subject: Rhinoplasty Surgery Recovery Tips To Help With Swelling [print this page] One unpleasant aspect of having a rhinoplasty that you cannot escape is the post-operative swelling that will occur. While this is a normal aspect of having plastic surgery, it can be uncomfortable to deal with. Swelling following a nose job can last for a matter of days or weeks, or for some patients, even longer. The key is to find ways to minimize the swelling that can make life more livable during the recuperation process.
You need to be proactive about swelling after you have undergone a rhinoplasty procedure. You need to use ice on your nose to bring down the swelling for the first couple of days following the operation. Many people choose to use ice constantly, which is to say both day and night during the initial post-op stage.
It is a good idea to apply ice or a cold compress for approximately 20 minutes on the swollen portion of your skin and then take it away for a 40 minute period. Repeat this procedure on an hourly basis. It is not advisable to place the cold compress directly on your skin but to place a soft thin cloth on the swollen skin in order to keep it safe and well protected. You have different options for ice or cold compresses. Use what is most soothing to your skin.
After having rhinoplasty, you want to be as comfortable as you can be as you allow your body to begin to heal itself and to recover from this trauma. If you like the idea of homeopathic remedies, then purchase either the cream or the pill form of Arnica Montana before your surgery date. This is an herb used in homeopathic medicine that can help to shorten the duration of your recovery period. It minimizes the amount of bruising and swelling that occurs after the operation is done.
If you buy the Arnica Montana pill, then you can take it several days before the operation and a few days after. If you buy the cream, then apply it on the affected swollen areas of your skin only after the incisions have closed and are showing signs of healing properly. Speak to the surgeon about the use of this homeopathic herb before you go ahead and use it.
After you come home after having a rhinoplasty, it is important that you elevate yourself to facilitate healing and to decrease the level of swelling that you will experience. When you rest and sleep, do so on your back in a position that is inclined (place your body at a 25 to 45 degree angle for the first few days after your operation). Resting in an elevated position helps to reduce swelling, and it also enables the blood to circulate properly. Sleep on a recliner or prop yourself up with as many pillows as you require for this purpose.
