Surgical Procedure:

The incisions are placed on the rim of the alar of nose. Soft tissues of the nose are then separated from the underlying structures,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 time of surgery.

Duration of Operation: Two hours.

Risks and Complications:

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 your surgeon'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.

After Care:

The nose will be covered with either plaster of Paris, or a light metal or plastic splint to maintain the position of the nasal bones.

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.

Result:

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.

Hospital Admission: Most patients do not need to stay in the hospital overnight.

Anesthetic: The operation is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). Most patients are happier when they are asleep. You can choose. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is not needed.

Pre Operative Care

Inform us about any allergies, any serious medical condition(s), and all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription).
Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery.

Post Operative Care:

Your surgeon will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities.
You will still need to be careful to not blow your nose for about two weeks, and avoid bumps to the nose for about six weeks. Eyeglasses should be taped to the forehead, off the bridge of the nose, for the first month.

Avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, bending, sexual relations-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.

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