PRE-OPERATIVE
- Provide us with your medical history and lab exams
- Discontinue using Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, and Vitamin E for one week before and a few days after your procedure as these act as blood thinners
- It is advisable not to smoke for at least two weeks prior and one after the surgery as nicotine can impair circulation and healing
- Avoid sun exposure as not to irritate the skin
SURGERY
Rhinoplasty is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation. General anaesthesia is only done when specifically requested by the patient. It is an outpatient procedure lasting around one or two hours, unless more extensive work needs to be done. One or two techniques are usually applied: The incision is either made within the nostrils, thus hiding scars after surgery, or across the columella (the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils) in an “open” procedure, where scars are small or hidden on the underside of the base. In both procedures the skin is lifted, the bone and cartilage sculpted, and the skin repositioned and stiched closed. A light plastic splint may be applied. Our technique dispenses the usage of a tamponade.
POST SURGERY
Usually, post surgical period is without pain and/or discomfort. There are reports of mild headache and swelling. Nose stuffiness is easily solved with decongestants. Some bleeding might occur on the first 24 hours. When needed, contact lenses can be used immediately and refraining from usage of heavy eyeglasses for approximately seven weeks, is advisable. After a week post surgery the plaster cast will be removed. As soon as the plaster cast has been taken off, the new nasal profile will be clearly visible although some swelling will still be evident. The patient should avoid any sport or other strenuous activity for at least four weeks.
SUMARY
- TSurgery length : 1 or 2 hours
- Anaesthesia : local with sedation or general
- Clinic or hospital internment : outpatient or 1 night as inpatient
- Post surgery : plastic splint removed after a week
- Physical activities : resume after 4 to 6 weekss
