Rhinoplasty

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Rhinoplasty surgery

Cosmetic nose reshaping is also known as rhinoplasty. The procedure can reduce or increase the size of the nose, narrow the span of the nostrils, change the angle between the nose and upper lip, and/or change the tip or bridge of the nose. It can also correct some breathing problems

Rhinoplasty involves the resculpting of the bone and cartilage.

When operating on the nose, the surgeon can either work from within the nose by making an incision inside the nose, or work from the outside by making a small incision across the tissue that separates the nostrils. The latter is known as an “open” procedure

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About Rhinoplasty surgery

Although each procedure varies, generally, nasal surgeries follow this process:

 

Location options may include

Surgeon’s office-based surgical facility . Outpatient surgery center . Hospital outpatient . Hospital in patient

Anesthetic options may include

Local anesthesia . General anesthesia

Recuperation period

Usually up and around in a few days . Usually return to school or sedentary work a week or so after surgery . Surgeon will provide guidelines for resuming normal activities

Some possible short-term side effects of surgery

A splint may be applied to nose to help maintain the new shape

Nasal packs or soft plastic splints may be placed inside the nostrils to stabilize the septum

The face will feel puffy

The nose may ache

You may experience a dull headache, swelling around the eyes, and/or bruising around the eyes

A small amount of bleeding is normal in the first few days

Small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin’s surface

Final results

Healing is a slow and gradual process. Some swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip of the nose. Final results of nasal surgery may not be apparent for a year or more

When a traditional open surgical technique is used, or surgery is performed to narrow flared nostrils, small scars will be located on the base of the nose. The scars usually are not noticeable. Scarring is not visible when rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose

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Preparing for Your Surgery

Our procedures have been designed to make your surgery as safe, comfortable, and convenient as possible.

Your surgery will be performed at one of the following locations

Blood transfusions

All blood used comes from volunteer donors

Guest Services

  • The Guest Services staff is available to assist you in any way. They serve as advocates for patients and their families; act as friends and guides; provide personal services and direct patients and families to hospital and community resources

  • You can call the Guest Services Hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

  • After you go home, if you have any questions or concerns about your hospital care, you can call the Hotline at any time

Rhinoplasty Surgery Postoperative Instructions

Nasal splints

Splints are two pieces of plastic held in place with a stitch inside your nose. Although they are used to provide the best long-term results, they can produce temporary discomfort, and difficulty to breathe through the nose if this happens. These are temporary changes that should resolve once the splints and the stitch are removed, usually a week after surgery

Pain control

You will be prescribed pain medication after nasal surgery. Take as you need for pain control. If you prefer to avoid narcotics, you should feel free to use acetaminophen (Tylenol)

Minimize physical activity for two weeks

Patients can resume normal daytime activities if they have undergone isolated nasal surgery. Walking and spending more time out of bed rather than in bed are helpful to reduce risks of developing pneumonia or blood clots in the legs. However, patients should avoid strenuous activity, it can increase swelling or cause bleeding

PLEASE, NOTIFY YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF SIGNIFICANT BLEEDING OCCURS

Bleeding

It is normal to experience small bleeding for a couple of days after surgery. You may dab your nose gently with tissue, but do not blow your nose. Avoid aspirin, NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, naproxen, or Aleve), for at least two weeks because they can increase the risk of bleeding after surgery

Nasal saline two sprays each nostril four to five times a day for two weeks Nasal saline washes away all crusts and dried blood to keep the nose clean during the healing process, and accelerates healing by maintaining a moist environment in the nose

You may use nasal topical decongestants (such as Afrin spray) two sprays each nostril twice daily for three days and then as needed to control small bleedings, for a maximum period of time of one or two days. The decongestant decreases the amount of swelling in the nose and can keep the nasal passages open during the healing phase

Possible Complications Associated with Rhinoplasty Surgery

Possible complications associated with Rhinoplasty Surgery may include, but are not limited to, the following

  • Infection, Nosebleed, Anesthesia problems

  • Although not common, sometimes, a second procedure may be required to correct a minor deformity that occurs as a result of the initial rhinoplasty

  • As in any surgery, there is a risk of infection or reaction to the anesthesia. Nosebleeds can also occur after surgery

  • Sometimes, small blood vessels may burst causing tiny red spots on the nose to surface. The spots are usually minor in appearance but can be permanent

  • With the “open” procedure, there is the possibility of scarring on the base of the nose