Many people have rhinoplasty to straighten a crooked nose, correct a deviated septum, or move the nasal tip. The operation takes roughly an hour and entails removing cartilage from the nose and reconstructing new tissue. Because there is always the possibility of problems, such as bleeding or infection, there is some risk involved with this procedure.
Here we discuss what you should expect before, during, and after rhinoplasty.
Before Rhinoplasty Procedure
During the consultation, the surgeon will discuss the diet limitations and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. The doctor may also explain certain components of anesthesia. Many surgeons prefer to utilize general anesthesia, which is administered through an intravenous (IV) line and puts you to sleep for the duration of the procedure. Some rhinoplasty surgeons use sedation or local anesthesia with modest IV sedation. During the operation, the surgeon will implant plastic support on your face and, if required, administer a general anesthetic.
You will be given a list of things to avoid doing. According to Healthline.com, simple things like avoiding eating specific meals or not drinking a glass of wine is among them. Smoking, chewing gum, wearing cosmetics, and cleaning your mouth with any mouthwash are some of the behaviors you should avoid. The checklist is necessary to ensure that your recovery process is not hampered. After all, you want the greatest possible result, and when it comes to plastic surgery procedures, there is no room for error.
At least one week before your procedure, your doctor will likely send you for a blood test to ensure that your body is ready for plastic surgery. This entails ensuring your white blood cell count and hemoglobin levels are adequate but not excessive. This will ensure that your immune system can fight off any infections that may arise during the healing process. Antibiotics are frequently recommended before and after surgery to avoid infections and other problems.
A nasal X-ray will be taken before the surgeon inserts a probe. They will feel your nose cartilage to see how much of it has to be removed. The doctor may capture photos for later use and comparison with images taken during the surgery during this process. Before and after surgery, X-rays will be obtained to confirm that there are no issues.
After Rhinoplasty Procedure
You will be taken to the recovery room after your treatment and given pain medicine. you’ll be given clear beverages to drink and provided pain medicine. According to plasticsurgery.org, the surgeon will remove the plastic support from your face and bandage it. Because of the swelling, you may feel a little uncomfortable the first night after surgery. If you are experiencing discomfort after surgery, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon or medical office for assistance.
The next morning, the plastic support bandage will be removed. You’ll be given a nonabsorbent gauze nose wrap to wear for a few days until you can get onto a nasal saline spray. These nasal sprays are both moisturizing and antibacterial. Alternatively, you can cover your nose with a more absorbent gauze pad or tape and take Tylenol as directed. Stay out of the sun for the first two to four days after surgery, avoid vigorous exertion, and take it easy.
Your doctor will schedule follow-up appointments for two weeks, four weeks, and six to eight weeks after the operation. Your doctor will remove the stitches at your first follow-up appointment, and you can resume your normal routine. After rhinoplasty, you should be able to avoid rigorous activity for roughly three months. Make careful to check with your doctor to see if exercising and other physical activities are safe for you. Contact sports, for example, should be avoided.
After rhinoplasty, you may suffer pain, edema, and bleeding for about a week. This is typical, and your doctor will most likely prescribe medication to alleviate your symptoms. For a few days after surgery, you’ll have a nose splint to wear to support your nose. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if your breathing becomes laborious or you get short of breath following surgery.
After surgery, you may have wound healing. This is common and can typically be treated with antibiotics and packing. You must follow your doctor’s directions exactly and refrain from putting anything in your nose for at least four weeks.
You will likely experience some swells and bruises after rhinoplasty. Most plastic surgeons will recommend that you keep the area clean and dry to minimize these things. In addition, a bandage will always be necessary for up to a week after your procedure, so make sure that you have enough at home.
Your surgeon or a doctor should remove the nasal packing. You risk bleeding, pain, and a longer healing time if you remove the packing yourself. Allow at least four weeks for the packaging to settle.
While rhinoplasty might improve your breathing, you can expect some swelling and discomfort during recovery. After surgery, you may have trouble chewing and speaking for about a month. You should avoid smoking and eating spicy foods for up to two weeks after surgery since your face will be numb.
Use antibiotic cream or spray as directed, and avoid picking at the scabs that form around your nose. The scabs will heal and leave small scars on your nose that are hardly visible to the naked eye. For about a month after surgery, you may notice a small bump in the middle of your nose. This is quite natural, and it does not necessitate medical treatment.
If you consider rhinoplasty and believe that it is time for you to have this procedure, consider a few things. Keep in mind that any cosmetic operation carries several risks, so make sure to discuss them with your doctor before the process and specifically inquire about potential side effects like scarring or edema.
