Measures to optimize rhinoplasty post operative care, systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: The postoperative care of rhinoplasty has evolved along with the develo­pment of the surgical technique. There are several recommendations, however there is enormous interprofessional variability of post-surgical indications. Aim: To carry out a systematic review of the scientific literature on rhinoplasty postoperative care. Material and Method: To carry out this study, searches were carried out in PubMed and in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews with the profiles: ([rhinoplasty] AND [post operative care]) and ([rhinoplasty] AND [post surgical care]). Articles published in the last 10 years were selected, from 2013 to 2023, both inclusive. Results: The documents analyzed collect the evidence of the different methods of post-surgical care in rhinoplasty, they confirm the use of corticosteroids in the postoperative period as well as rest at 90° and expose the interprofessional variability that exists in the post-surgical protocol of this surgery. Conclusion: The use of corticosteroids and rest at 90° reduce the post-surgical complications of rhinoplasty. There must be clear information about what the patient should expect post surgery. The use of opioids must be restricted and analgesia must be multimodal. It is necessary to carry out future studies with a higher level of evidence and have uniform protocols for clinical practice.