Nose Job

What are the indications for Nose Surgery?

Most of the complains of people with regards to the nose are of reducing or enlarging certain areas. Smoothing nose humps, narrowing the nose, correcting the deviation and making the nose sharper are some of the others complains. The deformities of the nose may be present from birth or due to some injury. Surgery of the nose should ideally be done after the growth is complete. Difficulty in breathing can be improved simultaneously.

What is the procedure of Rhinoplasty?

The first step is to understand your needs and preferences with a brief medical history and examination of the nose. Photographs of the face will be taken. Surgery is usually performed under IV sedation or anesthesia. It is usually treated as a day care procedure. The skin of the nose is raised and necessary changes are made to the bones, cartilages and soft tissue. Implants are placed if required. Septal deviation is corrected at the same time. The flaring nose is corrected with a cut at the base of nostril or through the inside of the mouth. Nose is packed for 48 hours with a sponge like dressing(Merocel). 

How much time does it take to recover ?

The recovery takes a couple of weeks. Swelling of the nose may stay a few weeks longer. Splint may be used if bony changes are made. Bruising occurs around the eyes if bones are rearranged but will fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears in 2 weeks. Pain is minimal and is controlled with medications.   

What care should be taken of after surgery?

• Dressings- A tape will be placed on the outside of the nose for 7 days. For simultaneous septal surgery there will be a small dressing inside nostrils that will be removed the second day after surgery.
• Sutures- Most sutures will dissolve, few would be removed in 5 to 7 days.
• Activity- Sleep with your head elevated 30 to 45 degrees to help decrease swelling. Apply ice as much as possible for the first 2 days to decrease swelling and bruising. No heavy exercise or lifting for two weeks. Soft diet with non-vigorous chewing is recommended.
• Special Instructions- Protect the sensitive skin on nose and face from sun exposure for at least six weeks. Avoid pressure on the nose for up to 6 weeks. Also avoid bending over with your head below waist level.

Swelling and bruising are normal with some bloody drainage for couple of days. Expect two to three days of recovery before normal activities can be performed.