The Effects of Vibration and Pressure Treatments in the Early Postoperative Period of Rhinoplasty

BACKGROUND: The early postoperative period can be distressing for the patients undergoing rhinoplasty since edema and ecchymosis are common complications. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the effects of the vibration and pressure treatments in the early postoperative period of rhinoplasty. METHODS: Sixty patients, who had undergone rhinoplasty, were randomized into 3 groups: group 1 (control group, n = 20) received classic nasal casting, group 2 (n = 20) received nasal cast with an elastic bandage to hold it on the face, and group 3 (n = 20) received vibration treatment in addition to that in group 2 following the rhinoplasty. They were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 3 and 7 days in a prospective study. The postoperative edema and ecchymosis were scored by 2 independent surgeons. The postoperative pain was measured using the visual analog scale, and the necessity of anti-inflammatory medication (and the dose needed) and the cast comfort was questioned. The sebaceous activity of the nose skin was examined. A preoperative and postoperative seventh day sonographic study was performed to evaluate the tissue edema objectively. RESULTS: The pressure treatment decreased the edema and ecchymosis significantly compared with the control group. The vibration treatment minimized edema, ecchymosis, sebaceous activity of the nose skin, pain score, and the need for anti-inflammatory medication, and increased the cast comfort significantly compared with the other groups (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Rapid regression of edema and ecchymosis may be achieved using the vibrating nasal cast technique that may minimize patient discomfort, pain, and sebaceous activity following rhinoplasty.