The type of rhinoplasty performed may significantly impact bleeding and bruising. Patients who have their nasal bones fractured to narrow the nose are more likely to have postoperative bruising than those who don’t have nasal infracture. There are also significant differences in wound healing characteristics of individual patients. Some have greater tendencies toward bruising than others.
In the preoperative and postoperative periods, several maneuvers have been shown to decrease bruising. It’s important to stop Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Herbal supplements, and nonprescription drugs and vitamins.
After surgery, elevation of the head, ice compresses, and splinting all help to minimize bruising and swelling. It’s also important to avoid activities that will elevate blood pressure and potentially increase bruising. For this reason, strenuous activity should be avoided for at least six weeks.
It’s important to realize that swelling and bruising are a normal part of rhinoplasty surgery. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative maneuvers may minimize bruising , but they won’t make it disappear entirely.
