Nose Surgery/Rhinoplasty
What is Nose Surgery or Rhinoplasty?
Nose Surgery or Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery where plastic surgeons alter the nasal shape, size and contour of the nose in order to bring facial harmony and proportion. Rhinoplasty is also done to correct structural defects in the nose that might cause difficulty in breathing. Nose surgery can reconstruct the nose tip, straighten the nose bridge, resize the nose and narrow the nostrils.
Plastic Surgery Procedural Steps
This procedure requires administration of anesthesia to minimize discomfort during the surgery. Plastic Surgeons usually make incisions inside the nostrils or in the septum between the nostrils to adjust the bones and cartilages under the skin. Sometimes the nasal cartilage is augmented by using cartilage from other parts of the body. A deviated septum can also be corrected by adjusting the nasal bridge to improve breathing. After the reconstruction is done, the tissue, the cartilage, and the skin are draped back and closed with sutures.
Important Facts about Nose Surgery
Like any other surgery, there are certain risks for Rhinoplasty. It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor prior to scheduling a surgery. Some of these risks include, but are not limited to, scaring, infection, blood clots, anesthesia risks, etc. It is also possible, but not common, to experience cardiac and pulmonary complications during longer surgeries. Be sure to ask your surgeon for a more extensive list of possible risks and discuss them together.
Post Nose Plastic Surgery Treatments and Benefits
Patients undergoing nose surgery should take sufficient rest lying in a bed with head raised higher than chest. This minimizes the chance of bleeding and also reduces swelling. Plastic Surgeons put dressings inside the nose after surgery for a week or so. Some patients can develop nasal congestion from the cotton pads packed inside the nose. Surgeons may also use a splint or a plaster cast to give support and protection to the newly reconstructed nose. Patients are recommended to avoid certain activities like swimming or avoiding normal day to day functions like blowing the nose for the first few weeks post surgery.
Rhinoplasty Results
As the swelling subsides patients can notice the changes in their nasal structure. However, the healing process takes time and the final result of the surgery can be seen after several months to a year, in some extreme cases. Results are permanent the majority of the time, but there are still possibilities of cartilage reshaping and moving to change outcomes.
Questions to Ask your Plastic Surgeon
- What are the risks that are involved with Rhinoplasty?
- Am I a good candidate for nose surgery?
- What is the procedure like?
- Can I see before and after pictures of previous surgeries?
- How soon will you be able to resume your normal activities?
- Would my health care plan pay or reimburse the expenses?
- Where and how will you perform my surgery?
- What are the risks associated with this procedure?
- Where will I be transferred to after surgery?
- Will I be given medication after surgery? What kind?
- What is the removal process for dressings, bandages and/or stitches?
- When do I return for my follow-up visit?
- How should I expect my nose to look over time?
- How long is the recovery period?
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