Nose surgery: Pain after the procedure

Fortunately, pain after an aesthetic nose surgery does not occur very often. 

We all experience pain differently, however, in many cases there is no need to administer pain medication. The discomfort is moderate and can be effectively controlled with the use of simple analgesics for several days, even in cases where rib cartilage or ear cartilage has to be used for revision rhinoplasty.

The removal of the suture material on the columella and the silicone splints of the nasal septum within the first few days after the surgery in our clinic may be somewhat discomforting, however, no major pain is associated with it either. Similarly, the regular care of the nose that you yourself provide by means of nasal douches and the application of nasal ointments/oils is also pain-free.

You will receive adequate pain medication whilst still in the operating theatre to prevent immediate pain after waking up from the anaesthesia.

The most common impairment is a temporary feeling of pressure and tension in the face and around the nose as a result of the swelling of the skin and soft tissue. This kind of discomfort tends to subside after a few days and disappears at the latest when the wound has healed completely.

By contrast, temporary haematoma under the skin and around the eyes are more frequent. The dissection of soft tissue and especially bones inevitably leads to injuries of the finest blood vessels. This induces blood to accumulate. The slightest amounts can be deposited in the fine skin of the face and lead to varied intensities of discoloration for approx. 10 - 14 days. Generally, these always subside. 

Temporary changes in sensoric perception are just as common after surgery - especially in the area of the tip of the nose. The skin sensation is impaired due to the subcutaneous manipulation and post-surgical oedema.  It feels numb. Gradual and usually complete recovery occurs after a few weeks.

Initially, the soft tissue usually feels noticeably harder. The tip of the nose seems somewhat less mobile than it used to be. This is normal. The reason for this is that the swelling and the structural changes in the tissue cause a significant hardening of the tissue. In fact, this is an expected indication that the stability of the nose has been regained, which in turn is important for a long-lasting, favorable aesthetic result. Otherwise, the swelling caused by the accumulation of water in the tissues will first have to recede gradually. Depending on the thickness of the skin, this process can take several months.