Frequently Asked Questions

Corrective Nose Surgery

Nose Corrective Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Suitability For Rhinoplasty

Possible Complications

The Consultation

The Surgery

Following Surgery

Returning to Normality

Nose Corrective Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

This information will give you a basic understanding of the Rhinoplasty procedure; when it can help; how it is performed; and what results you can expect.

Suitability For Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can enhance the appearance and self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change appearance to match the ideal. Before deciding to undergo a rhinoplasty the candidate should think carefully and realistically about their expectations and discuss these with the surgeon.

The best candidates for Rhinoplasty are those who are looking for an improvement in their appearance, but not perfection.

Patients must have completed their growth period (14 to 15 for girls, a bit later for boys). It is important to consider teenagers' social and emotional adjustment, too, and to make sure it is what they, and not their parents, wish for.

Possible Complications

Complications are infrequent and usually minor, nevertheless, there is always a possibility of a complication, such as, an infection, a nosebleed, or a reaction to the anaesthetic. The risk of any complications is greatly reduced by closely following the surgeon's instructions before and after surgery.
Following surgery, small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin's surface; these are usually minor, but may be permanent. When Rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring, however, when an "open" technique is used, or when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils, there will be small scars on the base of the nose, usually not visible. It is important not to remove dressings before the correct time allocated for healing. The initial appearance may dissappoint but the nose will be swollen and mishapen for some time. The true new shape of the nose will not be fully revealed for some time.

The Consultation

During the consultation the surgeon will evaluate the structure of the nose and face; and discuss the options avialble. He will also explain factors that may influence the procedure and factors that may afect the outcome such as the facial shape and the structure of the nasal bones and cartilage; the thickness of skin; age; and expectations. The surgeon will give specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.

The Surgery

Rhinoplasty takes 1 - 3 hours. During surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. Finally, the skin is re-draped over the new framework. If the nostrils are too wide, the surgeon can remove small wedges of skin form their base, bringing them closer together. Depending on the reshaping required surgeon may perform the Rhinoplasty from within the nose, making their incision inside the nostrils.

When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help the nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in the nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.

Following Surgery

Particularly during the first 24 hours, the face will feel puffy, and there will be some discomfort with a headache. The medical staff will administer pain medication. You will stay in bed with your head elevated for the first day.

The swelling and bruising around the eyes will increase in the initial 2 or 3 days. Cold compresses will be applied to reduce the swelling. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within 2 weeks. Some slight swelling will remain for several months.

A little bleeding is common during the first few days, the candidate may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks.

A fter a few days the nasal packing will be removed. After 1 - 2 weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.

A splint made of tape and an overlay of plastic, metal, or plaster is applied to help the bone and cartilage of the nose maintain their new shape.

Returning to Normality

Patients will be able to return to light activities or work after 1 - 2 weeks.

Strenuous activities such as jogging, swimming, bending, sexual relations, activities that increase blood pressure shoulod be avoided for 2 - 3 weeks. It is important to avoid wearing glasses or sunglasses and hitting, rubbing or sunburning the nose for 8 weeks. Contact lenses may be worn. During thi speriod you may feel less confident, but after a few weeks that will change. Remember slight swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip. The final results of Rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or more.