Swelling and Bruising after Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Three factors are important in the amount of Swelling and Bruising after Rhinoplasty.

1. Factors related to the Surgeon

2. Factors related to the Anesthesia

3. Factors related to the Patient Skin and Body Reactions

• Factors related to the Surgeon

Surely the result of the surgery directly depends on the skills of the surgeon as well as swelling and bruising. If the surgeon’s technique puts a lot of pressure on the face area, of course there will more bruising and swelling.

• Factors related to the Anesthesia

When anesthesia is done carefully then the blood pressure is controlled during the operation, so the bleeding and bruising will be less.  

• Factors related to the Patient

As much as surgery takes more time, the amount of swelling will be more afterward.

The patient can control the amount of swelling after the surgery by considering some points and taking some medications.

1. For the patients with a thick-skin nose, it is suggested to avoid high calorie, spicy or too sweet foods before Rhinoplasty. 

2. For the people with a skin disorder like Acne or Rashes, it is suggested to visit a dermatologist 2 or 3 weeks before Rhinoplasty.

3. Medications like Aspirin, Vitamin E may increase the swelling and bruising after Rhinoplasty.

4. It is suggested that the patients use a usual dose of vitamin C for one week before Rhinoplasty.

5. Some medications will decrease the swelling and bruising after Rhinoplasty. They are Arnica Montana and Bromelain but these medications are not available in Iran at the moment.

6. Placing the head upper than the body will be useful for decreasing in the swelling and bruising after Rhinoplasty.

7. Just after the operation and also two days after the operation, ice compress is suggested

8. Long stay in the bed, will increase the amount of swelling of head and face.

9. The best diet after the surgery contains mostly proteins, vegetables and fruits.

10. Using fruit juice is suggested.

11. For people with skin acne and rashes preserved drinks shall be used with care.

12. In many countries by applying electromagnetic patches the amount of bruising will decrease. The most famous brand of this type is Actipatch but it’s not available in Iran.

13. Using pineapples, celery and cabbage juices will decrease the swelling and bruising.

14-   Finally for the patients that followed the instructions above but still suffer from the bruising around their eyes, it is suggested to use vitamin K ointments or a soft massage on the skin.

Dr. Shahriyar Yahyavi