Rhinoplasties (nose jobs) have consistently remained one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the leading professional association for cosmetic surgeons, rhinoplasties were the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed by ASPS member surgeons. More than 217,000 rhinoplasty procedures were performed in 2014, down by only a slight amount (2 percent) from 2013.

Given the popularity of rhinoplasties, Dr. Paul Pin believes it is important for patients to be well informed as to what to expect after surgery, including common side effects and how to offset them. Patients who understand the difference between side effects and risks are far more likely to have a good outcome from their rhinoplasty procedure than those who are unaware of potential side effects.

Bruising and Swelling

Bruising and swelling are actually a normal part of the healing process after the skin has been incised. In an effort to minimize damage to surrounding cells, the body will seal off the areas immediately around the incision sites. This protective process is what leads to bruising and swelling.

Depending on the amount of work done to the nose, bruising and swelling can last anywhere from one to two weeks. A closed rhinoplasty will only use internal sutures, so recovery from bruising and swelling is much faster than with an open rhinoplasty, which involves incisions in the visible part of the nose and uses external sutures.

Frozen gel packs and cold compresses can be applied to the nose to lessen the amount and duration of bruising and swelling, once any external sutures have fully healed and bandages or splints are removed. The herb Arnica montana may also help reduce bruising and swelling.

Changes in Nasal Sensation

Following a rhinoplasty, the nose may feel numb (particularly at the tip). Patients may also experience itching or burning sensations to the nose. Although these symptoms can be quite disconcerting, they are also part of the healing process. When incisions are made into the skin, nerve pathways going to and from the brain are severed. These changes in nasal sensation are part of the body's way of either rebuilding severed nerve pathways or constructing entirely new ones. Most of these sensations will generally fade within four to six weeks after surgery.

Scarring

Scarring is another part of the healing process, as the body seals over the incisions with new skin. In the case of closed rhinoplasties, there should be no visible scarring, as all the incisions are made on the inside of the nose. In an open rhinoplasty, the only incision is made into the columella, which is the small bridge of cartilage that separates the nostrils on the underside of the nose. Because of the placement of this incision, any scar will be very small and hardly noticeable. However, it can be covered with a small bit of foundation makeup once the incision has fully healed.

Because the nose takes up one-third of both the vertical and horizontal space of the face, it is the most prominent feature. As a result, patients who undergo rhinoplasty are committed to improving their facial features. Understanding potential side effects and how to deal with them will improve chances of a favorable outcome from the rhinoplasty procedure. To learn more, contact Dr. Pin today.