Question:
I had rhinoplasty 3 weeks ago. When the doctor removed my bandage I noticed that my pores were extremely clogged and the skin around my nose is peeling. My nose is still sensitive to touch and I am afraid squeeze it. What happened and Is there anything I can do about this?
Answer:
Don’t panic! There are a variety of things that can be done to restore your skin to normal. Your bandage was most likely on for for a week or two, during this time excess oil, skin, and dirt built up under the bandage causing blackheads to form. Your skin may be peeling due to the change in sleep and diet patterns or the healing that is taking place in and around the surgical area.
At home you can start by using a good cleanser with water and a soft washcloth. A gentle toner can be used 1-2 times a day with a cotton ball to help remove the excess oil and build-up that occured while the bandage was on. Toners containg Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, or Glycolic Acid will help to exfoliate and aid in the unclogging of the pores. Ingredients such as vitamin c, aloe vera, cucmber, and chamomille are good for hydrating, and soothing irritated skin. A hydrating moisturizer is also necessary to help the skin return to it’s natural balance of oils. Make sure that during the day you are wearing one with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect the healing area from the the sun. Excess sun exposure can lead to increased swelling or hyper-pigmentation. Our office has a variety of top of the line products that focus on these issues.
In the office at your two week post-op visit I offer a Post-op Facial utilizing steam with enzymes, and glycolic acid to help exfoliate, unclog pores, and restore the moisture balance in the skin. At your four week post-op visit I can do the same Post-op Facial this time including Microdermabrasion and extractions to gently resurface the skin and thouroughly clean out the pores.
Happy healing!
Aubrie Cook, Clinical Esthetician
Before undergoing a surgical procedure like rhinoplasty, certain medical tests are often needed, according to Dr. Nassif. These tests are run to identify any issues that may prevent you from having surgery:
- Physical: A general physical done by your primary care physician may be required.
- Electrocardiogram: An electrocardiogram, or an EKG or ECG, is done to measure the electrical signals that control the rhythm of your heart. An EKG tests for any irregularities in your heartbeat as well as evidence of past heart attacks. Additional testing may be required if irregularities are detected during this test.
- Complete Blood Count: A CBC is a blood count test that measures thirteen blood levels in the body. This blood test can reveal blood deficiencies or disorders that could affect the safety of your procedure and your recovery. Inadequate platelet levels can lead to increased bruising and bleeding. Low hemoglobin levels can slow the healing process. While low levels of white blood cells can lead to increased infection after surgery.
Contact Spalding Drive Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology for more information on rhinoplasty.
Here are a few suggestions Dr. Nassif recommends to make your rhinoplasty recovery easier:
• Place a table with the recovery items you need next to your bed, this will help you from having to get up and down when you should be resting
• Make sure to go grocery shopping to stock up on soft foods like soups, pudding, gelatin and protein drinks
• Stock up on books, magazines, cds, DVDs and other items to help keep you entertained while you are recovering
Contact Spalding Drive Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology for more information on rhinoplasty.
During rhinoplasty, surgeons use various techniques to improve the both the function and the look of nose. Functional improvements center on breathing issues like a deviated septum. The septum separates the two nostrils, when the septum is deviated one of the nostrils is blocked, which can lead to breathing issues.  Contact Spalding Drive Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology for more information on rhinoplasty.
Here are a few tips to make your recovery from rhinoplasty easier:
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 • Plan on taking about ten days to two weeks off of work or school
 • A recliner or pillows are essential as you’ll need to sleep elevated for a few days
 • Place the items that you’ll need at waist height, that way as you are recovering you won’t have to bend over to pick up things.
Contact Spalding Drive Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology for more information on Rhinoplasty.
Here are some side effects that are normal following rhinoplasty surgery according to Dr. Nassif:
Pain – Mild discomfort is common after surgery, but most likely will decrease two to three days after surgery.
Nasal Blockage – It is common to have nasal blockage after rhinoplasty and often feels like a head cold. Cold-like symptoms typically last for about six weeks after surgery.
Contact Spalding Drive Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology for more information on rhinoplasty surgery.
The following are a list of normal side effects following Rhinoplasty surgery according to Dr. Nassif:
- Swelling – After surgery, swelling of the nose typically peeks 36 to 48 hours after your rhinoplasty. Swelling is usually the most pronounced in the mornings. And, while most swelling will reduce after about two weeks, it is common to have swelling for a year after surgery.
- Bruising – Bruising is common around the eyes and on the cheeks, especially if the nasal bones have been fractured during surgery. Bruising peeks about two days after surgery and usually resolves in about two weeks.
For more information on rhinoplasty, contact us.
At three months your nose is about 85 percent healed. The nasal bones and tip are strong, however there is still nasal swelling at the tip. At one year you are about 95 – 96 percent healed. Your nose will never be 100 percent healed because it keeps changing every year.  With rhinoplasty surgery you have to give your nose time to heal and be very patient.
After the initial two weeks of healing from rhinoplasty, the nose starts to look a little better, but you are very swollen. After four weeks, your nose will most likely start to look better and you probably have about 50 to 60 percent of the swelling resolved.Â
During the initial few weeks after your rhinoplasty surgery, you’ll really want to curb your normal exercise routine and not do anything strenuous to avoid any additional swelling. You can start doing some light exercise at about four weeks. At six weeks, you should be able to exercise regularly, but if you notice that your nose is becoming very swollen, you’ll want to back off.
During the second week of healing from your rhinoplasty, the cast comes off your nose and the sutures are removed. Dr. Nassif then puts tape on your nose for an additional week. Your bruising will start to slowly go away. In addition, we use hyperbaric oxygen, arnica and platelet gel to help you heal faster.
