: : SPELEOTHERAPY CLINIC : :

Rhinoplasty, aesthetic and sinus surgery rehabilitation

Halotherapy (HT) may play an important role in a rhinoplasty and aesthetic surgery rehabilitation. It complements well the general recovery guidelines, and can lead to faster and less complicated recovery.

In medical spa sector, drug-free methods for treatment of dermatoses and recovery of skin integument are becoming more and more popular. These methods are part of the rehabilitation programs in dermatology, cosmetology, rejuvenation and others.

Halotherapy or dry saline aerosol inhalation is the most accepted modern therapeutic method, among those based on the application of natural factors.
The considerable antiedematous, bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties of dry sodium chloride aerosol are used in postsurgical rehabilitation, which is especially important for aesthetic surgery. Improvement of local microcirculation, edema reduction and clearance under the influence of haloaerosol (dry sodium chloride aerosol) may be efficiently applied in various skin careprograms. During the dissociation, sodium chloride microcrystals within skin area increase passive transport, which potentates application of various curative and cosmetological agents. With this in mind, HT is combined with local use of creams, ointments, etc**.

Many surgeons recommend the use of saline for nose irrigations as part of a postoperative rehabilitation treatment after rhinoplasty and sinus surgery. This provides for a better and faster recovery. Saline is also recommended for use in wound healing to minimize bacterial contamination*. As part of a rehabilitation treatment, HT can lead to an earlier and less complicated recovery. HT can provide very gentle delivery of dry salt aerosol into the nostrils and other areas after surgery, with better penetration compared to saline solution.Penetration of saline solution into the nostrils has certain limitations (dependant upon the solution delivery device).Dry salt aerosol particles, disbursed in the air of a Halochamber, have better penetration compared to saline solution. This is due to small particle size (1-10um), its negative charge, and air velocity (air has a velocity 1000 times lower than water).

In many cases, patients feel a burning sensation after saline solution irrigations of the nose. HT treatments do not provoke a burning sensation due to the very small amount of dry saline aerosol being inhaled and its gradual administration.
Deposition of haloearosol on open skin areas increases activity of skin cell ion channels and activates electrophysiological activity that determines protective properties of the skin. Research showed normalization of superficial autoflora composition of the skin after administration of Halotherapy.** Study also confirmed the bactericidal, antiedematous and anti-inflammatory effects of dry superfine sodium chloride aerosol.**

Salt aerosol microcrystals normalize pH, induce repairative and regenerative processes in derma, increase skin turgor, stimulate growth and improve hair health. Dry salt aerosol has a beneficial effect on skin microcirculation. By increasing the permeability and electrophysiological activity of the cellular membrane, dry salt aerosol helps in penetration of various remedies used in dermatology and cosmetology and potentiates their effectiveness.**

Thus dry salt aerosol inhalation or Halotherapy may have certain advantages over saline irrigations and can be used as part of a postoperative rehabilitation treatment plan after rhinoplasty and aesthetic surgery.

The treatment is non- invasive. On the contrary, most people find it pleasant and relaxing.

References:
* "Basics of Wound Closure and Healing" Wayne W. LaMorte, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
** "Prospects of Halotherapy in sanatorium and spa dermatology & cosmetology" Chervinskaya A.V., M.D., Ph.D Kurortnye vedomosty. - 2006. - N.3 (36). - P.74-75.