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 appearances 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
physical activities that may affect the healing process.
