How to Reduce Nasal Tip Swelling After Rhinoplasty
In the weeks and months after undergoing rhinoplasty, patients experience varying degrees of swelling in the nasal tip. While most swelling subsides within the first month or so, the nasal tip may stay slightly swelled for up to six months to a year. The amount of swelling a patient has depends on the depth of the surgery performed, the thickness of the skin, and whether the person has had any previous nasal surgeries. To help reduce this post-surgical effect, read on for some tried and tested tips.
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Instructions
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Know that during the initial days after surgery, most rhinoplasty patients wear a splint and tape to help reduce swelling. Make sure not to get either the tape or splint wet during this time.
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Keep your head elevated above heart level as much as possible, using at least two pillows when you go to sleep at night.
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Apply an ice pack a few times daily to help minimize swelling of the nasal tip once the tape has been removed.
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Avoid any strenuous activities that could cause blood to rush to the head, including bending or lifting heavy objects, during the first four to six weeks following rhinoplasty.
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If you experience painful, prolonged swelling of the nasal tip after undergoing surgery, discuss treatment options with your plastic surgeon that can help reduce the swollen area.
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Tips & Warnings
Always follow your plastic surgeon's recovery guidelines, which should include medically approved methods of reducing nasal tip swelling. Use sun block with a high SPF to protect the more sensitive skin of the healing nose, which can be more vulnerable to sunburns just following surgery.
Avoid contact sports or any activity that could risk injuring the nose for the first four to six weeks of rhinoplasty recovery. Refrain from taking ibuprofen or aspirin during your recovery period, as these medications contain properties that can exacerbate swelling of the nasal tip.
