Nasal septum surgery: post-operative period, post-correction nasal care, rehabilitation. A photo

Rhinoplasty is surgically correction of congenital or acquired deformity of the nose, carried out to improve it functional state or/and for aesthetic purposes. In most cases, these operations are quite traumatic, and the rehabilitation period after rhinoplasty is characterized by duration, possible side effects and serious complications.

They can cause not only emotional and aesthetic problems for the patient, but also serious violations of his health. This largely depends on the qualifications and experience of the surgeon, the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the latter's compliance with the doctor's recommendations during the recovery period.

Some features of rhinoplasty

One of the features of these operations is a certain unpredictability of tissue changes during the recovery period. To some extent, this is due to the small volume of soft tissues in the nose area, which creates conditions for its deformation with postoperative scars already during the recovery period. In addition, rehabilitation after the procedure differs in duration and strict restrictions. They are quite debilitating for some patients, and the latter often lack the patience to follow the surgeon's recommendations. According to statistics, about 30% of operated people need, in connection with this, in corrective or repeated plastic surgery.

To reduce the severity of postoperative side effects and prevent possible and frequent complications, it is necessary not only to follow the doctor's recommendations correctly throughout the entire recovery period and do it consciously on the basis of general idea about the progress surgical intervention, possible complications and stages of the rehabilitation period.

Briefly about the methods of online access

Depending on the nature of operational access, all types of operations are combined into 2 groups:

open

They consist in making incisions not only in the nasal cavity, but also, most importantly, in the area of ​​​​the external folds of the nose, including across the vertical skin fold (columella) that separates the nostrils. This allows you to shift soft tissues up in order to be able to perform manipulations on the nasal bones and cartilage. "Open" surgery is performed with a significant amount of surgical intervention or the need for re-correction.

Closed

When they are carried out, one or more incisions are made from the side of the nasal cavity, that is, without violating the integrity of the skin and forming on it postoperative scars. After that, soft tissues, including skin, are shifted upward for further manipulations. The possibilities of access to the cartilage and bones of the nose in this type of operation are quite sufficient to eliminate typical aesthetic defects. At the same time, rehabilitation after closed rhinoplasty is easier and with fewer complications. Therefore, in clinics plastic surgery The closed method is predominantly used.

Side effects and complications during the rehabilitation period

Period postoperative recovery accompanied by unpleasant, but natural side effects of surgical intervention and its possible early and late complications, which may be accompanied by undesirable consequences aesthetic character.

Side effects are:

1. Hematomas and pinpoint hemorrhages directly in the nose, around it and in the periorbital zone, and sometimes subconjunctival hemorrhages of various sizes, which are associated with tissue detachment during the intervention and inevitable, even with the most sparing technique plastic surgery rupture of blood vessels.
2. Severe swelling of the tissues in the nose and under the eyes, which can pass to the cheeks and descend to the chin area.
3. Increased body temperature in the first 1-2 days after surgery.
4. Severe difficulty in breathing through the nose, and sometimes its complete impossibility, associated with swelling of the mucous membrane and hemorrhages under it.
5. Lack of smell.
6. Temporary partial or complete violation skin sensitivity of individual areas or the entire skin in the operated area.
7. The development of temporary asymmetry of the nose due to the displacement of its soft tissues by uneven edema.

All of the above phenomena that create a feeling of discomfort, sometimes significant, and gradually disappear within 7-14 days, are natural and do not apply to complications. However, serious complications are possible during the rehabilitation period. The main ones are:

1. The development of microbial infection and various additional complications caused by it.
2. The occurrence of necrosis of the skin, cartilage or bone tissue, usually due to their excessive dissection, damage to blood vessels, coagulation to stop bleeding, infection. All these factors can lead to impaired blood supply to tissues and, accordingly, to their necrosis (death).
3. discrepancy postoperative sutures which contributes to the formation of a rough scar.
4. The formation of hypertrophic and, not only worsening the aesthetic results of the operation, but also capable of leading to functional disorders (difficulty in nasal breathing and impaired sense of smell).
5. Nose deformity.

In terms of the frequency of complications during the rehabilitation period, the second place (after the fault of the surgeon) is occupied by reasons associated with non-compliance with the recommendations of the doctor.

Stages of recovery after rhinoplasty

rehabilitation period begins with the introduction of gauze tampons into the nasal passages, which prevent nasal breathing (but they are soon removed) and plaster splints are applied. The duration of the recovery period, due to the volume of the operation, the quality of its implementation and the individual characteristics of the patient's body, ranges from six months to 1 year, and in some cases even more. Conventionally, it distinguishes four stages.

I stage

The duration is 1-2 weeks. The main goal of the first stage is to ensure the immobility of the bone and cartilage structures and soft tissues of the nose. This is achieved by means of special fixatives or (more often) a plaster splint, as well as the introduction of hemostatic tampons into the nasal passages, which also provide additional tissue fixation.

Why is plaster applied?

During the operation, cartilage and bone, as well as soft tissues are corrected. A plaster splint, despite the fact that it causes discomfort, itching of the skin and a general feeling of discomfort, allows you to:

• fix the final necessary shape and anatomical proportionality of the nose;
• prevent displacement of bone and cartilage plates;
• protect the operation area from unwanted external mechanical impact;
• when an antiseptic preparation is added to the layers of the plaster cast, it also plays the role of an agent that suppresses the development of infection.

II stage

The average duration is 1 week. It starts with the removal of the plaster cast. In addition, hemostatic tampons are removed from the nasal passages and the latter are washed (in order to remove blood clots and crusts) with an antiseptic or 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Almost all unresolved surgical sutures. By this time there is an improvement and stabilization general condition, and after removing the tampons, breathing becomes easier.

On what day after rhinoplasty is the cast removed?

In cases where the fixing ability of the plaster bandage has decreased, it has become deformed, accidentally or intentionally damaged by the patient, it has become wet during water hygiene procedures, it must be removed and replaced with a new one. Finally, the plaster splint is removed on the 7-14th day.

Edema at this stage is still preserved and may even increase. If, after removing the cast, the swelling has increased, this is quite acceptable and should not bother the patient. The thing is, it's tough. gypsum bandage not only supports the structures of the nose, but also restrains soft tissue swelling, redirecting it to the surrounding areas. After removal of the obstacle, edema also appears in the freed areas, but it is no longer dangerous, since it cannot lead to deformation of the fused bones, and quickly disappears due to a decrease in the degree inflammatory process.

Can you remove the plaster yourself?

Sometimes patients want to check the strength of its fixation, lift it or even temporarily remove it in order to get rid of discomfort or check whether the fusion of cartilage and bone plates has already occurred. It is impossible to conduct such experiments, since the correction performed by the surgeon may be violated, as a result of which the entire aesthetic result of the operation can be reduced to "zero".

Stage III

It lasts an average of 2-2.5 months and is a period of cosmetic recovery. During this time, swelling and bruising almost completely disappear, and the shape of the nose, except for its tip and nostrils, takes on an almost final appearance. This stage is also important psychologically, since the patience of many patients is already running out by this time. However, they can already tentatively evaluate the results of plastic surgery.

IV stage

Lasts up to 1 year, and sometimes a little longer. This is the period of final healing and formation appearance, during which various defects may disappear and, conversely, new shortcomings may appear in the form of asymmetry of shape, irregularities, scars, the formation of a visually identifiable callus, etc.

Full rehabilitation after rhinoplasty takes a year and is divided into three stages: early postoperative, main and late.

1. The first stage takes 2-3 weeks, during which the swelling gradually decreases, bruising disappears, anxiety and anxiety subside. The doctor removes the fixing bandage or splint, but when exactly this happens - after 7 or 10 days, depends on the complexity of the operation. The patient's condition improves and by the end early period rehabilitation, he can return to normal life, albeit with a number of restrictions.
2. The main stage of rehabilitation after rhinoplasty lasts up to 3 months. Swelling and bruising are already invisible, but the sparing regimen continues to be relevant. Tissue healing and restoration of functions continues.
3. Late period recovery after rhinoplasty lasts from the third to the 12th month. A year later, you can evaluate the result: the nose takes on its final form, respiratory functions are fully restored.

A year after rhinoplasty, the patient can lead a preoperative lifestyle: all restrictive rules and prohibitions are cancelled.

A little faster recovery after closed rhinoplasty. In this case, rehabilitation is completely completed after 3-6 months, which is explained by less trauma to tissues and blood vessels during the operation.

Early recovery period

The first two weeks after the operation are the most difficult from a physical and psychological point of view. The patient spends them at home, under supervision loved one or family members. In order for the body to recover faster, complete rest is needed, both mental and physical.

In the first 2-3 days after rhinoplasty of the nose, lower and upper eyelids, cheekbones and cheeks are very swollen. Edema increases and is accompanied by the formation of internal bruising, or hematomas. Perhaps an increase in body temperature up to 37.5-38 °. There are minor pain, which are stopped by painkillers. This condition is the norm and should not be frightening: active tissue regeneration is underway.

It is better to set yourself up in advance for the fact that during the first postoperative weeks the reflection in the mirror is not encouraging. The main thing is to remain calm and good mood, and even more important - do not violate any of the recommendations of a plastic surgeon.

Facial care is complicated by the fact that the nasal passages are closed with cotton swabs (only in the first 1-2 days), and a bandage is applied to the face (removed after 7-10 days). If the manipulations were carried out on the cartilaginous or bone part of the septum, special silicone plates - splints - can be used. All this helps to reduce nose bleed and fix the tissues changed by the surgeon.

Until the doctor removes the turunda, it is possible to breathe only through the mouth. This causes discomfort, especially during a night's sleep, leads to drying of the lips and oral mucosa. To reduce discomfort, you can drink water with lemon juice. It is recommended to apply a protective balm on the lips. Splints allow you to breathe through your nose, they are removed a few days after rhinoplasty.

To protect the nose from accidental mechanical impact and ensure reliable fixation, a plaster bandage or a special overlay made of medical plastic is used. Do not touch or wet the fixing bandage. Only a doctor can remove it.

In the first days, discharge from the nasal cavity with an admixture of blood is possible, a feeling of numbness in the area upper lip and nose. These are the consequences of surgical intervention, which should not be scared. The sensitivity of the integumentary tissues will fully recover in a few months. Mucous bloody issues stop within a few days. Reason for immediate appeal to the doctor - profuse bleeding.

Main and late recovery period

The main recovery after rhinoplasty occurs within three months. During this period, you can return to the active social life: study, work, hobby, outdoor activities. The bone and cartilage tissue is completely fused, most of the previously existing restrictions are cancelled.

The late rehabilitation period after rhinoplasty is not accompanied by discomfort. There are certain restrictions, but they are few: for example, manual and hardware facial massage should not be done for at least six months after surgery. Of course, during the rehabilitation year, you need to be extremely careful in your home or work environment, during outdoor activities or sports.

It is important to understand that a responsible attitude to one’s health and compliance with all recommendations is an indispensable condition for the successful completion of such complex operation like rhinoplasty.

Personal hygiene and nasal care

In the first days after rhinoplasty, you should not touch your nose, touch the seams, change tampons without permission, or wet the plaster retainer. Washing your hair and brushing your teeth is canceled for three days. Subsequently hygiene procedures carried out very carefully. The use of cosmetics for two weeks is undesirable. Permission for this must be given by a doctor.

To cleanse the nasal mucosa from blood clots, secretions and secreted mucus, soft turundas or cotton sticks are used. It is forbidden to blow your nose, as the pressure of the air jet easily deforms the cartilage and bone structures.

The doctor will prescribe anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and wound-healing agents in the form of an ointment or gel, which must be used daily to treat the nasal mucosa. From a certain time, you can do daily washing of the nasal passages, acting very carefully and carefully.

Is it possible to use vasoconstrictor sprays or drops, the surgeon should say. In some cases, this is highly undesirable, in others it is permissible - rarely and in the minimum dosage. Violation of the recommendations and self-replacement of some drugs with others is dangerous to health and can lead to sad consequences in terms of the result of the operation.

The operation to correct the shape and function of the nose is one of the most popular in the world and one of the most difficult. Patients are always worried about the rehabilitation period of rhinoplasty:

• how long to wait for the healing of surgical wounds,
• How is recovery going?
• when the breath returns
• how long will the swelling last
• when will the plaster be removed
• how to behave after the intervention.

Rehabilitation after rhinoplasty takes a lot of time. The final result of the operation can be assessed after at least 9-12 months. And in some patients, postoperative changes occur throughout life.

In order for the recovery period to pass without complications, the patient should follow a number of recommendations.

First days after rhinoplasty

After the operation, swelling will begin to increase on the face. It will become most pronounced on day 3-4, and then will gradually decrease. During the 6 weeks of the rehabilitation period, most of the swelling will disappear, but it will completely disappear only after a few months. Bruises and bruises also disappear gradually. In 2 weeks, bruises under the eyes will go away, and within two months after the operation, yellowness will disappear.

After rhinoplasty, the patient has difficulty breathing. This condition is caused primarily by edema, and, on the first day, also by tampons in the nasal cavity. You need to be prepared for the fact that surgical wounds can bleed and hurt.

1. It is necessary to keep calm in the first two or three days after rhinoplasty, to avoid any activity, especially tilts, sudden movements. In the first days of rehabilitation, you can not even tilt your head.
2. On the first day, you need to apply an ice pack to your face as often as possible.
3. Raised by 30-40 degrees on the first day, the head end of the bed will prevent excessive swelling. In this semi-sitting state, you need to sleep for the first week. During the entire rehabilitation period, it is recommended to sleep on your back so as not to displace soft tissues and bone structures during sleep.
4. Due to pain, unpaved anesthesia and swollen tissues, the patient is unable to eat normally. Therefore, in the first day - only liquid food. Naturally, food should not be too spicy, hot or cold.
5. You can only wash cold water without wetting the bandage.
6. You should not drink alcohol for at least two to three weeks after rhinoplasty. This may cause bleeding. It is better to exclude alcohol for the entire period while the nose heals. For the same reason, aspirin and other blood thinners should not be taken for three weeks.
7. You need to cut back on conversations, try not to sneeze, not to cry, not to laugh, not to touch your face.
8. 4 weeks you can not blow your nose and wear glasses, so as not to deform the nose. Even the lightest frame can greatly impair the aesthetic result of the operation.
9. Direct lines should be avoided. sun rays within six months, use sunscreen with high factor protection.
10. You can not visit the pools and baths for a month.
11. To physical activity can be returned in 4-6 weeks. You need to start with light loads, gradually reaching the usual loads. How long it will take depends on the state of health and healing of surgical wounds.
12. The doctor may recommend special exercises to consolidate the result in the rehabilitation period. Yes, even pressure index fingers the back of the nose will help it stay narrow and even.

Removal of sutures and plaster, extraction of tampons

At the end of the operation, the doctor installs special gauze swabs moistened with a solution or ointment with an antibiotic in the nasal passages. They are needed not so much to stop bleeding, but to form tissues, fix them in the desired state. At the same time, a splint is applied to the nose - this is a special rigid bandage made of plaster, necessary so that the bones of the nose do not move. Gypsum should not be squeezed, tried to move or remove it, wet it. During the dressings, the cast will be removed in order to carry out hygienic procedures. Rehabilitation after rhinoplasty involves some inconvenience: until the tampons are removed and the cast is removed, the patient will have to breathe through the mouth.

A day later, sometimes 2-3 days after rhinoplasty, tampons are removed. After 4 days, the sutures on the skin are removed, the sutures on the mucous membrane dissolve on their own after a few weeks. The plaster is removed 7-10 days after the operation.

Drug therapy

After the operation, the doctor prescribes antibiotics to prevent the inflammatory process, probiotics, antihistamines.

In the rehabilitation period, cases are not uncommon elevated temperature, it is worth stocking up on antipyretics. Normal for rehabilitation after rhinoplasty can be considered a slight increase in temperature - up to 37-38 degrees. In this case, the patient may feel weakness, nausea, dizziness. At this temperature, it is enough to take the medicine and rest. With more high temperature you should consult your doctor, as this may indicate an inflammatory process.

The recovery period is not without pain, so analgesics also do not interfere.

After removing the tampons, you need to treat the nasal mucosa daily cotton swab moistened with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and oils. Cosmetic oils of peach, apricot, grapes, almonds can be bought at the pharmacy. They facilitate the separation of crusts and moisturize the mucosa. It will not be superfluous to gently rinse the nose with saline solutions.

Can be used after rhinoplasty vasoconstrictor drops(naphthyzine, ephedrine) to improve breathing. For rapid resorption of bruises after rhinoplasty, heparin ointment, bodyaga can be used externally.

In pursuit of an ideal appearance, great attention is paid to the correction of the nose. But it should be borne in mind that the final result depends not only on how successfully the operation itself was performed, but also on how competently the recovery after rhinoplasty goes. The patient needs to take a course rehabilitation measures to help him get back to his old way of life.

Rhinoplasty rehabilitation period

Almost immediately after the operation, a person is discharged home, since it no longer makes sense for him to stay in the hospital. However, the first few days are still better spent in bed. At this time, weakness, nausea, pain, low temperature, bruising, swelling, congestion and numbness of the nose. Sometimes this appears by-effect like numbness of the upper lip and a nasal voice, but it passes quickly.

In addition, for another 2 weeks it will be necessary to wear a special bandage that fixes the nose. To maintain its shape, it is also necessary to use tampons, they will also absorb blood and postoperative secretions. They are usually placed for several days. Reviews of those who have gone through such a period suggest that the most difficult are the first few weeks after the operation.

Swelling, bruising and swelling completely disappear about a month after surgery. In general, how long the recovery period after rhinoplasty lasts depends largely on the complexity of the operation. Scars and scars thanks to modern technologies remain unnoticeable over time.

Possible Complications

Despite the fact that rhinoplasty is a fairly common operation, as with any surgical intervention, no one can give a 100% guarantee that there will be no complications. So, there may be such negative consequences after rhinoplasty:

From the above complications, it can be seen that rhinoplasty, after which rehabilitation may require long time, is not such a simple operation, and it must be taken extremely seriously. Fortunately, in most cases everything goes well.

Restrictions after surgery

For those who nevertheless decided to take such a step to change their appearance, it is necessary to familiarize themselves with what contraindications will arise for them after the nose correction manipulation:

• at first, in no case should you sleep on your side or stomach, only on your back;
• 3 months it is forbidden to wear glasses, if necessary, replace them with lenses;
• should not be taken too cold or hot shower or a bath;
• it is not allowed to visit swimming pools, baths, saunas, rivers and other bodies of water;
• sunbathing and sunbathing are contraindicated;
• it is forbidden to bend upside down;
• do not advise lifting weights and giving the body strong physical exertion.

It is also very undesirable to get sick during this period. colds, you can not drink alcoholic beverages and use cosmetics.

Thanks to the opinion of experts, as well as those who have experienced such operations, it was possible to collect a number of tips that contribute to a speedy recovery. Rhinoplasty, the forum about which told a lot of the intricacies of the recovery period, involves following a number of requirements in order to get the desired result. So, the patient should follow the following recommendations:

• Ensure the safety of seams and bandages. Do not touch your nose, do not blow your nose or wet it, refuse clothes that need to be put on over your head. Remember, even slightly touching the nose, you can significantly affect its still fragile shape.
• Prevent overvoltage. This can cause suture separation and nosebleeds.
• Follow the doctor's recommendations. Medications can be taken only after consulting a doctor. He can also write special ointments for a speedy recovery.
• Provide proper nutrition. It's best to stick to a diet.
• Do massage and physiotherapy. They contribute to the healing of scars, and also prevent the growth of bone tissue. You can do them yourself, lightly pinching the tip of the nose with two fingers for half a minute, and then repeating this procedure closer to the bridge. In no case should you make strong pressure and sudden movements!

Rhinoplasty of the nose, the rehabilitation period of which takes several months, also provides for such a method of removing puffiness as placing a roller under the pillow. Sometimes it is recommended to apply ice to the nose.

For the first 2 months, sugar, salt, fried and smoked foods should be excluded from your diet, and less carbohydrates should be consumed. When the time for bed rest has passed, it is useful to walk on fresh air, take vitamins, and avoid stress.

The photo shows that already a month after the operation, patients look quite successful. Of course, recovery after complex rhinoplasty takes longer than, for example, after correction of the tip of the nose. In many respects, it all depends on the method of such correction. They also play an important role individual characteristics of a particular organism and the state of human health in general. Usually, the rehabilitation period after rhinoplasty takes about half a year, when the nose heals completely, and the final results can be discussed only a year after the operation.

The photographs on the Internet show what a nose after rhinoplasty is, which does not have the most best view. And you can also appreciate the beautiful noses, completely healed - they come to this state after long wait. Consider the features of the rehabilitation period, correct passage which is the guarantor of the best condition of the nose.

Features of rhinoplasty

Possible complications after rhinoplasty

If the operation is not the most successful, it may later become clear that an infection has joined. There are nosebleeds, which are quite quickly eliminated. In some cases, a violation of the normal passage of air through the nasal passages develops. Strong anesthesia, which is necessarily used during operations, sometimes gives its own complications. Instead of rehabilitation, they are sometimes prescribed repeated operations. If there is a perforation of the septum in the nose, then the passage of air through the nostrils will be accompanied by noise or whistling each time.

One operation or several?

The human nose is extremely complex, so twenty percent of all interventions are not the only ones. Additional sessions are arranged for further tissue correction.

How long does rehabilitation take?

There are frequent cases when bruises subside after a week, and swelling goes away. The first weeks are dangerous, since it is at this time that the likelihood of bleeding due to surgical injuries is high. A couple of weeks after the intervention, bandages are usually removed, splints are removed, and tampons are removed. The latter is a rather painful event and is often performed along with the use of painkillers. On average, a month may present with difficulty breathing, which is to blame for the normal swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose. Doctors explain that after the disappearance of this edema, breathing returns to normal.

Postoperative nasal care

No injury

Not only at first, but always, you need to carefully protect your nose, saving it from mechanical impact, and especially you need to exclude any blows.

Hydrating the nose from the inside

It is usually recommended that a couple of weeks of the rehabilitation period be used with a spray made on the basis of a harmless physiological saline. This will properly moisturize the nasal passages and reduce the likelihood of infections.

How is swelling reduced?

For some time after the intervention, a noticeable swelling is visible, which extends not only to the nose itself, but also to the adjacent tissues, which swell and become bruised. These lesions can reach the eyes or spread to any part of the face, in each case the localization and duration of this soft tissue edema varies greatly. To help patients, a cooling compress is placed, it is also an anesthetic. At first, it is recommended to sleep on the highest possible pillows.

body position

A healing nose after rhinoplasty requires not just a significant elevation under the head during rest, but a complete exclusion of the posture on the stomach. It is unacceptable to lie on the side of the body, the ideal position is on the back. Any downward tilt of the head should be avoided. These recommendations usually apply only to the first days after the nose correction.

Nostril Care

The area at the entrance of the nostrils must be treated with sterile cotton swabs, using 3% hydrogen peroxide.

Water and cosmetics

Definitely do not need to wash your nose with water, especially in the early days. Next, for about two weeks, in no case should you apply any cosmetic preparations.

Physical activity

Significant body movements are best limited, at least for the first couple of weeks. It is not recommended to move intensively and overstrain, you can not bend down.

Bath and pool

One month should not be taken water procedures in a swimming pool. You can not stay in the bath steam room.

One week after surgery

After a week after the intervention, you should not be alarmed if dried blood fragments are found inside the nose. This phenomenon does not require the elimination of crusts and is normally accompanied by some difficulty in breathing through the nose. With the natural restoration of tissues, these blood crusts will be removed by themselves.

Two weeks after rhinoplasty

On average, after two or three weeks, you can expect the disappearance of characteristic hematomas, but it may well happen that the yellow tint in their place will persist for another couple of months. These traces are usually easily hidden by high-quality decorative cosmetics.

Removal of edema

After a two-week wait after surgery, you can observe the gradually disappearing edema. Their full disappearance occurs only after two to three months. During the rehabilitation period, an asymmetric decrease in edema is often observed, which is almost always normal and is only a consequence of physiological factors, namely individual work lymphatic vessels.

When will the result be visible?

The correct appearance of the new nose can only be assessed after a successful nine-month or one-year rehabilitation. Just at this time, a control appointment is scheduled. Pictures taken immediately after the intervention of the surgeon are often compared with photographs where the patient lived for about a year with a corrected nose. So the latter are usually more pleasing.

As you can see, the nose after rhinoplasty is a rather delicate area of ​​the body, the complete correction of which must be patiently awaited, clearly following all medical recommendations.