In many cases the rhinoplasty procedure can be performed with no
external incisions. If the nose requires advanced tip sculpting, or
reconstruction of the middle third of the nose, you may be a candidate for
"Open Rhinoplasty." The open approach involves making a short
incision along the bottom part of the nose which allows direct visualization of
the nasal components. This open rhinoplasty incision generally heals with an
imperceptible scar which is of no concern to the patient. An experienced facial
plastic surgeon is equally comfortable with an "open" or
"endo-nasal" approach, and your plastic surgeon will choose whichever
approach best suits your nose. Visit
this link to learn how to choose your plastic surgeon.
The rhinoplasty procedure may take from one to three hours, and is
usually performed on an outpatient basis at a fully staffed, AAAASF certified
surgical facility. Most rhinoplasty patients will go home the afternoon of
their surgery, however some who travel a distance prefer to stay overnight in a
nearby hotel. Anesthesia for facial plastic surgery is usually a general
anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on patient preference and length of the
procedure.
Upon awakening from surgery, your nose will be covered with a firm
external splint, which functions to hold the nasal bones in place and to
protect the nose. The splint will remain in place for one week. While pain is
normally quite minimal, all patients receive pain medication, as well as a
brief course of antibiotics and medication to reduce swelling. Breathing is
generally stuffy the first night, but the next day you will return to your
plastic surgeon's office for a brief post-op visit and a small bit of gauze is
removed from the nostrils. You should then be able to breathe comfortably.
Many patients are able to return to work or school after two to
three days, however most prefer to take a week of vacation around the time of
surgery. While you should expect some post-surgery swelling and occasional
bruising after rhinoplasty, your nose will be very presentable at one week.
Post-operative swelling or edema will largely resolve over the first month,
however you may notice subtle changes for up to 3 months and occasionally up to
one year after surgery.
Plastic surgeons often encounter patients for whom the primary
concern is breathing well through their nose, rather than the way they look. In
these cases, the rhinoplasty procedure may be more "reconstructive"
than cosmetic; however, the two can also go hand in hand. View
this blog article for some things you should consider before deciding on plastic
surgery.