Rhinoplasty Tips – The Guide to Understanding the Procedure

Rhinoplasty Tips – The Guide to Understanding the Procedure

There is quite the collection of frequently asked questions when it comes to Rhinoplasty. Discovering the ins and outs of a procedure is the correct primary step in deciding to move forward with your decision.  Let’s start with the foundational information that you need to know about Rhinoplasty to guide you through this article.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is also known as a nose job. It is achieved by correcting the shape and/or size of the nose, whether it be for appearance or breathing purposes, or possibly both.

Why do people undergo Rhinoplasty surgeries?

There are several reasons why an individual would decide to undergo the procedure;

• Size correction
• Fixing birth defects
• Repair from injury
• Reshaping
• Breathing problems including a deviated septum

Are there any risks involved with the procedure?

With most surgeries, there are always risks involved, but with rhinoplasty, the percentages are very low, and at Cosmetic Avenue, no problem is left unresolved.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Disruption of airflow through the nasal cavity
• Numbness around the nose
• Pain
• Bruising
• Swelling
• A hole in the septum
• The result is unsatisfactory to the patient
• Additional surgery

Most of these risks can be identified before the surgery even takes place. Upon consultation, risks and concerns will be thoroughly surveyed, identified and resolved.

How to prepare for your surgery

Your surgeon will ultimately determine your preparation for the procedure during your consultation. Certain contributing factors such as your medical history, physical well-being and different risks that may affect the success of your procedure are taken into consideration. Upon evaluation, you may or may not be given the green light.

What happens during the consultation?

Discussion of Medical History – The doctor must be aware of any previous surgeries, defects, medical condition etc. to evaluate whether you are a candidate for the procedure.

Physical Examination – A physical exam is conducted including facial features, the inside and outside of your nose and also any necessary blood test and laboratory tests.

Photographs – To document your transformation, you’ll have multiple photos taken of your face and nose from different angles.

Open Discussion – During your consultation, being open and honest about your reasons for getting the surgery will help the surgeon understand exactly what you are looking for. Consultations are also held to help individuals attain realistic expectations on the outcome of the procedure.

Understandably, our physical appearance can be a hard thing to discuss, but at Cosmetic Avenue, our team is there to listen attentively with one objective in mind; giving you the best possible experience and outcome.

What medication to take after the procedure

 Some medication increases bleeding such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen; you must avoid these drugs two weeks before, and after your surgery.  Your doctor will give you any necessary prescribed medication and instructions on how and when to take them.

A healthy diet will always contribute a little or even a lot to the success and experience of your surgery. Eating healthy also contributes positively to your mental health. Having stable mental health going through a process that can be strenuous on the mind and body is essential.

If you are a smoker, you should definitely consider either quitting or taking a break a month around the surgery. Smoking can slow down the healing process.

What happens during the actual procedure?

 The procedure will begin by administering either a local anesthetic with sedation or a general anesthetic, decided mutually during your consultation. So what is the difference between the two?

General Anesthesia – the anesthetic is taken by inhalation or through an IV drip, connected to a vein usually in the arm. General anesthesia is sometimes preferred because it causes the patient to be completely unconscious during the surgery.

Local Anesthesia with Sedation – this anesthetic is administered into the nasal cavity by injection of medication that numbs the pain, in addition to a medication that partially sedates the patient.

How does Rhinoplasty work?

So how does Rhinoplasty work? Once the anesthesia is in effect, the procedure can commence. The surgery is done either internally or externally, and the surgeon will readjust the bone and cartilage in the nose. If cartilage needs to be added it is taken from deep within the nose; if a large amount needs to be added, it can be taken from other parts of the body including; the ribs, ears, or bones.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

If all this information is a little bit overwhelming, don’t worry, Cosmetic Avenue will be there every step of the way ensuring that you are informed and not feeling any uncertainty or anxiety towards the procedure or recovery process.

Once the surgery is complete so begins the Rhinoplasty recovery. The first couple of days are spent in bed, so it’s essential to have someone by your side helping out with the things that aren’t possible. During these primary days of rest, you must lay with your nose elevated above your heart, to reduce bleeding and swelling. It may be an uncomfortable couple of days because the dressing will still be on, and the splints will still be in place.

Unfortunately, recovery from Rhinoplasty is not a glamorous process. Discharge of mucus and old blood is to be expected, but a drip pad is applied underneath the nose to catch all fluids. Your doctor will advise how often you must change the dressing.

Here are some Rhinoplasty tips; a list of dos and don’ts during recovery.

• Give exercise a little break during recovery; too much movement and activity can cause bleeding and swelling plus it will more than likely be quite painful moving around that much.
• Avoid getting the dressing wet. You might have to sacrifice your morning shower and substitute it with a bath.
• Don’t blow your nose until it is safe to do so.
• It could be a little too much to ask but try and avoid laughing; it can put pressure on the affected area.
• Appropriate dress wear that buttons-up at the front, try and avoid pulling shirts, jumpers over the face.
• Any activity to do with the face must be done consciously and gently including; brushing your teeth, eating, kissing etc.
• If you can, avoid wearing eye-wear that sits on the bridge of your nose.

Seeing Results

The slightest changes made during rhinoplasty can completely alter one’s look, and getting used to seeing that altered reflection can be a process in itself. At Cosmetic Avenue,  conduct an intrinsic follow up on the progress and satisfaction of our clients. Our services do not end immediately after the surgery.

Seeing the final result of your nose job can take a while; swelling can take up to a year to completely disappear and as one of the only parts of the body that is forever growing your final result can never truly be determined.

When undergoing surgery that can change your life, it’s essential to choose an experienced surgical practice that has seen a high success rate. At Cosmetic Avenue, we pride ourselves in our service, experience, and results. Your happiness is our philosophy.