The Procedure
Also referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a type of surgery performed on the nose either to improve its function or change its shape. It can be done for both medical reasons and aesthetic values. For instance, rhinoplasty in San Francisco is done on patients to change the shape of their noses purely for cosmetic reasons, or if they have nasal disfigurement from birth defects or trauma, or to correct breathing problems that result from nose defects. Anyone in need of rhinoplasty should know that swelling is an unavoidable consequence of the procedure. Any procedure that involves bone alteration causes swelling that may last for a few weeks. During the procedure, the fracturing of the nasal bones is required to alter their shape and achieve the desired effects. If they want to reduce the swelling in good time, it is important that a patient follow all instructions carefully as given by their doctor.
Pre-surgery Instructions
As early as two weeks before the surgery, the surgeon will give the patient a few instructions to follow. Some will be guides to ensure safe practices in order to avoid unwanted complications during and after the procedure. Other instructions are given to help the patient prepare for surgery and ensure the nasal cavity recovers properly. The post-surgery swelling depends on many variables because every surgeon, patient, and surgery is different. Ensure that any changes that need to be made are done in due time in accordance with the physician’s instructions. For example, there may be certain medications that may cause complications during surgery, which need to be avoided that could cause difficulty in recovery and prolonged swelling. These medications take time to get out of the body. The changes to be made involve a coordinated effort between the patient, their close social ties, the doctor, and any other specialists they see.
Medications
One needs to work willingly with their doctors. They should provide the doctor with a list of all medications, even herbal products, and over-the-counter supplements, upon request. The surgeon needs sufficient time to communicate with other doctors in advance so as to determine which medication needs to be stopped and which ones can continue. Anti-inflammatory drugs should be discontinued as this group of medications causes additional bleeding and swelling. Because other drugs need to be stopped gradually, this should be planned early enough to leave sufficient time for surgery preparation. One should never stop or change a doctor’s prescription without consulting their physician.
Apply Cold Compresses
After the surgery, the extent of the bruising and swelling will differ with every individual. The visible swelling usually lasts for about two weeks because tissues are healing. Bruising usually occurs under the eyes. Once the patient gets home, they should immediately apply cold compresses on the area around the nose, forehead, eyes, and cheeks. Ice treatments should not be placed directly above the nose. Cold compresses should be applied as often as possible within the first few days.
Keep the Head Elevated
Though it may be an uncomfortable sleeping position, it is very important to keep the head elevated. One can use pillows beneath the head, ensuring they are sufficiently propped up, though a sleeping recliner would be best. Additionally, one should not bend over within the first two weeks as the flow of blood can increase pressure in the area that was worked upon. Moreover, there should be no heavy lifting as it might cause straining of the nasal blood vessels, causing them to rupture.