Aesthetic nose surgery or rhinoplasty is the most commonly used plastic surgery.
Aesthetic nose surgery can reduce or enlarge the nose, change the shape of the tip of the nose, remove the arch, narrow the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and upper lip. At the same time, traumatic malpositions can be corrected or some breathing problems can be eliminated.
Many surgeons prefer to postpone surgery until teenagers have completed their development. This will be around the age of 16-17 for young girls and a little later for boys. It is important to consider the social and mental traits of young people to ensure that the decision to have surgery is their own wish and not the wish of their parent or other another person
When rhinoplasty is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, complications (undesirable results) are rare and usually insignificant. However, there is always the possibility of complications. These are: infection, nosebleeds, or a reaction to the anesthesia. After surgery, cracked small capillaries can appear as very fine red dots on the skin’s surface. Because aesthetic rhinoplasty is performed through the nose, there is no visible surgical scar. However, when the “open” technique is used or when the wide nostrils need to be narrowed, the very small and thin scars at the base of the nose are usually too inconspicuous to be seen.
A second operation may be needed in about 1 in 10 cases. It is impossible to predict such situations. This can happen even to patients operated by the most skillful and experienced surgeons. The second corrective surgery is usually a simpler surgery.
Good communication between you and your doctor is essential and very important. In the first conversation, the surgeon will ask you what you want your nose to look like. He will examine the structure of your nose and face and explain the options to you. The structure of your nasal bone and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age and your expectations are the main topics of conversation. Your surgeon will explain to you the anesthetic and surgical technique he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the risks, the costs, and other options if any.
Even if it has been many years, you should definitely tell your surgeon about any previous nose job or nose treatment, if you have any allergies or breathing problems, the medications you use and if you smoke, you should tell your surgeon too. In particular, do not hesitate to ask your surgeon any questions you can think of regarding your expectations of the surgery and the results of the surgery.
Your surgeon will give you information about how to prepare for the surgery, including eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, and washing your face. Fulfilling this information will help to make your operation more comfortable. As you prepare, don’t forget to organize someone who will drive you home after the operation and who can help you for a few more days if necessary.
Aesthetic nose surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia depending on the size of the surgery and the preferences of you and your surgeon.
Aesthetic nose surgery usually takes one to two hours. During the operation, the skin of the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage roof. The process of nose reshaping depends on the problem in the nose and the technique used by the surgeon. Finally, the skin is adjusted over the created roof.
Most plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty through the nose. Others prefer the open technique, especially in complicated cases. The open technique leaves a small incision in the vertical band of tissue (columella) that separates the nostrils.
After the surgery is complete, a plaster splint is placed over the nose to help the nose keep its new shape. Silicone pads are placed in the nose to fix the septum, which is the partition that separates the two airways in the nose.
Your face will feel swollen for the first 24 hours after surgery. You may have a sore nose or a slight headache. You can control any discomfort with painkillers prescribed by your surgeon. For the first day, plan to lie in bed with your head elevated, except when going to the bathroom.
You will notice that the bruising and puffiness around your eyes will be most noticeable after 2 or 3 days. Applying a cold compress will reduce this swelling and make you feel a little better. Most swelling and bruising will go away within the first week. It can take up to 6 months to 1 year for swelling to go away completely, which no one but you and your surgeon can notice.
In the first few days after the operation, there is usually a very slight discharge from the nostrils. You may feel a slight stuffiness in your nose for a few weeks. Your surgeon will ask you not to blow your nose for a week or more while the tissue is healing. If there is a tampon in your nose, it will be removed after a few days and you will feel much more comfortable. At the end of the first week, or sometimes the second week, all bandages and the splint on your nose will be removed.
Most patients with a rhinoplasty can be up and walking within two days and can return to non-busy school or work a week after the surgery.
However, it will be several weeks before you can fully return to your everyday life. Your surgeon will give you more detailed explanations on how to get back to your normal life.
In general, you’re told to avoid activities that require high exertion and increases your blood pressure (running, swimming, gymnastics, …) for two to three weeks.
To protect your nose, you should protect it from hits or bumps and avoid rubbing it for 8 weeks. You should also avoid sunburn. Be gentle and careful when washing your face and hair or applying makeup.
You can wear your contact lenses if necessary, but the situation is different with glasses. After the splint has been removed from your nose, the glasses should not sit on the bridge of your nose until your nose has fully healed, for about two months.
Your doctor will invite you for regular check-ups for a year after the surgery to check the improvement in your recovery. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you have any unusual symptoms or problems about what to do or what not to do between these check-ups.
The recovery process after your nose job takes time and patience. Your active participation in postoperative care is just as important as the surgery.
Please follow the suggestions below. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor if you don’t understand something.
At the end of the surgery, you may not be able to breathe through your nose because of the tampons in your nose. During this time, you must breathe through your mouth. Your doctor will determine how long the tampons stay in your nose.
It is important to drink enough fluids. Sipping fruit juice, water, and light beverages will help moisturize your mouth. Eat soft, easily chewable foods. Use gels or lip balms to keep your lips moisturized.
Only use medications prescribed by your doctor. Do not use aspirin or drugs that contain aspirin or others which prevent blood clots.
As long as the bandages remain on your nose, you should keep your head elevated while sleeping or resting. Try to keep your head up all day if possible. This maintains normal blood flow and reduces postoperative swelling.
Expect some leakage from your nose. This will be pink/light red in color.
When you come out of the operation you will have a splint on your nose. This is needed to protect the nose for its shape. Do not touch or damage these bandages. The splint will be removed by your doctor at the end of the first week.
The small pad under your nose can be changed if necessary (or removed if there is no bleeding).
Don’t rub your nostrils or try to blow your nose. Be careful not to hit your nose. Wear tops that open at the front so you don’t have to slip them over your head when getting dressed or undressed. Avoid t-shirts and turtlenecks.
Brush your teeth carefully and only use a soft toothbrush. Don’t purse your lips or try to lift your upper lip more than is necessary.
Avoid straining, bending over, lifting heavy objects (especially in young children), strenuous exercise and sports for two weeks after surgery.
Avoid direct sunlight for one month.
You will notice some swelling and discoloration of the surrounding tissues when the bandages on the outside of your nose are removed. Your nose may appear swollen and tipped up. That will correct itself over time.
You may experience numbness on the tip of your nose and sometimes on your upper lip. This will go away in a few weeks.
When the tampons are removed, you can gently clean your nose with a cotton swab 2-3 times a day.
Even after the tampons are removed, your nose will still be blocked. This is the normal tissue response to surgery. Don’t try to blow your nose for a week. If you need to sneeze or blow your nose, do so gently with your nostrils open. Do not use nasal sprays or drops. If you have to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open.
After the bandages are removed, you can return to your normal work life (depending on the nature of your work). You can apply makeup to hide bruises.
Make sure you attend all postoperative appointments. These are necessary so your doctor can take photos after surgery to monitor your recovery and assess the change in the appearance of your nose. Postoperative follow-up appointments are typically 1 week after surgery, 12-15. Day, 1st month, 3rd month and 6th month.
Do not wear glasses for two months unless directed to do so after surgery.