Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
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| Details Procedure Risk/Side Effects Recovery Results FAQ |
The complete line of solutions for size, shape, angle and width
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems.
Details
Rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently.
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you're physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.
Procedure
During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon's preferred technique. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new framework.
If your nostrils are too wide, Dr. Patterson can remove small wedges of skin from their base, bringing them closer together. Incisions are made inside the nostrils or at the base of the nose, providing access to the cartilage and bone, which can then be sculpted into shape.
When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints may also be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.
Length: Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated procedures may take longer.
Anesthesia: Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and on what you and your surgeon prefer. With local anesthesia, you'll usually be lightly sedated and your nose and the surrounding area will be numbed; you'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. With general anesthesia, you'll sleep through the operation.
In/Outpatient: Rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
Side-Effects / Risks
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk. When rhinoplasty is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection, nosebleed or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Patterson’s instructions both before and after surgery.
After surgery, small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin's surface; these are usually minor but may be permanent.
As for scarring, when rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring at all. When an "open" technique is used, or when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils, the small scars on the base of the nose are usually not visible.
In about one case out of ten, a second procedure may be required to correct, for example, a minor deformity. Such cases are unpredictable and happen even to patients of the most skilled surgeons. The corrective surgery is usually minor.
Recovery
Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you're entirely up to speed.
Avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, bending, sexual relations, and any activity that increases your blood pressure) for two to three weeks. Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned, for eight weeks. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics.
After surgery - particularly during the first twenty-four hours - your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed. Plan on staying in bed (except for visits to the bathroom) with your head elevated for the first day.
You'll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. In any case, you'll feel a lot better than you look. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so. (Some subtle swelling - unnoticeable to anyone but you and your surgeon - will remain for several months).
A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. You will probably be asked not to blow your nose for a week or so while the tissues heal.
If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you'll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one or occasionally two weeks, all dressings, splints and stitches should be removed.
Results
In the days following surgery, when your face is bruised and swollen, it's easy to forget that you will be looking better. In fact, many patients feel depressed for a while after plastic surgery. This is quite normal and understandable. Rest assured that this stage will pass. Day by day, your nose will begin to look better and your spirits will improve. Within a week or two, you'll no longer look as if you've just had surgery.
Still, healing is a slow and gradual process. Some subtle swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip. The final results of rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long will it take for complete results?
A. The final results of rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or more.
Q. Can I wear my glasses after surgery?
A. You can wear contact lenses as soon as you feel like it, but glasses are another story. Once the splint is off, they'll have to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for another six to seven weeks, until your nose is completely healed.
