Rhinoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the nose, performed by altering bone or cartilage, and is one of the most common types of plastic surgery. Risks and complications: infection; bleeding; reaction to anaesthesia; problems breathing through the nose; an asymmetrical nose. Care after the operation
- Do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours after the operation, so that it does not cause nausea and vomiting.
- Anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicines and aspirin must not be used for two weeks before the operation.
- When resting, keep your head raised and lie down only as much as usual, so that your nose does not swell.
- For at least one week after the operation, you must take care not to get the nasal splint wet. So when bathing, use a hand-held shower to wash from the neck down, and then wash your hair separately so that the dressing does not get wet.
- After the nose operation, a small piece of gauze is put in place to absorb any blood that comes out; change it if it gets dirty.
- Until the nasal splint has been removed, wear clothes that open at the front with a zip or buttons. 48–72
- After the operation, use cold compresses on and off (preferably a goggle-shaped compress) on the cheeks and around the nose to reduce swelling and bruising.
- For at least three months after the operation, avoid sport and strenuous activity so that your nose is not knocked.
- For one week after the operation, it is essential to take the antibiotic and oral painkiller your doctor prescribes.
- If the skin of your nose is thick, the swelling will go down more slowly, and taping may be recommended for 6 to 12 weeks; it is best to shower before each change of tape.
- In the first 2 to 3 months after the operation, the swelling from the operation is more marked, and the nose gradually takes on a better shape.
- Go to the surgery one week after the operation to have the nasal splint removed, and then go once a week for 3 weeks after that to have the nasal tape changed. Go to the surgery 12–48 hours after the operation to have the nasal packing (mesh) removed.
- The final shape of the nose becomes clear 12 to 18 months after the operation.
Warning signs: if the swelling and bruising of the nose, or redness at the surgical cut on the nose, is increasing; if you have severe or increasing pain in the nose that does not respond to medicine; if you have a reaction to, or cannot tolerate, your medicines; if you have a fever above 38 degrees; if you have bleeding from the nose or the stitch area that does not decrease; if you feel very weak and lethargic; if you have shortness of breath, chest pain or an abnormal heartbeat – if any of these happen to you, go to a doctor or the emergency department immediately.
Types of rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty: in this type of surgery the surgeon has access to all parts of the nose and can make the desired changes more freely. This method can be used to correct problems and improve the appearance of different types of nose – fleshy, humped or deviated. Closed rhinoplasty: in this method only a tiny cut is made in the lower part of the nose, or the whole operation is done through the nostrils, and you will have the least swelling, pain and other problems after the operation. This method is suitable for people who do not want a stitch scar to remain on their face, even for a short time.
Prepared and compiled by: Zahra Zahiri