Question:
Swelling one week post-op is extreme. My nose looks double in size. I am returning to work and wondering if there's anything I can do to minimize swelling to make my rhinoplasty look less obvious.
Answer:
First, I will tell you that you shouldn't return to work for a minimum of approximately 2 weeks following surgery. Going back to work after one week will only increase the swelling. Any strenuous activity can make the nose become more swollen. Some of the things that we offer to help patients in decreasing swelling include hyperbaric oxygen and ultrasound. Ultrasound is performed in our office by the aesthetician and it helps the inflammation go down. This is very effective. Also, hyperbaric oxygen involves delivering 100% pressurized oxygen to the tissues where they are swelling. In areas where the tissue are swollen, the blood supply is not that great. Many of our patients state that their nose looks better after four or five sessions during the week.
