Get The Nose Size And Shape You’ve Always Wanted With Rhinoplasty Surgery

Immediately after surgery, you may have some swelling of your nose and possibly some bruising around your eyes . Usually there will be a splint covering your nose and a small pack inside each nostril. The pack is removed prior to your hospital discharge.You will be given painkillers to ensure that you are comfortable and pain free. The nasal splint is removed after one week along with any sutures by the specialist nurses in the dressing clinic. You will be shown how to tape your nose, which you will be asked to apply at night to help minimise swelling.

As with any surgical  procedure, there are a few  potential risks associated with rhinoplasty. Dr. Sweeney will take the time to assess your nose during the initial consultation and explain these potential risks to you. Here is a list of some of the side effects you may encounter during the recovery period:

• Swelling, which may make the nose look asymmetrical
• Discolouration of the skin of the nose and around the eyes due to bruising. This resolves between 7 and 10 days following the surgery
• Temporary numbness of the skin of the nose
• Difficulty breathing through the nose due to swelling inside the nose, which resolves with time
• Infection, a risk of any surgical procedure

 

Dr. Sweeney’s team will provide you with a list of instructions to help you prepare for nose surgery. Here are a few things you should do to prepare ahead of time:

• Ensure a healthy lifestyle focussing on a good diet.
• Stop smoking for at least 6 weeks before and after surgery.
• Stop any blood thinning medications and herbal remedies. Continue your other regular medications.
• We recommend that you arrange to have someone drive you to and back from the hospital.

 

While you will be able to resume normal activities the day after your surgery, you will have to protect your nose while it heals to minimise swelling and ensure a speedy recovery and optimal result. We advice:

• Sleep slightly more upright for the first week.
• Avoid blowing your nose - gently clean the edge of your nostrils with water and a cotton bud.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 6 weeks after surgery.
• Avoid constipation.
• Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure.
• Do not smoke.

 

The terms ‘open’ and ‘closed’ rhinoplasty refer to the incisions made during a rhinoplasty. In an open rhinoplasty an incision is made along the inside edge of each nostril and they are connected together with an incision across the columella (the skin and tissue that separates each nostril). The incisions on the inside are not visible but the columellar incision is visible as a small scar when healing is complete. This approach allows more access to the structures forming the nose and is usually used in complex cases such as several deviated noses or challenging revision cases. In a closed rhinoplasty the only incisions made are along the inside edge of each nostril. This results in no visible external scar.

A surgical rhinoplasty results in permanent changes to the structure of the nose, so it will not return to its previous shape and will not require further procedures to maintain the new desired appearance.

Revision rhinoplasty is a further rhinoplasty procedure that can be performed to correct any postoperative complications or to improve the appearance if the results are not satisfactory.

Rhinoplasty is performed under a general anesthetic, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. There may be some minor discomfort after the procedure which is managed with simple analgesics and is usually only required for 7-10 days.