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

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?

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

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

Thank you for your question.Consider taking 2 full weeks off from work.  The bruising around the eyes from resetting the bones can cause significant bruising.To be sure, see two or more board-certified plastic surgeons in your area for a full and complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.I hope this helps.

Each physician have different guidelines regarding post operative care. Typically, light activity can resume 5 to 7 days post surgery. Bruising generally resolves itself in 2 weeks, but more information is needed to understand the specifics of your case. Residual swelling that can take 6 to 12 months to resolve but not noticable to the general public. Consult with your surgeon regarding your case as he or she will know the scope of surgery and the specifics about you.

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

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

Thank you for your question. The resolution and evolution of edema and ecchymosis (bruising) after surgery is as individualized as the person and the procedure itself. Swelling usually peaks 48 hours after surgery and then begins to slowly resolve. In a majority of patients, more than half of the swelling and bruising resolves in the first two weeks after surgery. The remainder of swelling and bruising can take several more weeks to dissipate and this varies depending on the type of surgery and physiologic properties of each patient. I recommend that you discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon at your next follow up visit.

Thank you for your question and I can operate on two identical twins and do the same operation and their experience of pain,swelling and bruising may be dramatically different so take as much time off as permittedDr Corbin

Bruising is very dependent upon how the patient bleeds. As you mentioned, you bruise easily so I would suspect that yours may last two weeks. Some things can be done to minimize it though.