What do you recommend for patients with my skin type to help expedite swelling resolution?

Question

I am considering a primary rhinoplasty and have read a lots of posts from patients with my skin type (thick nose) complaining about extreme swelling even years after the surgery. What are the things you would recommend the patient to do to help expedite swelling resolution. Assuming the nose heals fine in 1 year, could things like weather and type of food intake still impact nose swelling?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It has been shown that postoperative splinting and taping significantly reduce postoperative swelling, in particular in patients with thick skin. We usually keep plastic external splint for one week after surgery and continue with application of tapes for period of 4-6 weeks, possibly longer. Tapes are applied during night only, sometimes in combination with nostril splints; patients with prolonged swelling are encouraged to place tapes for longer period of time. Hope this helps.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Good question. The recovery from rhinoplasty surgery takes longer for thicker skin patients. The swelling will be more significant and it will take longer for your nose to settle completely. You can expect to see the final results within 12 to 18 months. 
Staying hydrated is essential for your overall recovery from your rhinoplasty surgery. I recommend drinking lots of water before and after your operation. Taking vitamin C supplements will also help you heal faster. Lastly, I recommend you get enough rest before you return to your daily activities after the surgery. Best wishes.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Nasal tip swelling in thick skin patients long after rhinoplasty: The most effective way to optimize the results of the nasal tip in patients with bulbous tips and thick skin is to follow up with you a surgeon in the postoperative period and if necessary have steroid injection into the tip and supra tip area. Most anything else you can do for this would be ineffective.

What do you recommend for patients with my skin type to help expedite swelling resolution?

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What do you recommend for patients with my skin type to help expedite swelling resolution?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.