Cosmetic Surgery of the Nose

How will I be cared for on the day of my surgery?

Rhinoplasty surgery may be performed in an outpatient surgery center, an office-based surgical suite or a hospital. If you are admitted to a hospital or surgery center, your stay will be a short one, perhaps just one night.

Medications are administered to keep you comfortable during the surgical procedure. Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation may be used for patients undergoing rhinoplasty, although general anesthesia may be desirable in some instances. Your plastic surgeon will monitor your physical status throughout the operation and during recovery.

How will I look and feel right after surgery?

When the surgery is completed, you'll be taken to a recovery area. Any discomfort that you feel will be controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon. A splint may be applied to the bridge of your nose to protect the nose and hold the tissues in place until they are stabilized. You may also have a small, triangular bandage beneath the tip of your nose and packing inside the nostrils, especially if work has been done to improve your breathing.

Although everyone heals at a different rate, you can expect that your recovery will follow this time line:

The first day:

  • In this early stage of healing, you should rest with your head elevated to help minimize swelling.
  • Activity must be kept at a minimum
  • You may experience a small amount of bleeding and stuffiness

Within 10 days:

  • Swelling reaches its peak and then begins to subside
  • Bruising will begin to diminish
  • You can safely use makeup to conceal any discoloration
  • Stitches and packing will dissolve or be removed
  • You may discontinue wearing the splint (near the weeks end)
  • You may return to school or a nonstrenuous job.

After several weeks:

  • You may resume exercise and most of your normal activities
  • Most of the swelling will subside
  • Numbness will diminish; however, some loss of sensation may persist for several months
  • You may resume wearing eyeglasses normally. (in the early stages of healing, patients often use tape to keep their glasses from resting on their healing noses.)

In the months following surgery, it is important to keep your nose shielded from direct sunlight. Wearing sun block is essential for protecting your skin.

What should I know about my results?

It's normal to feel a bit anxious while you are adjusting to your new look and waiting to see the true results of your surgery. However, you are likely to begin enjoying your new look within weeks. As each month passes, you'll notice gradual improvement until healing is complete.

Most patients who have nasal surgery are very pleased with their results. You may find that you have a brighter outlook, or that you feel less self-conscious and more confident. The results of rhinoplasty are permanent, except for changes that may occur with the aging process. Occasionally, a touchup procedure may be desired to further improve the results.

How long will I continue to see my Plastic Surgeon?

After the initial healing period, you will return to your plastic surgeon's office for a postoperative follow-up visit so that your healing progress can be evaluated. In the following months, your surgeon may ask you to return for periodic checkups. It's important to keep these appointments so that your surgeon can assess your long-term results and address any questions or concerns you may have.

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