If you’re unhappy with the way your nose looks, you’re not alone. In 2018, more than 210,000 people had plastic surgery to change the size and/or shape of their nose, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This surgery is called rhinoplasty, but you may know it better as a nose job or nose reshaping.
Here at Northeastern Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joseph Fodero and his experienced team of care providers make your comfort a priority before, during, and after rhinoplasty. Dr. Fodero, a board-certified plastic surgeon, works with you to ensure you’re up and around again as soon as possible after your surgery.
Rhinoplasty is Dr. Fodero’s specialty, so his patients know they are in expert hands. He uses specially designed surgical tools to reshape the bone and cartilage of your nose. And as an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Fodero utilizes operating techniques that minimize the risk of scarring.
It’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising after rhinoplasty. But Dr. Fodero and his team work with you to make sure you know what steps to take to minimize these inconveniences.
Before your operation, Dr. Fodero and his team educate you about how best to prepare. For example, they talk with you about lifestyle habits that could increase post-surgical swelling or bruising, such as smoking. If you smoke, quitting or cutting back for at least two weeks before surgery, as well as during your recuperation time, could help reduce postoperative swelling and bruising.
Dr. Fodero also asks you what medications you take and what supplements and herbal preparations you use. If any of these can lead to excessive swelling or bruising, Dr. Fodero talks with you about whether you should avoid them. But don’t stop taking medication unless Dr. Fodero or another doctor recommends it.
Dr. Fodero provides you with detailed, personalized aftercare instructions that tell you exactly what steps you can take to heal safely and rapidly. He also tells you what to expect in terms of recuperation time.
To minimize surgical bruising and swelling, Dr. Fodero suggests the following:
Elevating your head helps prevent blood and other fluids from pooling in your face and, thereby, lessens bruising and swelling.
Ice helps minimize swelling and bruising by constricting your blood vessels. Ice can also reduce pain.
Arnica is a homeopathic remedy that can minimize bruising and swelling. It is one of the world’s most popular homeopathic treatments. You can apply arnica topically as a cream or gel, or you may take it orally in the form of tablets or pellets.
While most of the major swelling and initial bruising goes away in about 10 days, swelling may take a few weeks or months to disappear completely.
If you’d like to find out more about rhinoplasty, call us at Northeastern Plastic Surgery or book an appointment online. Dr. Fodero can talk with you about whether you’re a good candidate for this nose-changing surgery and how best to prepare for it.
