Tips on Coping with Swelling after Rhinoplasty

One of the most common side effects of rhinoplasty is swelling, caused by the trauma that your face undergoes during cosmetic nose surgery. As the tissues in your nose that were reshaped during surgery adjust to their new form, swelling occurs.

Swelling generally affects your nose and the areas around the eyes, but it can also affect other parts of your face. It starts immediately after the procedure and reaches its peak two to three days post-op. 85% of swelling goes down within a month of surgery, but it can take up to a year for residual swelling to subside. Residual swelling is usually not noticeable to anyone besides you and your surgeon.

Follow Your Doctor’s Advice

In order to reduce swelling and bleeding, your doctor may stuff your nose with nasal packing after surgery. Nasal packing is typically removed a few days after surgery. Although you cannot avoid swelling completely, you can minimize its effects and alleviate discomfort by following the home care tips provided by your doctor.

For the first two to three days, your doctor will probably advise you to apply cold compresses to the areas around your nose and eyes to reduce swelling. Don’t apply a cold compress directly to your nose. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions because it can take longer for you to recover if you fail to follow his advice carefully.

What You Can Do

Avoid bending over with your head below your heart because doing so can make swelling worse.

For the first several days following surgery, avoid lying completely flat and keep your head elevated on a recliner or with pillows to reduce swelling.

Also, avoid taking hot showers because the steam from the hot water can increase swelling.

Avoid salty foods because sodium intake can worsen swelling.

Try eating foods that are rich in bromelain and vitamin K. Both bromelain and vitamin K help to reduce swelling. Pineapples are rich in bromelain. Foods that are rich in vitamin K include yogurt, eggs, and lettuce.

Please note that these are general tips that may or may not help with the swelling you're experiencing. It is best to refer to your postoperative care instructions or seek the advice of your physician.

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