Introduction > Plastic surgery > Rhinoplasty > Rhinoplasty surgery
Rhinoplasty surgery
Preparing for surgery
After the initial consultation, our ART MEDIC surgeon will examine the shape and size of your nose and determine the extent of the surgery needed. He will discuss the factors that may affect the procedure—such as the shape of your face and physical limitations—and the possible changes in your appearance as the result of the surgery. We would like to emphasize that our surgeons do not believe in computer modelling, as it is impossible to guarantee an outcome exactly like the image on the screen. We would not like to mislead you in any way concerning the result of your surgery.
ART MEDIC surgeons will give you instructions how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications. Our surgeon will describe the procedure in detail, explaining its risks and limitations and making sure you understand the effect that the surgery will have on your face. Our specialists will also explain the effects of the anaesthesia that will be used, will show you the operating theatre where the surgery will be performed, and will inform you about all the costs involved. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks and potential complications involved.
Description of surgery
Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. Under local anaesthetic, you will not feel any pain, but you will hear unpleasant noises of the operation when bones are broken and adjusted. If you feel you don't mind this inconvenience, local anaesthetics will be advised to you. Under general anaesthesia, you will be sleeping through the whole surgery and won't hear or feel anything.
Rhinoplasty usually takes one to two hours, though complicated procedures may take longer. During surgery, the skin is separated from the supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then shaped to the desired form. Finally, the skin is placed back onto the bone and sutures are placed in.
Full rhinoplasty is a complex reshaping of the nose, when bone, cartilage and tissue are all corrected. In most cases, the incisions are made inside the nostrils—rarely along the side of the nose—, so you will not be left with visible scars after the healing process is complete. Partial rhinoplasty does involve small corrections to the tip or bridge of the nose.
Secondary rhinoplasty is a demanding surgery that aims to correct the results of a previous rhinoplasty surgery, which did not bring the desired results for you.
When the surgery is finished, a plaster case will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.
After the surgery
After the surgery—particularly during the first twenty-four hours—your face will feel puffy, your nose may feel painful, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the painkillers prescribed by your ART MEDIC surgeon. You will have to stay in bed 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 packs will reduce this swelling and make you feel better. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks.
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 be asked not to blow your nose for two weeks while the tissues heal. You will also be advised not to lift anything heavy, eat hot and spicy foods or drink alcohol during this time. You will not be allowed to sunbath for two months following your surgery.
If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you will feel much more comfortable. After 7 days, all the dressings, splints, and stitches will be removed and a bandage will be put on your nose.
It is important to protect your nose for at least 6 weeks. Following surgery, your nose might be sensitive to cold.
