What to Expect Before and After a Rhinoplasty

rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also known as a “nose job,” is a popular procedure for individuals who are dissatisfied with the size or form of their nose. In addition to its well-known cosmetic benefits, rhinoplasty has grown to have much more versatile applications, such as improving nasal function after a severe injury or sickness, or assisting with breathing problems that influence sleep and exercise abilities.

The purpose of rhinoplasty is to modify the nose to the patient’s desired appearance and functioning, while keeping skin type and overall face architecture in mind. Our plastic surgeons mix rhinoplasty science and art to provide patients with excellent, long-lasting results.

Rhinoplasty can improve both the functionality and appearance of the nose.

Candidates for rhinoplasty should, in general, have finished growing. Facial growth in teenagers and young adults, for example, can have an impact on the appearance and function of the nose over time. Pediatric patients with a facial birth defect, such as cleft palate, would be an exception. Furthermore, patients should be in good general health and should not smoke, as smoking can cause poor blow flow and increase the risk of tissue damage. Teens who understand the procedure and have full parental consent can have rhinoplasty. Before having a procedure, girls should be at least 15 or 16 years old, and boys should be at least 17 or 18. When combined with a septoplasty (septum straightening, septal surgery), this procedure cannot only clear the airways a and help person’s breathing but also their overall health.

Prior to rhinoplasty, the surgeon should ensure that the patient understands the procedure, as well as its risks and benefits. While rhinoplasty is a safe procedure, it is critical that it is performed by a trained professional. One of the preoperative steps is when our doctors at Global Medical Care use 3D imaging to show patients how their nose will look after surgery. The plastic surgeon can print models of the nose before and after aesthetic surgery to show how it will look after surgery. This is a learning tool, not a guarantee of success. It can, however, help patients and the plastic surgery team better communicate the surgical goals. We’ve discovered that being able to visualize the expected outcomes makes patients feel more at ease about having surgeries.

We’ve discovered that being able to visualize the expected outcomes makes patients feel more at ease about having surgery. Once the patient’s 3D face model has been made, our doctors can also provide 3D print models that demonstrate before and after results.

If the goal of rhinoplasty is to improve both breathing and appearance, the procedure may include removing the nasal hump (dorsal hump), reshaping the nose tip, reshaping or resizing the nostrils, or increasing or decreasing (reduction rhinoplasty) the overall size and projection of the nose.

Rhinoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure that takes 1.5 to 3 hours. In “closed rhinoplasty,” incisions are made within the nostrils – a technique with limited changeability. An incision is made across the tissue between the nostrils as well as within the nostrils during “open rhinoplasty.” These incisions heal quickly and are barely noticeable. (In open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision in the columella between the nostrils and then makes additional incisions inside the nose. Closed rhinoplasty involves incisions only in the interior of the nose)

If more grafts are required to augment the nose, it is frequently extracted from the patient’s nasal septum. The cartilage graft may be taken from an ear or rib in secondary or revision rhinoplasty, this approach is done to correct deformities caused by a previous procedure. Because of the cartilage grafting requirements and potential for scarring, revision rhinoplasty is a more difficult procedure to perform and should only be performed by a highly skilled plastic surgeon. 

Other Options for Rhinoplasty:

Liquid rhinoplasty, also known as nonsurgical rhinoplasty, is a series of in-office procedures performed while the patient is awake. Without invasive surgery, injectable hyaluronic acid fillers are used to change the shape and size of the nose.

Recovery and aftercare of a nose operation or Rhinoplasty:

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, which can be managed with medication. However, due to possible bruising under the eyes and the use of a splint, the first part of the recovery period can be somewhat awkward at work and in social settings. Splints on the inside and outside the nose should be worn for about a week after rhinoplasty to protect the nasal bones and cartilages. Patients should also refrain from strenuous activity, such as jogging or swimming, for two to three weeks, and from wearing glasses for four to five weeks.

The nose is a delicate structure made of soft tissue, cartilage and bone. A minor modification to one part of the structure has an impact on the rest of the nose. As a result, rhinoplasty requires skill to achieve a natural, functional result.

After Care Tips from your Global Medical Care doctors:

As with any surgical treatment, rhinoplasty can produce swelling in the tissues of the nose and face, which may take some time to resolve.

The degree of swelling experienced with rhinoplasty surgery might vary based on the individual and the type of procedure performed. If your nasal bones are fractured during a reconstructive surgery, you will notice increased edema around your cheeks and eyes.

You can help to reduce swelling after the process with good post-operative care, which will not only make you feel more comfortable but will also allow you to see the results of your surgery sooner.

  • KEEP YOUR HEAD ELEVATED:

Excess fluids can be drained away from your nose by elevating your head above the rest of your body and avoiding resting down flat.

When you lie down, use many pillows and try to sleep in a semi-reclined position to prevent liquid from accumulating around the operation site overnight.

You should also avoid bending over or engaging in any physical activity that will raise your blood pressure.

  • ICE COMPRESSIONS:

Cold compresses applied to the face after surgery will feel calming since they numb the area and slow blood flow, reducing inflammation and bruising.

To produce a cold compress, moisten a clean cloth with water and place it in a plastic bag before freezing it for 15 minutes.

You can apply the compress to your skin for up to 20 minutes; however, do not apply it directly to your nose, since this may put too much pressure on it and dampen the cast. Instead, apply it on your brow or cheeks. Make sure the cloth isn’t too damp, or else water will flow onto the cast.

Cold compresses work best in the first 48 hours following the surgery.

You should alternate 20 minutes of on and 20 minutes of off.

Ice should never be applied directly to your skin because it can disrupt blood flow and damage tissue.

  • KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED:

Drinking plenty of fluids will help your body flush out toxins and reduce swelling faster.

Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated beverages. Keep an eye on your sodium intake as well, as a high-sodium diet can cause fluid retention. Avoid salty snacks and don’t add salt to your food.

  • REST UP

You should spend the first few weeks after surgery resting and relaxing. Most of the swelling and bruising should have gone down by this point, so you don’t feel self-conscious about going out.

Don’t schedule surgery too close to a special event, such as a holiday or wedding; instead, wait several months to ensure that all swelling has subsided.

  • DON’T USE ALCOHOL, DRUGS, OR SUPPLEMENTS:

Stop taking any supplements or other drugs and medications two weeks before your surgery, as they may affect your blood pressure, circulation, and healing.

Take no anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, for pain or to reduce swelling. These medications can actually cause more bleeding and inflammation.

Alcohol is a diuretic and can dehydrate you. It should be avoided until you are completely recovered and the swelling from your rhinoplasty has subsided.

  • FOLLOW YOUR SURGEON’S TIPS AND GUIDELINES

Following your procedure, your GMCare doctors will apply splints and surgical tape to the nasal bridge and nasal tip to help reduce swelling and keep your airways open.

When you return to have your stitches removed, these splints will be removed and the tape replaced.

You’ll only need to wear the tape at night after about two weeks. Apply the tape as directed for at least a month after the procedure, though you may be advised to use it for longer.

Nightly taping of your nose for an extended period of time may appear to be a pain, but it’s critical to maintain so that your nose heals in the proper shape, and it may also help to reduce scarring.

The swelling after rhinoplasty surgery will be the worst in the first week and should have subsided after about 10 days. However, some minor swelling caused by fluid retention may persist for several months or even a year after your surgery. This swelling is very subtle and unlikely to be noticed by others; however, if you’re not completely satisfied with your nose job, it’s best to wait up to a year to see the final result before undergoing any further surgery.

If you are wanting to schedule a rhinoplasty, you can contact Global Medical Care right now and one of our medical consultants will get in touch with you right away.

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