Rhinoplasty
(nasal surgery) is surgery of the nose that
involves changes to all or some parts of the
nose to reshape the nose. Appearance can be
important to those people who are dissatisfied
with the shape and size of their nose. This
cosmetic procedure is among those most frequently
performed. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure
in which deformities of the nose are corrected
by rearranging or reshaping bone or cartilage.
Septum can be corrected at the same time to
correct the deviation resulting in being able
to breathe better. The results achieved are
permanent.
Indications
for Surgery
Reasons
include reducing or increasing the size of the
nose, removal of bumps as well as improving
expressions of nose. Conditions may be natural
or due to external trauma to the face. This
operation helps patients who have difficulty
breathing. The operation can be performed on
all age groups in their teens and the elderly.
Nasal deformities of birth can also be corrected.
Before
Surgery
A
medical history along with a careful examination
is conducted in order to evaluate your health.
Digital photographs and clinical examination
allow us to evaluate the appropriate surgical
procedure to achieve the desired results. Pre-operative
instructions may include the stopping of drugs
that contain aspirin in order to minimize the
possibility of excess bleeding. Reduce or stop
smoking and a CT scan of sinuses.
The
Procedure
Surgery
is usually performed under IV sedation or under
General Anesthesia which are both extremely
comfortable and results in less swelling and
bruising. In most cases, the skin of the nose
is separated from the underlying skeleton of
bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are
then reshaped and the skin re-draped over the
surface. Patients who have a deviated septum
may benefit by correction of this problem at
the same time. The incisions are placed inside
the nose. In cases where the nostrils flare,
the surgeon may make an incision in the mouth
to narrow the flared appearance. It is not unusual
to combine rhinoplasty with chin augmentation
to improve the profile. Nose may be packed for
48 hrs if septum is corrected at the same time.
Recovery
The
recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people
resume their normal activities within two to
three days. There are small paper tapes over
the nose to keep the changes in shape. There
is always some stuffiness of the nose when work
has been done on the nasal septum.
Pain
is minimal and is controlled with medications.
Bruising occurs around the eyes if bones are
fractured but will fade within a few days. Discoloration
usually disappears in two weeks. Swelling of
the tip takes about 2 weeks to reduce by 90%.
Aftercare
Dressings
– A tape will be placed on the outside
of the nose and must be placed for 7 days. If
you had simultaneous septal surgery to correct
a deviation there will be a small dressing placed
inside each nostril that will be removed the
second day after surgery.
Sutures
– Most sutures will dissolve, few to
be removed in 5 to 7 days.
Activity
– Sleep with your head elevated 30
to 45 degrees to help decrease swelling. Apply
ice as much as possible for the first 2 days
which will decrease the amount of swelling and
bruising. No heavy exercise or lifting for two
weeks. Soft diet the first few days, Vigorous
chewing may provoke increased drainage form
the nose.
Special
Instructions – Protect the sensitive
skin on nose and face from sun exposure for
at least six weeks. Avoid pressure on the nose
i.e. tape glasses off of nose for up to 6 weeks.
Also avoid bending over with your head below
waist level. The nose may be stuffy the first
couple of weeks since this may distort the delicate
sutures and cartilage inside your nose.
Swelling
and bruising are normal as well as some bloody
drainage the first couple of days. Expect two
to three days of recovery before normal activities
can be performed. Consult the doctor before
attempting any athletic or precarious activities
that may affect the healing process.
