Caring for Your Skin After Rhinoplasty; Vital Steps for Healing and Improving Outcomes

Rhinoplasty is a very popular cosmetic surgery procedure. It is a high impact operation and results can be life changing. While much attention is given to the operative process of rhinoplasty the significance of proper skin care before and after the surgery should not be underestimated. Effective skin care plays a role in facilitating a smooth recovery and achieving optimal aesthetic results. We often work with our colleagues at https://londonskinclinic.london/ to help achieve this.

This article will delve into the importance of skin care in rhinoplasty. We will provide guidance on how to take care of your skin during the pre and post operative period. We will explore how integrating rhinoplasty with non-surgical treatments like Botox and dermal fillers can enhance overall outcomes. Finally we willl discuss the potential benefits of using micro-needling and LASER to improve the quality of your nasal skin after surgery.

The first step in preparing for surgery is to ensure that your skin is clean and well hydrated. Use a cleanser to get rid of dirt, oil and impurities without drying out your skins moisture. It's also essential to hydrate your skin by using a good quality moisturizer that suits your skin type.

Exposing your skin to sunlight can harm it and hindering its healing process. Apply a sunscreen with spectrum protection and an SPF of least 30 every day to shield your skin from harmful UV rays especially in the days leading up to your surgery. After your surgery you should avoid extreme sun exposure for at least 4 weeks. Exposing your nose to the sun too soon after rhinoplasty will cause it to swell excessively, which can have both short and long term negative effects on your result.

Before undergoing surgery steer clear of skincare products containing chemicals like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta acids (BHAs). These ingredients can cause irritation and should be avoided so that your skin remains is not inflamed prior to your surgery.

A nutritious diet plays a role in promoting skin healing. Ensure you stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Foods high in vitamins C, E and A can help improve your skins ability to heal. This is because these vitamins have antioxidant properties which reduces the inflammation caused by the trauma of your rhinoplasty surgery. Avoid eating processed foods which can increase inflammation of the skin. Also it’s advisable to cut back on salty foods which can lead you to water retention and oedema in your nasal skin.

Use a moisturiser that's fragrance free and hypoallergenic to keep your pores clear and avoid any skin irritation. This will help protect your skin barrier and prevent it from becoming dry.

Swelling and bruising are side effects following a nose job. Applying cold compresses within the 48 hours can help reduce swelling and provide some comfort.

Recently I’m often being asked about the use of arnica and bromelain to help healing after rhinoplasty. I think this stems from people promoting their use on social media rhinoplasty platforms. I’ll address both of these now.

Arnica is a herbal remedy that has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Derived from the *Arnica montana* plant, the active compounds in arnica are helenalin and flavonoids. These are believed to work by reducing the body's inflammatory response. Some studies have shown that arnica can be effective in reducing swelling and bruising after rhinoplasty and other facial surgery procedures. Of note arnica can reduce the ability to form clots. Therefore I recommend that patients do not take arnica before surgery and for at least 72 hours after surgery in order to minimise the chance of excessive bleeding.

Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes derived from pineapple. Some animal studies have found it reduces proteins associated with inflammation (https://www.spandidos-publications.com/br/5/3/283?text=fulltext). As a result it has gained popularity with people taking it after surgery. People who do take it anecdotally say that it can help reduce swelling but no large studies have shown any objective evidence that this is the case. Side effects include gastrointestinal upset, increased heart rate and reduction of clotting.

Open rhinoplasty involves incisions being made on the columella and inside the nostrils. This will result in a small scar. Proper care of the scar is crucial for it to fade over time. I advise the use of Vaseline on the scar for the first month after surgery. After this time silicone gel scar cream such as Kelo-Cote should be applied twice a day for the following 3 months. Silicone works by keeping the scar hydrated, providing a barrier (to dirt , bacteria and UV rays) and by promoting collagen formation.

Roaccutane (isotretinoin) is a potent oral medication used to treat severe acne by reducing oil production and promoting skin cell turnover. Some surgeons use this medication to help reduce the skin thickness in patients with very thick nasal skin in order to improve tip definition. One study has shown its effectiveness (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38018283/ ) when taken 2 months before and 4 months after surgery. On the downside however Roaccutane can affect adversely affect skin healing, making it more sensitive and prone to complications like scarring and delayed wound healing. It also can have potential adverse psychological affects. I personally recommend discontinuing Roaccutane at least six months before rhinoplasty and avoiding its use during the recovery period. This precaution allows the skin to regain its normal resilience and ensures that the healing process is not compromised.

Dermal fillers

Rhinoplasty is a transformative procedure that can refine the shape and structure of your nose. Sometimes after surgery patients choose to enhance their rhinoplasty results with non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers and Botox. These treatments can help fine-tune your appearance.

Dermal fillers are a popular choice for those looking to enhance their rhinoplasty results. Here’s how they can help:

Smoothing Irregularities: After rhinoplasty, some patients may notice slight irregularities or asymmetries. This can be due to the fact that whilst surgery improves the shape of the bone and cartilage it cannot always change the shape of the “soft tissue envelope” that overlies these rigid structures. The soft tissue envelope consists of the muscle , fat and skin that overlies the nasal bone and cartilage. Dermal fillers can be used to smooth out these imperfections, creating a more even nose shape.

Enhancing Volume: For those who feel their nose looks too flat after surgery, dermal fillers can add subtle volume. This is particularly beneficial for patients who want to enhance the bridge of the nose.

Chin enhancement; sometimes after rhinoplasty further things can be done to achieve optimal facial balance and harmony. One of the most effective ways to enhance this balance is chin augmentation with dermal fillers. The chin plays a crucial role in defining your overall facial profile. A well-proportioned chin can enhance the symmetry and balance of your face, especially in relation to your nose. When I perform chin enhancement after rhinoplasty I use 1-3mls of juvederm ultra 3. This is a hyaluronic acid filler. I inject safely into the periosteum of the mental process of the mandible. The procedure is relatively painless and takes about 15 minutes. The results are instantly visible. The filler may need to be topped up after about 10 months.

Botox has the ability to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and can also play a significant role in enhancing rhinoplasty results:

Softening Expression Lines: Botox can be used to relax the muscles around the nose, reducing the appearance of expression lines that might detract from your new nose shape.

Reducing alar flaring: Botox can help relax the dilator naris anterior and the alar nasalis muscles. This can reduce nasal flaring and make nostrils smaller without the need for an alar base reduction.

Nasal Tip Drooping: Some patients experience a downward pull on the nasal tip when they smile. Botox can be used to relax the muscle responsible for this movement, helping to maintain a more lifted nasal tip after rhinoplasty.

Complementing Your Overall Look: Botox can also be applied to other areas of the face, such as the forehead and crow's feet, to create a smoother and more youthful appearance that complements your rhinoplasty results.

If you’re considering dermal fillers or Botox after rhinoplasty, it’s crucial to choose a reputable clinic with experienced practitioners. London Skin Clinic offers expert care in a state-of-the-art facility, ensuring that your post-surgery enhancements are handled with precision and care. Their team of skilled professionals can guide you through the process, tailoring treatments to suit your individual needs and enhance your overall results.

Microneedling and laser treatments are popular options for improving skin quality after rhinoplasty. They can help the overall texture, tone, and appearance of the skin. Microneedling involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This stimulates collagen production and promotes the regeneration of new, healthy skin cells. This process can help to reduce scarring, smooth out uneven texture, and improve skin elasticity around the nose. Laser treatments, on the other hand, use focused light energy to target pigmentation issues, refine pores, and further boost collagen production. Both treatments can be particularly effective in addressing any residual skin discoloration, reduce pore size, or textural irregularities post-surgery. Of note it is important to wait until the nose is fully healed before undergoing these procedures.