without complications, it is advisable to use certain recommendations of the surgeon, namely:
- after 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 cold compresses to reduce swelling - the compress is placed on the area near the nose, and not on the organ itself;
- after removing the splint, a massage is allowed, aimed at activating the lymph nodes of the face, which also reduces swelling, improves blood supply and regeneration (active actions are unacceptable, massage consists of applying alight pressure with fingers according to the principle: "touch of fingers" - "light pressure for 30 seconds" - "let go");
- For faster resorption of hematomas, it is allowed to apply special ointments recommended by the doctor to them.
Physiotherapy procedures have also proven themselves well: the patient is prescribed microcurrent, ultrasound therapy, phonophoresis and mesotherapy. All manipulations are carried out after removing the dressing, the specific type of intervention and its frequency are determined by the doctor taking into account the patient's condition.
Postoperative appointments with a plastic surgeon
The patient must consult a plastic surgeon for follow-up at certain times:
- 7 days after handling;
- 1 month after the intervention;
- 2 months later;
- in 3 months;
- in six months;
- in a year.
After about 7 to 10 days, the doctor will remove the plaster splint. If the condition worsens or complications arise, an emergency visit to the surgeon is necessary.
Use of medications
The use of local and systemic medications should be carried out only as prescribed by the plastic surgeon. If necessary, analgesics may be recommended to relieve pain, diuretics to reduce swelling, drugs to improve microcirculation, and vitamin therapy in the autumn and winter postoperative period. A solution of sea salt is prescribed to rinse the nose; ointments are sometimes recommended to optimize blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Nutrition and diet
The postoperative period involves certain dietary restrictions. An important condition for correct and rapid regeneration is rest of the face, therefore it is recommended to minimize the activity of the masticatory muscles.
On the day of plastic surgery, you should follow a light diet consisting of liquid dishes, the next day regular food intake is allowed, but for 2 weeks you should avoid rough and hard foods that require chewing force, fooditself must be at a reasonable level. comfortable temperature. For a month after plastic surgery, it is recommended to limit the consumption of salty, sweet and smoked foods - foods that retain fluid in the body and, as a result, increase swelling. To improve metabolic processes, it is advisable to adhere to fractional and 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 one's health and focus on personal feelings: if actions are accompanied by discomfort, you shouldthen avoid doing them. It is also advisable during rehabilitation to refuse:
- actively blowing your nose - it is only allowed to carefully clean the nasal passages;
- sleep on your stomach and side - it is optimal to rest in a position on your back;
- wear glasses for at least 2 months, including corrective glasses;
- lift weights and do physical activity;
- visit a solarium, bathhouse, sauna;
- showering in extreme temperatures.
Various experiments in traditional medicine are strictly prohibited, especially for "solutions" based on food, hot compresses based on salt, etc. It is also important to remember that during the first two weeks you should not touch your nose, so you need to be careful. of a comfortable wardrobe, it is better to use clothes with a zipper or buttons.
Visible result
The first visible result can be appreciated about a month after the correction, when the postoperative manifestations disappear. The nose takes on a lighter shape after 6 to 8 months, with the final result after a year. With non-surgical rhinoplasty, the final result is visible a few hours after the procedure.
FAQs
When can you go to the solarium after an operation?
Ultraviolet irradiation and thermal effect dilate blood vessels and capillaries, which can cause bleeding, increase swelling and slow down soft tissue regeneration. You can visit the solarium no earlier than 6 weeks after rhinoplasty, when the hematomas are completely resolved and the edema syndrome has passed.
When can you exercise after rhinoplasty?
Sports exercises cause an increase in heart rate and an increase in blood circulation, especially a rush of blood to the face, which is why all activities should be postponed for 2-3 months and returning to professional sports -of at least six months.
When can you have sex after rhinoplasty?
Sex is a fairly large physical activity that should be avoided in the first 2-3 weeks after correction, otherwise bleeding, increased swelling are possible, and the slightest contact with the nose can deform the organ and affect the final result.
When can you wash after an operation?
Taking a shower is allowed 3-5 days after the correction, only the water should be lukewarm. It is important to avoid wetting the plaster, it must remain dry, since the first change is possible at least 5 days after application.
When can you drink alcohol after surgery?
Ethyl alcohol, contained in all alcoholic beverages without exception, slows down tissue regeneration and negatively affects blood vessels and the heart. It is therefore extremely important to give up alcoholic beverages for at least a month after surgery.
How long does the swelling last after surgery?
Tissue swelling is a common occurrence after rhinoplasty. Swelling peaks about 3 days after correction, when swelling is noticeable in the nose, eyelids, cheeks and, in some cases, chin, and then begins to gradually subside. Visible manifestations disappear in 1 to 3 weeks. Residual compaction, invisible to others, disappears after 6 to 8 months.
How long after the operation can I go to the public baths?
For 2 months after rhinoplasty, you should not expose your body to high heat or sudden temperature changes. Accordingly, during this period you should avoid visiting baths, sunbathing (including solariums) and contrast showers.
Conclusion
Rhinoplasty is a fairly complex plastic surgery 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 continued functioning. The duration of rehabilitation after plastic surgery is variable and depends on the type of surgical intervention, the complexity and extent of the correction, as well as the individual characteristics of the patient. In order for the recovery period to be as comfortable and quick as possible, various complications do not develop, and the final result corresponds to your wishes, it is extremely important to responsibly take the recommendations of the plastic surgeon in the postoperative period andto strictly follow all instructions.