Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery Procedure:
Preparing for rhinoplasty surgery involves several steps to ensure a successful procedure and smoother recovery:
- Consultation: Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon specialising in rhinoplasty. Discuss your goals, concerns, medical history, and expectations.
- Physical Examination: The surgeon will thoroughly examine your nose and discuss potential surgical approaches.
- Medical Assessment: Provide a complete medical history, including allergies, medications, previous surgeries, and medical conditions.
- Preoperative Instructions: Follow any preoperative instructions provided by your surgeon, which might include avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding risk.
- Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, your surgeon might advise you to quit smoking before and after surgery to promote optimal healing.
- Plan for Recovery: Arrange someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility and assist you during the initial recovery period.
- Informed Consent: Understand the surgical plan, potential risks, and benefits, and sign the informed consent form provided by your surgeon.
What Happens During Rhinoplasty Surgery:
Rhinoplasty surgery involves several steps, depending on the specific goals and concerns of the patient. Here is a general overview of the procedure:
- Anaesthesia: The surgeon administers either local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure.
- Incisions: In an open rhinoplasty approach, the surgeon makes incisions inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils).
- Reshaping: The surgeon reshapes the nasal structures, which may include:
- We are reducing or removing a dorsal hump on the nasal bridge.
- We are refining the tip by reshaping the cartilage.
- I was straightening a deviated septum to improve breathing.
- I was adjusting the size and projection of the nose to achieve desired proportions.
- Cartilage Manipulation: The surgeon might use cartilage grafts from the septum, ear, or rib to augment or support specific nose areas.
- Suturing and Closure: Once the desired changes are made, the surgeon sutures the incisions and places soft splints or packing inside the nose to support the newly shaped structures.
- Dressing and Splints: External splints or casts are placed outside the nose to protect and maintain its new shape during the initial healing period.
Recovery After Rhinoplasty Surgery Procedure:
Recovery after rhinoplasty varies based on individual factors and the extent of the procedure. Here's a general outline of what to expect:
- Initial Recovery: You might experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort in the days following surgery.
- Pain Management: Your surgeon will prescribe pain medications to manage any discomfort.
- Swelling and Bruising: Swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose are joint and will gradually subside over the first few weeks.
- Splint and Dressing Removal: The external splint and internal packing are typically removed within a week after surgery.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your healing progress and address concerns.
- Resuming Activities: While you should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the initial weeks, you can gradually return to normal activities as your surgeon advises.
Lifestyle Changes After Rhinoplasty Surgery Procedure:
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect your healing nose from excessive sun exposure by wearing sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
- Gentle Cleansing: Follow your surgeon's instructions for gently cleansing the surgical area to keep it clean.
- Sleeping Position: Sleep with your head elevated for the first week to minimize swelling.
- Avoid Smoking: If you smoke, avoid smoking before and during recovery, as it can hinder healing.