Bruising after Rhinoplasty: I bruise very easily, will 10 days off work be enough?

Question

I have my rhinoplasty scheduled for Aug 22. I am very excited, but I am worried as well. I have a tendency to bruise very easily. For example, when i got my blood drawn I ended up with a huge bruise on my arm. I have been worked up for a bleeding disorder and everything came back normal. I will be going back to work 10 days after surgery, and my surgeon is providing me with a make up kit. However, I'm worried that I will need more than 10 days. I don't want anyone to know I had surgery!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

First of all, stay off aspirin, which I suspect you have already been told because it can increase bleeding and bruising.  In my experience, most patients have only minor bruising a week after rhinoplasty, so I think 10 days is long enough.  But if you can stretch it to 2 weeks, even better.  I fact several of the cases on my web site had their after photos taken at two weeks. Can you figure out which ones?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I think that as you see hundreds or thousands of patients recover from rhinoplasty you know how patients will heal after certain procedures.  I think that it is true that some surgeons perform surgeries and cause less damage and less bruising.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

In the vast majority of cases, 10 days is enough time for bruising to completely resolve. If you had any residual bruising at that point it should be possible to camouflage. There are many things you can do to minimize your risk though it sounds like you are prone to bruising.Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen products for 2 weeks prior to surgeryStart Arnica 2-3 days before surgery (read the package insert for the product you purchase)Ice your eyes and nasal bridge for the first three daysSleep with your head elevated for the first three nightsAvoid any exercise that will raise your blood pressure or heart rate for the first week (walking is perfectly fine)I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear kellymike00,It would really help you to start Arnica 2-3 days before your procedureAlso, ice and try to sleep with your head elevatedIn my patients who do this, their bruises are almost gone after one week, and definitely able to be covered up with make upBest,Nima Shemirani

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Bruising and swelling vary significantly from patient to patient. If you have a history of easy bruising and don't want anyone to know that you had surgery, 10 days may not be enough time until you return to work and feel comfortable about it. I would suggest your  plastic
surgeon have extensive nasal surgery experience and be certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society
for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) or a facial plastic surgeon (otolaryngologist) that you
trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that
surgeon in person.

Robert Singer, MD FACS

La Jolla, California

Bruising after Rhinoplasty: I bruise very easily, will 10 days off work be enough?

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Answer: Bruising after Rhinoplasty: I bruise very easily, will 10 days off work be enough?

Answer: Bruising after Rhinoplasty: I bruise very easily, will 10 days off work be enough?

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Bruising after Rhinoplasty: I bruise very easily, will 10 days off work be enough?

Answers (10)

Answer: Bruising after rhinoplasty

Answer: Bruising after rhinoplasty

Answer: Bruising after Rhinoplasty: I bruise very easily, will 10 days off work be enough?

Answer: Bruising after Rhinoplasty: I bruise very easily, will 10 days off work be enough?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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