Reduce Bruising & Swelling After Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty

The recovery period following rhinoplasty and septoplasty is fairly manageable compared to other facial surgery procedures, but there is still some considerable bruising and swelling. Since the nose is the central feature of the face, this bruising and swelling can affect the appearance quite a bit during the initial recovery period. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can reduce bruising and swelling after rhinoplasty or septoplasty to enjoy a more comfortable recovery period and accelerate your return to normalcy.

1.   Follow Recovery Instructions

The first step in reducing bruising and swelling after your rhinoplasty or septoplasty procedure is to follow the recovery instructions given by Dr. Ginsburg. We provide thorough recovery guidelines to help you navigate the recovery process from start to finish. This includes instructions on caring for the treatment area, medications or supplements you should be taking, dietary recommendations and even activities you should avoid. These guidelines are intended to accelerate your recovery process and make it as comfortable as possible. Ultimately, following these instructions will lead to less bruising and swelling as you heal.

2.   Rest & Elevate

The simplest way to reduce swelling and bruising after your surgery is to rest as much as possible. Resting allows your body to focus all of its energy on healing, which will lead to a reduction in swelling and bruising. We often recommend that patients rest and sleep with their head in an elevated position, either by using extra pillows or laying in a recliner. This encourages optimal blood flow to reduce swelling in the face. Furthermore, you may want to consider applying ice to the face to reduce swelling and aid in pain relief.

3.   Be Patient & Take Time Off

Although it may be tough to do nothing, sometimes, being patient with your recovery process is the best solution for reducing your swelling and bruising. If you follow your recovery instructions and the other tips listed above, you will be providing the perfect environment for your body to heal. Although you may not eliminate swelling and bruising overnight, these symptoms will eventually heal as long as you adhere to the recovery guidelines. This is why patients are encouraged to take time off of work and other activities following their surgery. If you don’t look or feel like yourself, taking some time off can give you the needed opportunity to rest and allow your bruising and swelling to go down.

At Providence Facial Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, we’re here to help you through your rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures in any way we can. Contact us today to learn more about these treatments or to schedule your initial consultation.