About Pain and Edema

Patients may be more curious about the postoperative period than the preoperative period. Although there is usually some edema on the face after surgery, contrary to what is commonly believed, pain after nose surgeries is very mild. Swelling around the eyes after aesthetic nose surgery decreases and disappears within 3-4 days, but edema in the nose decreases later, around the 6th month. It takes 1 year for the nasal skin to settle and for the new shape given to the nose to appear fully. Patients naturally want their nose to take its new shape immediately, but in nose surgeries, the final result is seen late, which requires patience during the postoperative period. Applying ice around the nose and eyes at 15-minute intervals after surgery helps reduce swelling and bruising. After the first 2 days, the effect of ice application decreases and it is no longer necessary. In the later period, your doctor may also recommend massaging the nose to reduce edema. Of course, this does not mean that you will not have a beautiful nose until 1 year has passed. It means that from the moment the nasal tapes are removed in the second week, the nose you like will continue to become more beautiful until the 1st year.

If there is no extra problem the day after surgery, your discharge is planned, and you will be informed about the medications you need to use and postoperative care. The prescription given to you at discharge will include antibiotics, painkillers, and the necessary solutions and creams for nasal washing and care.

Nasal Tampon, Splint, and Nasal Tapes

A silicone nasal tampon is often placed during surgery and is removed on average on the 4th-5th days after surgery. Patients are usually concerned about tampon removal, but the silicone tampons we use today are made of flexible, soft material and are very easy to remove. During this first week and afterward, it is appropriate to clean the blood clots that accumulate in the nostrils with a cotton swab moistened with hydrogen peroxide.

The tapes and splint placed on your nose will be removed in the clinic approximately 1 week after the operation. To prevent the splint and tapes from coming off earlier, care should be taken not to wet them during the first week. After the splint and tapes are removed, only tape is applied for 1 more week, and then the nose is usually left uncovered. If your doctor considers it necessary, nasal taping may need to be continued for a longer time. After the tapes on your nose are removed, you can gently clean the top of your nose. Solutions that do not irritate the skin can be used for this.

•If the gauze under your nose becomes dirty, you can change it. After the silicone tampons are removed, do not blow your nose strongly until the time specified by your doctor. There is no harm in wiping your nose from below.
•Sports should not be performed for a while after rhinoplasty surgery. Normal activities should be avoided for 10 days, and heavy sports should be avoided for 3 weeks. Avoid sports that may cause trauma to your nose, such as tennis and basketball, for at least 3 months.
•Sleeping with your head elevated as much as possible with several pillows after surgery will help reduce swelling.
•During the first week, you can take a warm bath without wetting the nasal splint and tapes.
•You must be careful against trauma to the nose.
•Glasses should not be worn for 4 weeks, as they may create pressure and deformity on your nose.
•Regular nutrition and regular sleep during the recovery period speed up the healing process. There is no dietary restriction except for foods and drinks that increase bleeding and hard foods.
•You can brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush. Especially while brushing the upper incisors, pain may occur due to sensitivity at the base of the nose.
•Protecting your face from sunlight during the first 6 weeks is important so that the healing process is not affected. The sun delays skin healing.
•Contact lenses can be used 2-3 days after the operation.

After Surgery