Help! It will be 7 days post-op tomorrow and I still have obvious swelling in my lower face. What should I do?

Question

I had a nostril reduction 6 days ago. It will be a week post-op tomorrow. Although the swelling has gone down significantly, there is still obvious swelling in the bottom half of my face near the jawline. I am not experiencing any pain but it has completely changed the shape of my face and is obvious. My graduation ceremony is the day after tomorrow. Is there any way I can get rid of all the swelling? I have taken ibuprofen a couple of times, tried icing it, and elevated my head while sleeping.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

The best thing to do is to stop trying to get rid of ALL of the post-surgical swelling in 2-3 more days. If all you had were Weir excisions, continue with head elevation and restrict strenuous activities. Don't frostbite your skin in an over-zealous attempt to eliminate swelling via icing.Final note: don't worry about seeing a tiny bit of residual swelling in your face on graduation day. Nobody will notice it but you. Honest. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.It's too early to make value judgments with only seven days after a rhinoplasty.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

Swelling is an expected part of any surgical procedure, and like water, swelling tends to collect in gravity-dependent areas--such as the lower face.  In your case, I would touch base with your rhinoplasty surgeon for further advice.  In general, taking Tylenol, NSAIDs, and Benadryl can help resolve swelling more quickly.  Warm compresses with Epsom salts can be helpful.  In my practice, we also do lymphatic massages to reduce post-operative swelling.  Good luck, and congratulations!

Help! It will be 7 days post-op tomorrow and I still have obvious swelling in my lower face. What should I do?

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Help! It will be 7 days post-op tomorrow and I still have obvious swelling in my lower face. What should I do?

Answers (3)

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