The Entire Process: Start to Finish

Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at enhancing the appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty is an elective procedure where both patient and surgeon have roles to play in ensuring its success.

Before the surgery

Consulting with your potential surgeon is always the first essential step to take when considering rhinoplasty. During consultation, discuss with your surgeon your hopes and expectations. Vividly describe to your doctor what current features of your nose you want to change, and what you want to have after the surgery. You can show your surgeon some picture clippings Your surgeon in turn will show you if those expectations can be realistically met, what rhinoplasty can do and cannot do, as well as the potential risks involved in the surgery.

Discuss your medical history with your surgeon including current medication, previous surgeries, and drug allergies. You will be asked to take several laboratory records to determine your general health status and evaluate your risk factors.

Measurement of your face and photos of your nose will also be taken in order to determine what shape and size of your nose will create facial symmetry. A 3D model of your face may also be created to approximate what your nose will look like after the surgery.

You will also be asked to take lab tests and medical evaluation to ensure that you are in the right physical condition for the surgery.

Weeks before the surgery, you will be advised to stop taking inflammatory drugs, herbal medicines, and aspirins since they promote bleeding. Vitamins C and E and iron are strongly recommended because they help speed up healing and fight infections. Smoking is also prohibited weeks before the actual surgery as well as excessive exposure to sunlight since they will affect the quality of the skin.

During the surgery

Usually, rhinoplasty is performed as an outpatient basis so ask for someone to drive you to and from the hospital. If you are advised to spend a night at the hospital, make sure someone stays with you.
Intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is administered to make the patient most comfortable and pain-free during the surgery. Nose job is performed either as an open or closed procedure. In open rhinoplasty, the surgeon cuts an incision across the columella, the septum that separates the nostrils. In closed procedure, the incision is done on the inside of the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty leaves a small, barely visible scar but is considered the best procedure by nose job surgeons because it allows a more precise re-shaping of cartilage. Closed surgery does not leave any external scars. During your pre-surgical consultation, discuss with your surgeon the best type of nose job surgery for you.
Reduction or augmentation of nasal structures typically requires the use of cartilage grafted from other areas of your body. Cartilage from the septum, the ear, and the rib are some of those commonly used in the surgery.

Once the internal structure of the nose has been sculpted to the desired shape, the incision is closed. Splints and tubes will be inserted to support the new structure during the first week of the healing process.

After the surgery

Rhinoplasty is not entirely predictable, and some complications may arise after the surgery. You should take meticulous steps to help speed up your recovery. Sleeping with your head an elevated angle (higher than your chest) is recommended as this helps lessen bleeding and swelling. You will experience soreness in your ears, nose, and aching of head, so take your surgeon’s medication as prescribed to alleviate these post- nose job problems.

You can apply cold compress to lessen the swelling. Expect also a lot of bruising and slight bleeding for the first few days. Avoid blowing your nose for a duration of about a week. If you experience chest pains, shortness of breathing, and irregular heart beats, call for medical attention right away.

Some of the activities you need to avoid for several days after the surgery include:

Exercising and doing other strenuous activities
Swimming
Bending over with the head lower than the heart or chest level
Lifting heavy weights
Wearing of eyeglasses or sunglasses

Conscientiously follow the post-surgical care instructions given by your doctor to help speed up recovery and lessen complications. After the week or two, the splint will be removed, but your nose will continue to feel swollen for several months and may even reach a year or more. One week after your surgery, you can resume going to work or school.