MediSherpa

A rhinoplasty procedure is a good option for you if:

• Your facial growth is complete and you are 13 years of age or older
• You are physically healthy
• You do not smoke
• You have specific, but realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during rhinoplasty surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.

The incision

Surgery of the nose is performed either using a closed procedure, where incisions are hidden inside the nose, or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.
Through these incisions, the soft tissues that cover the nose are gently raised, allowing access to reshape the structure of the nose.

Reshaping the nose structure

Surgery of the nose can reduce or augment nasal structures with the use of cartilage grafted from other areas of your body. Most commonly, pieces of cartilage from the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is used for this purpose. Occasionally a piece of cartilage from the ear and rarely a section of rib cartilage can be used.
If the septum is deviated, it is now straightened and the projections inside the nose are reduced to improve breathing.

Closing the incision

Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue is redraped and incisions are closed.

• Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
• Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
• Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
• Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

The risks of rhinoplasty include:

• Rupture of small surface vessels of the nose
• Nose asymmetry
• Cardiac and pulmonary complications can occur in longer surgical procedures and may be associated with the formation of, or increase in, blood clots in the venous system
• Change in skin sensation (numbness)
• Nasal airway alterations may occur after a rhinoplasty or septoplasty that may interfere with normal passage of air through the nose
• Nasal septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum) may develop but is rare; additional surgical treatment may be necessary to repair the nasal septum but in some cases, it may be impossible to correct this complication
• Unfavorable rhinoplasty scarring
• Skin discoloration and post rhinoplasty swelling
• Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation that require removal
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Splints and internal tubes will likely support the nose as it begins to heal for approximately one week. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome. Swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year following your nose surgery. Following your physician’s instructions is key to the success of your surgery. It is important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during your recovery from rhinoplasty.