RHINOPLASTY- NOSE RESHAPING- ‘NOSE JOB’
Rhinoplasty is the surgery which helps to reduce or refine the nose, and it is one of the most frequent facial surgeries. Hump on the bridge of the nose or prominent tip could be unsightly and may be a cause for being ridiculed by friends and family members. It may be a cause for a person to remain self-conscious. This can be achieved by a procedure called rhinoplasty which usually involves changing the shape or reducing the size of the nose. The aim of rhinoplasty is to provide a balanced shaped nose with regards to various other features of face.
During the consultation a patient’s entire face is evaluated in order to determine whether it is symmetrical or not and whether the person has a blocked nose or if there is any other problem in the airway. By using computer imaging the plastic surgeon can possibly discuss the possible practicalities of what can be done with a person’s nose. The computer image however is not and can never be an exact picture of how the nose will look after the surgery.
About the surgery
Rhinoplasty surgery usually involves creating an incision inside the nostrils (endonasal). However, in more complicated cases an open procedure is carried out in which a small incision is made across the base of the nose on columella, which is the vertical strip of tissue which separates the nostrils. The scar which is created is usually inconspicuous. The rhinoplasty procedure usually takes between one or two hours whether any other procedures to enhance the breathing or to improve the look of a person’s face are combined with it or not.
This surgery can be carried out in many of the cases as a day case procedure under either under local anaesthetic with or without sedation or under general anaesthetic. You may require staying in the hospital for an overnight stay in hospital. The splint is removed at around 11 days after the surgery.
Pre-operative Preparation
It is advisable not to smoke before embarking upon any cosmetic surgery. Aspirin containing medications and Nurofen should not be taken for two weeks pre-operatively. Certain medication like Arnica can help if taken 7 days pre-operatively as well as 7 days post-operatively.
Post-Operative Care
A splint is applied to a person’s nose in order to maintain the new shape of nose after the procedure. It is necessary to apply ice packs to the eyes in order to reduce the swelling around the eyes. The nose job surgery is not that painful. There will be a slight discomfort if packs are placed in the nose.
Long Term Results
It is necessary to follow the advice given by the surgeon in order to reduce the swelling around the nose which usually settles down on its own. The plastic surgeon will usually show some massage exercises. The dark colour of bruising might take slightly long period to disappear especially in darker skin population.
Hopefully, the above information will give a person a better insight in understanding the procedure before undergoing any form of rhinoplasty procedure.
The surgery is not uncomfortable as it is normally done under general anaesthesia. You will be supplied with tablets for pain control in the postoperative period.
Usually rhinoplasty patients can see the changes in their nasal appearance as soon as the splint is removed i.e. after a week after the surgery. For most of rhinoplasty procedures, the swelling disappears in the first 2 or 3 weeks. However, some low grade firmness or swelling may persist for months and the soft tissue of the nose can mature after about a year or even longer. For this reason patients are advised to look at their final result not until a year after the procedure.
Ice packs should be applied in the first 24 to 48 hours. It is necessary to rest your head elevated for 1 or 2 week after the procedure and avoid any strenuous activities for few weeks. Additionally, Arnica medication can help minimise bruising in the early post-operative period. It is advisable not to take any Aspirin containing medications 10-14 days before the surgery. If these medications or any blood thinners are taken during the procedure then there is an increased risk of severe and prolonged bruising as well as septal haematoma.
You are allowed to start your desk work on computer within first week. If your work involves a lot of heavy lifting at, it is advisable not to return to work before 2 or 3 weeks after the procedure.
