Every operation, no matter how small it is there is always swelling of the surrounding area or the surgical site, and Rhinoplasty is no exception. The swelling will vary from person to person and is greater if both the inside and outside of the nose have been operated on, or in patients who have undergone surgery to improve the breathing function of their nose. Here are some tips provided by the Dermatologist in Dubai to keep the swelling down after a rhinoplasty.
- Keep the head elevated, upright or lifted up as much as possible after the surgery is performed. A patient should sleep with their head elevated for at least two weeks after surgery.
- While resting, use a cold compress over the nose and mid-facial areas. Cold compresses are only effective for the swelling during the first 48 hours after surgery. After that, there is no need to use a cold compress to relieve the discomfort. Make sure when you are doing this that the compress is not wet or moist.
- Don't bend over or lift any heavy things for two weeks. Bending over can aggravate the swelling as well as raise blood pressure and increase the chance of hemorrhaging.
- Try as much as possible to avoid hitting or bumping the nose into things, especially during sleeping.
- Avoid excess sun exposure on the face for at least four months as this will reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation. Normal exposure is ok, but don't overdo it, you can use a sunscreen with SPF 30. During the summer, sunscreen should be applied to the nose every two hours to avoid burning.
- Patients who use hair dryers to dry their hair should only use a handheld blow dryer. Avoid sitting at an overhead dryer that is used at the hair salon for at least two weeks.
- Avoid getting the nasal dressings wet. If the tape gets wet while having a shower simply pat it dry. If the patient notices the bandage coming off, the doctor should be notified.
- Try to use the nose and touching the surrounding area as less as possible for at least the first week of surgery. It will not relieve the sensation of blockage a person feels, but it will aggravate this sensation, because suction created on the inside will cause more swelling says an expert in Cosmetic Dermatology in Dubai. Avoid blowing the nose for at least two weeks as this could lead to bleeding.
- Avoid rubbing the nose or nostril with a tissue or handkerchief. It will aggravate the swelling, cause infection, bleeding or dislodge the cartilage inside the nose.
- If the doctor has used dissolvable stitches at the base of the nose, clean them as instructed. Regularly cleaning the stitches will help keep the stitches and crust soft and more comfortable.
Usually, for patients who have undergone this type of Dermatology treatment in Dubai, doctors will advise them to use a saline nasal spray, to help clear the nostrils and any discomfort with breathing or nasal related.