What is postoperative nasal massage like?

Postoperative nasal massage is one of the experimental techniques of cosmetic surgeons. One of the most important benefits of nasal massage after rhinoplasty or even plastic surgery is to reduce swelling of the nose after surgery, increase blood flow and also shape the nose.
Of course, sometimes nasal massage, whether it is tip of the nose or its blades, has a significant effect on small defects that may occur after the operation, such as; It has bumps or dents on the nose, spot swelling, nasal curvature and even a crooked nose.
Provided that you learn the correct and principled method of postoperative nasal massage. You can do a nose massage from the beginning of the second month after the operation 3 times a day for 1 minute each time and you can repeat this for up to 6 months.
If you are also a little confused by watching numerous videos and photos of nasal massage on the Internet. Stay with us until the end of this article, because we know everything you need to know in this article; We have collected for you.

 

 

What is the effect of postoperative nasal massage?

In rhinoplasty, the nasal bone is usually osteotomized, meaning that the bone above the nose is broken and contracted. Therefore, in the first 10 days after rhinoplasty, you usually experience a lot of bruising and swelling. During this time, the skin on the cartilage and bone is boiling. Thus, interstitial fluid forms between the skin and the bone or nasal muscles. This fluid peaks in the first 10 days due to damage to the nose, which we see as swelling.

Then, after 10 days until the end of the second month, the skin begins to make collagen. The interstitial fluid also gradually decreases with the pressure of the nasal adhesive, as well as the repair of muscles and bones, which we see as a reduction in swelling.

What is the role of nasal massage during this time?

Nasal massage from the beginning of the second month causes the lymph and interstitial fluid path to be directed to other parts of the face and does not remain between the skin and the cartilage of the nose. Another benefit of nasal massage is the prevention of fibrosis and blood clots due to the drainage of lymph fluid. Therefore, nasal massage is an effective solution for those who feel tightness in the tip of the nose and become sticky after the operation.

Apart from the above, the importance of nasal massage can be referred to the shaping of the nose and the elimination of minor appearance problems that may arise after surgery.
Over-invasive massage can also alter the healing parts of the nose. For example, nasal septum bones and nasal tip grafts may be displaced. But gentle and principled massage has been recommended by cosmetic surgeons for many years.

Types of postoperative nasal massage (3 types)

We have 3 types of massage after rhinoplasty. Depending on the type of nose (fleshy / bony), the shape of the nose after the operation and what the purpose of the massage is; Its type is different. One of the following methods or a combination of them may be suitable for the shape of your nose. Only your surgeon can determine which massage method is right for you.

So, avoid doing this at home without consulting your surgeon separately. Because you may inadvertently and mistakenly deform the cartilage and bones of the nose, which are usually soft in the first few weeks.

To better understand the following concepts, you can take a look at the anatomy and topography of the nose in the figure below.

 

 

 

 

Types of postoperative nasal massages include:

Massage the bony part of the nose

Definition: This part is located above the nose. The main bone of the nose is the bone that connects to the maxillary and frontal bones, called the nasal bone.

>> Method: In this method of massage, the focus is on the bony part and the lateral walls of the nose.
If the massage is to relieve the general swelling of the nose and to conduct interstitial fluid; Place two fingers on either side of the nose, then gently massage the nose toward the cheeks and around the nose.

However, if the massage is aimed at relieving unilateral swelling of the nose or a slight tilt of the nasal septum after surgery; The tip of the nose and the back of the nose should not be touched at all. Holding one side of the nose with the index finger. Then we apply a little gentle pressure to the side that is swollen or crooked. This massage is also called nasal pressure massage.

> Application: This massage has a significant effect on reducing general nasal inflammation, unilateral nasal inflammation and also eliminating nasal skew after surgery.

 

 

 

Massage the back of the nose

>> Definition: The distance between the depression at the top of the nose where the bone of the nose connects to the forehead bone (Radix) to the tip of the nose is called the back of the nose or Dorsum. The junction of the bone with the nasal muscles, where there is usually a hump, is also called the Rhinion.

>> Method: In the massage of the back of the nose, we massage with one finger from the bottom and close to the tip of the nose upwards. Areas with more protrusions should be massaged more.

> Application: This movement is effective in smoothing the Dorsum of the nose and removing the hump of the nose.

Therefore, this massage is usually used to remove the protrusion of the nasal bone after the operation or the depression on the nose after the operation.

 

 

Nose tip massage

Definition: The lower part of the nasal pyramid, which is made up of lower cartilage, is called the tip of the nose.

>> Method: Nose tip massage, as its name implies, should be done only on the tip of the nose. You should point the tip of your nose with two index fingers and then gently massage it outwards.

> Application: This technique is known as nasal massage after plastic surgery; It is usually done by a surgeon in the office for fleshy noses with large and thick blades in order to reduce skin inflammation and re-fuse the skin to cartilage. Sometimes the nasal fins are massaged in the same way.

 

 

When is the best time to massage your nose after surgery?

The time to start postoperative nasal massage should be from the beginning of the second month. This means that it is better to wait a while for the initial inflammation and swelling caused by the surgery to subside.
In some surgeries, especially rhinoplasty, the nasal bones are broken. So after the operation, the cartilage and bones are still very soft. And they must be touched with caution.

How long should the massage last?

The duration of a nasal massage depends on two factors. The first is which part of the nose is massaged and the second is the opinion of your surgeon. But in standard mode, you can massage your nose 3 times a day for 1 minute each time. It is also recommended to repeat this for 6 months to get better results.

How long should the massage last?

The duration of a nasal massage depends on two factors. The first is which part of the nose is massaged and the second is the opinion of your surgeon. But in standard mode, you can massage your nose 3 times a day for 1 minute each time. It is also recommended to repeat this for 6 months to get better results.

the correct way of standardize postoperative nasal massage

Postoperative nasal massage training is very important. Because if you do not know how to massage a fleshy or bony nose ,you may damage your nose.

The most common and best standard nasal massage is a combination of; Massage of the bony part of the nose + massage of the back of the nose.

1- First, slightly moisten your two fingers with oil or cream. So that the finger gently touches the scalp. Then tilt your head back slightly.

2- Hold the nose with 3 fingers and massage the back of the nose from the bottom (ie from the upper part of the tip of the nose) to the top. Repeat this 2 times.

3- Then place your two index fingers or two thumbs on the side of the nose along the side wall of the nose that connects to the cheeks and massage outwards. So that the skin is pulled towards the cheeks. Do this twice. Note that the fingers should not be stuck to the face, they should be completely along the nose.

4. Go to step 2 again, then step 3 and repeat this cycle for one minute.

What is the difference between massage in bony and fleshy noses?

The massage method in bony noses is usually done in the upper part of the nose which is made of bone and for more fleshy noses in the tips and fins of the nose as well as because of the wide nose on the side wall of the nose.
In fleshy noses, the swelling is greater due to the thickness of the skin, and it takes longer for this swelling to subside. If your nose is fleshy, your surgeon may even ask you to continue massaging for longer.

Does nasal massage hurt?

Most people who go to the office when they are ready for a massage ask the question: “Does nasal massage hurt after surgery?” “.As you can see in the movies, nasal massage is not painful at all.
And if it causes pain or burning in any part of the nose, it means that you are doing the massage in the wrong way. So do not worry because proper and principled massage is not harmful.

Does postoperative massage make the nose smaller?

Nasal massage does not work miracles, but it does help to better shape the nose like nasal glue. Some abnormalities in the shape of the nose, such as the nose being too high or the nasal bone large, cannot be changed with massage. So it is better to wait until the swelling subsides so that you can have a realistic opinion about the shape of your nose.

Is facial massage after rhinoplasty dangerous?

Since rhinoplasty affects most areas of your face, it is best to treat your face and skin gently. You should allow at least 8 weeks for the incised areas as well as the facial bones to heal. Therefore, do not massage your face by hand or with hand and cosmetic massagers.

Conclusion

Is nasal massage necessary after surgery? Nasal massage has no scientific basis and is not written about in any medical book. But it is an experimental procedure performed by surgeons for many years to fix minor postoperative problems.
Therefore, nasal massage is useful if recommended by your surgeon and is an effective way to reduce swelling and shape the nose. But never massage your nose on your own without your doctor’s advice.