Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgery that modifies the appearance of the nose, improves breathing, or both. Rhinoplasty can change bone, cartilage, skin, or all three. Rhinoplasty can change the size, shape, or proportions of your nose. It may be done to repair deformities from an injury, correct a birth defect, or improve some breathing difficulties. When planning rhinoplasty, your surgeon will consider your other facial features, the skin on your nose, and what you would like to change.

Preparation:
• A physical examination will be performed, looking closely at the skin on the inside and outside of your nose to determine what kind of changes can be made. Your surgeon might order blood tests or other lab tests.
• This consultation also includes photographing your nose from various angles.
• You should avoid painkillers containing ibuprofen or aspirin for two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery.
• Quitting smoking before and after surgery can help the healing process for at least two weeks.

During the surgery:
Rhinoplasty requires local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on how complex your surgery.

Rhinoplasty may be done inside your nose or through a small external cut (incision) at the base of your nose. then starting to readjust the bone and cartilage underneath your skin. Your surgeon can change the shape of your nasal bones or cartilage in several ways.

The procedure usually takes between one and two hours. If the surgery is complex, it can take longer. You’ll be monitored in a recovery room for at least a few hours after surgery

After the surgery, you’ll be in a recovery room, where the staff monitors the condition. You might leave later that day or stay overnight. You might need to rest in bed with your head raised higher than your chest, to reduce bleeding and swelling.

In most cases, the internal dressings remain in place for one to seven days after surgery. Your doctor also tapes a splint to your nose for protection and support for about one week.

Slight bleeding and drainage of mucus are common for a few days after dressing removal.
Avoid the following for a few weeks after your surgery:
• Running and other strenuous physical activities.
• Swimming.
• Blowing your nose.
• Excessive chewing.
• Laughing, or facial expressions that require lots of movement.
• Pulling clothing over your head.
• Resting eyeglasses on your nose.
• Vigorous tooth brushing.
• Be especially careful about sun exposure.
• You should be able to return to work or school in a week.

Although rhinoplasty is a relatively safe and easy procedure, healing from it can take a while. The tip of your nose is especially sensitive and can remain numb and swollen for months.

Recovery may take up to a few weeks, while some effects may continue for months. It could be a whole year before you can fully appreciate the end result of your surgery.

In some rare cases, the slight changes aren’t enough, and you and your surgeon might decide to do a second surgery for further changes. If this is the case, you must wait at least a year for the follow-up surgery, because your nose can go through changes during this time.

All surgeries carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, or a bad reaction to anesthesia. Rhinoplasty may also increase your risk of:

• Breathing difficulties.
• Nosebleeds.
• A numb nose.
• An asymmetrical nose.
• Scars.