How to accelerate swelling reduction post revision rhinoplasty?

Question

I had a Revision Rhinoplasty about a year ago, and expectedly, a lot of swelling remains. I know the swelling will go down more 2-3 years post op, and I know the result looks good based on how it looks when I tape. I currently tape the nose a couple times a week, use salicylic wash, and a 1% topical Retinol cream. Are there any other things/ways I could be doing to accelerate the speed at which I can decrease swelling, or should I just wait? Thanks!

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

I would recommend following up with your surgeon and asking if they felt that Kenalog 10 injected into the tip and dorsum would not be a good idea for recalcitrant nasal swelling following rhinoplasty.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I agree that swelling after revision rhinoplasty can persist longer than in someone who had a primary rhinoplasty. That said, you should be fairly close to being healed. If your nose looks better at the end of the day then in the morning, then in all likelihood you do have persistent swelling. Please be careful with your topical medication since those are two acids that could potentially cause inflammation and skin swelling. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

Most of it is, unfortunately, just being patient. The reason this takes forever is that the nose skin has extremely poor blood supply/lymphatic drainage. Anything you can do to help promote that along might help you such as HBO, lymphatic massage, LED, as long as deemed safe by your surgeon. If you have thick skin, an even more effective option is to consider accutane for a short course.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hello. Great question. Low salt intake and an anti-inflammatory diet can really help reduce your swelling. Taping nightly may be better than just a couple times a week. A jade roller - as crazy as it sounds - does help from what some of my patients have told me. Revisions often take much longer for swelling to reduce and patience is often the key. Hope this helps.

How to accelerate swelling reduction post revision rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

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