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There is a lot of debate about whether or not nose massage after rhinoplasty is a good idea. Some people say it helps the healing process, while others believe it can cause more problems.
In this blog post, we will take a look at both sides of the argument and let you decide what is best for you!
You have probably guessed it, the most important rule is to follow the instructions you have received from your nose surgeon when you left the hospital.
Your surgeon will know the exact details of your surgery and should always remain your number one source of information when it comes to recovering after a plastic surgery procedure.
Not every nose job is the same, there are many different types of procedures, some are more affected by the gentle pressure of the massage while others are not.
With that said, let’s explore the two sides of the argument regarding post-op nasal massage.
In general, most doctors agree that you should refrain from any kind of nose massage during the first two weeks after a surgical procedure.
During this time, you will likely have a splint on your nose, and the tissues are still very fragile.
After the two-week mark, if your surgeon gives the green light, you can start to massage the area around your nose gently, but it is important to be careful and not apply too much pressure.
It’s important to note that some surgeons – even if they suggest nasal massage – will only do so after a full month or even 2 months have elapsed since the operation.
You should also avoid massaging the actual incisions as this can cause them to open up.
There are a few schools of thought when it comes to this. Some doctors believe that massaging the area around the nose helps to break up any scar tissue that may have formed. Others believe that it can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.
And then there are those who think that nose massage after rhinoplasty does more harm than good and can actually disrupt the healing process.
There is little concrete evidence to support any of these claims, but many surgeons believe that a gentle massage can be beneficial.
You can massage your nose after rhinoplasty by placing your index fingers on its bridge.
Identify the area between your nose and the corner of your eyes. (1)
With your fingers, gently press that spot for about 10 seconds. After that, slowly stroke downward along the side of your nose bridge with your index fingers. Keep moving down in 5-second intervals.
It is imperative that you pay attention to the amount of pressure you apply during the whole process.
You wanna be firm enough to help reduce the swelling and disperse the retained fluids in the affected area but gentle enough to ensure that you don’t cause any damage to the delicate tissues in your nose.
If you are unsure about how much pressure to apply, it is always better to err on the side of caution and go for a lighter touch.
If you do it too soon and/or too vigorously, you risk damaging the delicate tissues, which can lead to a change in shape.
This is why we emphasize always checking with your surgeon before you attempt massaging your nose during recovery.
When you are just beginning with this technique, start with one gentle session a day.
After you have crossed the 2-month mark following the operation, doctors usually recommend 1-2 minute massages performed up to 3 times daily.
It is never mandatory to massage your nose.
Even if massage helps reduce the time it takes for the swell to recede, you don’t have to do it if you are worried that it may harm your new nose.
All that happens is it may take a bit longer until you see a full recovery.
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