Post-Surgery Skin Care

How should I take care of my skin after nose surgery?

Making the decision to have rhinoplasty, whether for a breathing issue or to correct the shape or a feature that you were not pleased with is a very big step. There are a lot of things that you do before the procedure to optimize the results, the most important being the choice of an experienced and highly skilled rhinoplasty surgeon who takes the time to understand and help you manage your expectations. It only makes sense, then, to also take particular care of the nose and affected area, following your surgery.Depending upon the type of procedure, there may be differing levels of pain and discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. There may be swelling, bruising, some bleeding and a feeling of congestion. Your doctor may suggest ice, but, for the most part, the bruising and swelling will simply have to run their course. Once home, there should be minimal bleeding. To help decrease the likelihood of bleeding and reduce subsequent swelling, recommendations that have proven effective include:

• Keep strenuous activity, such as running and exercising, to a minimum
• Avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, or herbal supplements

since these may increase risk of bleeding

• Modify diet to prevent constipation and any resulting straining
• Brush teeth gently to avoid overly stretching the upper lip
• Significantly reduce sodium intake
• Stop smoking
• Alter your usual medication routine temporarily if so instructed

Skin Care Following Surgery

Whether we have had surgery or not, proper skin care is essential. The skin is the body’s largest organ, covering an area of about 20 square feet. It serves as a protective barrier from microbes and the elements and regulates body temperature. Plus, the health of our skin plays a huge role in our physical appearance. Following surgery, the skin near the site of the procedure is especially vulnerable. You can optimize the results of your procedure by following these suggestions:Go overboard with babying your skin. Prevent discoloration or pigmentation issues by using only the mildest and highest quality cleansers and moisturizers. Make sure they are hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.The sun is not your friend! If you must go out, avoid exposure to sun as much as possible. According to Steven Hopping, MD, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery “The first few days after having a procedure, it’s best to avoid the direct sun. If you go out, opt for a sunscreen that blocks alpha and beta sun rays. SPF 30 or 40 is sufficient — the ones with higher SPF tend to block the pores, so it may be better to steer clear of them.”Leave your incision alone! Unless you want to take a very real chance on infection and scarring, do not pick at the skin or scabs at incision sites.Drink more water. This is also true even if you have not had surgery. Staying properly hydrated is extremely important for healthy, young-looking skin. Following any sort of procedure, it is essential to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day. Not only will it help rejuvenate your skin, but it will also help flush out toxins.Paying attention to all requirements prior to surgery and following post-surgery good practices will go a long way in increasing the success of your rhinoplasty procedure.Experienced, board certified and dedicated, Dr. Geoffrey Tobias was recognized 12 times as “best in his field” by New York Magazine. When you need a highly-skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, you could not make a better decision than to request a consultation with Dr. Tobias. To start that process, simply click here.