Heat and Sun Exposure

asked 11 months ago by JonathanA in CA
Latest answer by Sam Naficy, MD
Question viewed 271 times
Tags: 4 months post-op, heat, sun exposure, swelling, temporary

I underwent an extensive (open) secondary rhinoplasty approximately four months ago. Recently, I have had to spend a bit of time outdoors in the 100+ degree heat here in Phoenix, AZ. There is some sun exposure but I try to stay in the shade for the most part. On these days, I have experienced some extreme swelling. Will this affect the final result or is it only temporary? Do I need to avoid being outdoors or is the nose mostly healed at this point? Thank you for your time.

3 answers to Heat and Sun Exposure

Heat and sun exposure can cause extreme swelling after Rhinoplsty

Yes, in my over 20 years experience performing Rhinoplasty...I have had patients who had prolonged heat and or sun exposure several months after their Rhinoplasty, despite my instructions to avoid that for the first 6 months. The swelling is from the body's defense mechanism to remove excess heat by increasing the blood supply to the tissue that getting warmer. Since the lymphatics don't hook up for 6 months, after a Rhinoplasty this extra blood supply can really make the nose swell... more

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

drfrancispalmer.com

Nose swelling with sun and heat

You should at a minimum be using a high SPF sunscreen on your nose as well as wearing a hat if possible = prolonged swelling in the first year can effect final outcome

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

seattleface.com