Rhinoplasty
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is the term used to describe nose surgery, or surgery performed on a patient’s nose. It is an operation that addresses functional & cosmetic concerns of the nose. During the procedure all the structural elements of the nose are exposed. In doing so, it allows the surgeon to precisely address the problem at hand.
What does rhinoplasty surgery involve?
Before the Surgery:
Photography - Prior to rhinoplasty surgery, photographs are taken of the patient. These standardised photographs are used to identify specific functional & cosmetic concerns and guide surgical management.
Blood thinners - Please notify your surgeon if you are currently taking any blood thinning medication (anticoagulants/antiplatelets), vitamins or herbal supplements. These medications will need to be ceased prior to your surgery.
Fasting - To ensure the anaesthetic is as safe as possible, patient are required to fast (both solids & liquids) for at least 6 hours before their operation. The fasting times will be confirmed the day before the procedure.
The Surgery:
Once asleep, a small incision is made under the nose and the skin lifted. All the structural elements of the nose are exposed. Depending on the underlying problem, elements of the nose are removed, repositioned or reconstructed.
To ensure the patient continues to breath well through their nose after the operation, a turbinoplasty is often performed during the rhinoplasty procedure.
At the end of the operation, small stitches will be used to close the wound and a nasal splint will be placed over the bridge of the nose and secured with tape.
After the Surgery:
When you wake up - Patients will wake up in the recovery room and are often still drowsy from the anaesthesia. It will take several hours for the medication effects to wear off. A canula will be used to provide pain relief and fluids whilst you are still recovering.
Diet - Patients are encouraged to eat and drink as soon as possible.
Pain relief - Patients will often have pain and nasal sensitivity after rhinoplasty surgery. All patients will be given pain relief and a pain plan prior to discharge.
Bleeding - A post-operative bleed can occur during the recovery from this procedure. Although the risk of a bleed is low, urgent medical attention is required if it occurs. A bleeding plan will be provided to the patient prior to their discharge from hospital
Nasal Splint & Stitches - Splints and stitches are removed 7-10days after the operation.
Bruising & swelling - Commonly after rhinoplasty surgery patients will develop bruising under their eyes and around their nose. This is to be expected and can often take a few weeks to resolve. Often a patient’s nose will feel blocked in the initial days after the operation.
How long is the recovery after rhinoplasty surgery?
Patient’s will continue to be reviewed regularly for at least 12 weeks after the operation.