WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR RHINOPLASTY

In general, candidates for rhinoplasty typically match the following criteria:

• Patients that are in good health and do not have any major medical disorders or diseases
• Patients who do not smoke or have demonstrated the ability to quit smoking for an extended length of time
• Patients with attainable aesthetic aspirations

PREPARATION FOR RHINOPLASTY

• Avoid consuming alcohol, even if your nerves are stressed due to your planned plastic surgery.
• Quit smoking
• Aspirin and blood-thinning medications like Coumadin have blood-thinning qualities that should be avoided before and after surgery.
• Avoid using any topical lotions on your face at least four days before your surgery.
• Avoid Salicylic Acid and other BHAs, as well as AHAs and Retin-A, Obagi, and Benzoyl Peroxide. Use basic moisturizers and cleansers.

Surgery Details

If the purpose of rhinoplasty is to improve both breathing and aesthetics, the operation may include removing the nasal hump, contouring the nose tip, reshaping or resizing the nostrils, or raising or lowering the overall size and projection of the nose.

Rhinoplasty is often performed as an outpatient operation that takes 1.5 to 3 hours. In “closed rhinoplasty,” incisions are done within the nostrils – a method with limited changeability. An incision is performed across the tissue between the nostrils and within the nostrils during “open rhinoplasty.” These incisions heal quickly and are scarcely noticeable.

If more cartilage is required to enhance the nose, the surgeon extracts it from the patient’s nasal septum.

After Surgery

To prevent bleeding and stiffness after surgery, you must rest in bed and elevate your head. Swelling or bandages inside your nose after surgery may create congestion in your nose.

After surgery, your surgeon will place internal dressings for at least one to seven days. In addition, your doctor will apply a bandage on your nose for protection and support. It’s generally there for approximately a week.

You might counter slight bleeding, mucus, and old blood discharge for a few days following surgery or after removing the bandage. To absorb drainage, your surgeon may insert a “drip pad” — a little piece of gauze secured with adhesive — beneath your nose.

Home Recovery

Your doctor may advise you to take measures for many weeks following surgery to reduce the possibilities of bleeding and edema. Your doctor may instruct you to:

• Avoid demanding exercises such as aerobics and running
• Avoid blowing your nose
• Take baths instead of showers while you have your bandages on
• Wear garments that zip up the front
• Avoid constipation, and consume high-fiber meals such as fruits and vegetables. Constipation might force you to strain, placing tension on the surgical site
• Brush your teeth softly to keep your top lip from moving
• Do not pull items over your head, such as shirts or sweaters
• Avoid making exaggerated facial gestures like smiling or laughing