How to Reduce Rhinoplasty Swelling | Westfield Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Tips to Reduce Swelling after Rhinoplasty
If you have lived most of your life unhappy with the shape or size of your nose, rhinoplasty surgery is a great option. As with any surgery, you can expect a considerable amount of swelling at the location of the procedure and the surrounding area. Many of our patients are very excited to see the results of the procedure and ask us if there are any tips we can share to help reduce the swelling faster. While these tips will not dramatically reduce the swelling, they can help moderately decrease it.
Stay Hydrated
When your body is dehydrated, it tries to cling to fluids in the body, which can include any retained fluids in the nose. Make sure to drink plenty of water to encourage the release of any liquids. Consider purchasing a refillable water bottle to keep with you during the day so you can make a conscious effort to choose water over other sugary beverages.
Keep Your Head Elevated
After the surgery, make sure you keep your head elevated during sleep. Sleeping on your back with your head elevated helps promote the healthy drainage of any retained fluids in the nasal area.
Stay Away from Salt
When you consume salt, it causes your body to retain fluids. Avoid eating prepackaged frozen foods during this time as they can contain high amounts of salt. If possible, consume foods you have prepared without salt.
Don’t Take Hot Showers or Baths
While you have your cast on, you want to avoid getting it wet, or it will fall off. Steamy, hot environments can cause moisture to collect inside the cast so try to avoid taking hot showers, baths or entering a sauna.
Cold Compress
You can apply a cold compress on your forehead or cheeks after your surgery to help bring down the swelling. DO NOT apply the ice pack directly on your nose or skin. Keep a towel between your skin and the ice pack. Also, do not apply much pressure to your nose or the cast; give your nose area the time it needs to heal inside the cast.
Reset Your Expectations
During the consultation with our Westfield rhinoplasty surgeon, you likely discussed the expected time for your nose heal. For some patients, swelling can last up to a year after surgery, but most of the swelling has gone down significantly by the 14th day after surgery. Impatiently waiting for your nose’s swelling to come down can be stressful, realign your expectations and understand that your body needs time to heal so you can have the nose you have always wanted. If you are concerned about your post-op appearance, make sure to reschedule any social gatherings or important business meetings after that time.
Do you have more questions regarding your Westfield rhinoplasty surgery?
Do you have more questions about what to do after your surgery? Find out more answers to your questions in our Rhinoplasty FAQ or contact our Westfield rhinoplasty surgeon.
