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Rhinoplasty
can be done once the majority of facial growth is done.
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Patients
expect rhinoplasty to be more of an inconvenience than it is.
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Surgery
takes approximately 2-3.5 hours depending on your needs.
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Incisions
are usually inside the nose where they cannot be seen.
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We'll
discuss parameters, while you are looking a mirror, such as:
Is the nose too long from between the eyes to the tip,
too wide at the base or nostril? Does it protrude too far from the face? Is there a hump, dip or deviation? Would you like the bridge to be straight or have a slight
curve? Is the tip
too boxy, pointy or wide?
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Someone
must drive you home and to the office the next day.
The following appointments are then usually at 1 week
and then 3-6 weeks.
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You
will have a nasal splint and packing in the nostrils.
Patients do not complain much about pain but the
packing and splint is annoying.
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Block
your nostrils to practice breathing through your mouth before
surgery and you'll be much more comfortable after.
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Almost
everyone gets some degree of black eye.
You'll need ice packs.
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The
nasal bones may have to be repositioned to achieve contour
improvement.
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This
is a cosmetic surgery, not covered by insurance, fees are paid
in advance. It is
meant to improve the size, shape and contour of the nose and
can sometimes be done at the same time as procedures to
improve breathing.
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Surgery
on the inside of the nose (without any change to the outer
contour) to correct breathing problems is a separate procedure
called septoplasty. I
let the Ear, Nose and Throat doctors do this and I concentrate
on the cosmetic aspects.
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Swelling
and bruising vary with each patient.
The bruising, under the eyes, is similar to what you'd
have it you caught a soft ball in the nose.
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Although
you will see changes right away, you will not achieve your
final result until months, maybe more than a year, after the
surgery. Subtle
swelling, not noticed on general observation, will continue to
go down months after surgery.
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Just
because this is a want
and not a need doesn’t mean it’s any different
than any other surgery. All surgery has the same consequences
- pain, bruising and swelling.
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Pain
medication and antibiotic scripts are called to your pharmacy
in advance.
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Just
like any surgery site, the tip of the nose will feel numb for
some time after surgery.
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Complications
are really no different than any other surgery.
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Glasses
must sit on top the splint or be suspended from a tape on the
forehead so pressure is not put on the operative site.
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You
may receive vague compliments, but it’s rare for anyone to
notice a specific change in your nose (unless you tell).
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It
could take more than one procedure to attain what you feel is
your best look. Touchups
are not unusual in nasal surgery.
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If
your nostrils are wide, we may need to tuck a small scar in
the nostril curve.
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The
packing is usually removed in 24-48 hours.
Splint is worn for protection 24 hours a day for 7-10
days and then at night for several weeks after.
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Makeup
can be worn "around" the splint.
May shower and shampoo 24-48 hours after surgery by
keeping the head tilted back to keep the splint dry.
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Nose
will be stuffy after surgery. Over the counter nose drops help.
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No
contact sports for 3 months after surgery.
Avoid heavy lifting and straining for 3-6 weeks.
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No
aspirin products 10 days before surgery.
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MAO
Inhibitors drugs, diet pills and herbal remedies may need to
be stopped.
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Take
it easy for three days, then resume all normal activity, except
heavy lifting, at your pace and comfort.
You are never really incapacitated.
Time off work depends on how private you want to be.
Be careful holding children.
They seem to bop us in the nose at the most
inconvenient time.
