Things to Consider When Planning for Nose Surgery

Nose surgery is a procedure that gives a person a changed look. Not only is this plastic surgery procedure a popular one, but it can help a person by increasing their self-esteem. The procedure is known as rhinoplasty. It is performed by a licensed plastic surgeon who can go over the changes that will be made to the nose before the procedure so that the patient is happy with the outcome. Learn more about this procedure before considering it.

What is nose surgery?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can change the overall shape of the nose. Changing the appearance of the nose can not only help with self-confidence, but some patients choose this procedure to help with breathing. Since the nose is made from cartilage, bone and skin, the procedure can alter the look of all three if needed. Nose surgery can achieve the desired look and feel for the patient. Speaking with a surgeon about these changes can help a patient decide if this is the right procedure for them.

Preparing for rhinoplasty

The procedure does require some preparation. This includes meeting with the surgeon ahead of time and speaking about the needs and wishes of the surgery. Additionally, the surgeon will want to know a detailed medical history before surgery. The procedure is an outpatient one that requires someone to drive the patient home afterward.

Avoiding specific medications before and after surgery is recommended. Additionally, the surgeon will request that the patient stop eating and drinking after a specific time before the surgery. It is recommended that patients stop smoking if possible so that the healing process is quicker.

What happens during the procedure

The patient goes under sedation during the surgery so that they feel nothing at all. When they wake, they will have medication in their system, so they do not feel anything. While asleep, the surgeon will go through the process of shaping and changing the nose how the patient has requested. After surgery has been completed, the patient is sent to another room where they will wake up and typically leave later that day.

After the procedure

To reduce bleeding and swelling after surgery, the patient has to lay in bed with their head raised higher than their chest. The patient will not feel any discomfort when taking the prescribed medications. The nose dressings and splints will be left on the nose for up to a week to help it heal. There are also other directions provided by the surgeon to help with healing time.

Baths instead of showers
Reduced exercise
Keeping away from extreme facial expressions
Not pulling shirts over the head
Brushing teeth easily so not to hit the upper lip
Not blowing the nose during that time

It is important to listen to the surgeon after nose surgery. This will help reduce the healing time needed and help the patient get back to their normal routine in less time. A follow-up appointment is required after a few weeks for healing purposes.