Your surgeon will arrange to take photos of your nose before your surgery for your records and to help plan the surgery. It is possible to create a computer simulation of what your nose will look like following the surgery.
This procedure is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. It should not be painful, but the front of your nose may feel tender for a few weeks afterwards.
Three are two techniques used – open and closed:
- Open Rhinoplasty – Your surgeon will cut the skin between or at the base of the nostrils. They will then lift the skin off the bone and cartilage and make any necessary additions or removals to the bone and cartilage in order to change the shape of the nose. The surgeon may also make a hairline fracture in the nasal bones to assist with changing the shape. When complete, your surgeon will replace the skin and close the cuts with stitches.
- Closed Rhinoplasty – Your surgeon will make cuts inside the nose and any changes to the bones and cartilage inside will be made through these cuts, which are then closed with stitches.
After the procedure, your surgeon will put small strips of adhesive tape over your nose and place a cast over these. They may also put a piece of foil or small plastic splints on the inside of your nose for support and to stop the formation of scar tissue, which will be removed after about a week.
It may be necessary for your surgeon to put packs or dressings on the inside of your nose to hold things in place and stop any bleeding. These will be removed the day after your operation and may result in a small amount of bleeding that should stop quickly.
You will usually be required to stay overnight but, in some cases, you will be able to go home on the day of your surgery.
After the operation has been completed, your nose will feel like it is blocked on both sides for 10-14 days. Your doctor may give you drops or spray to help with this. It could take up to 3 months for your nose to fully return to normal with completely clear breathing.
For the first week after your surgery, you should not blow your nose and your doctor will confirm when you should be able to gently do so. It is normal for mucus or blood-stained fluid to drip from the nose within two weeks of completion of your surgery, but if you experience heavy bleeding you should see your doctor.
There will be stitches inside your nose that will either need to be removed or if they are dissolvable stitches, they will fall out by themselves.
Avoiding dusty or smoky environments is very important during your recovery.
You may also experience some bruising and swelling around your nose and eyes for the first couple of weeks. Sleeping on extra pillows to keep your head upright will help.
If you wear glasses, you should discuss your options with your doctor as you may be unable to wear them for up to 6 months after your surgery and therefore may need to consider contact lenses.
The skin on your nose will also be more sensitive to the sun so you should ensure that you wear high factor sunscreen and a hat for at least 6 months.
Following your operation, you should rest at home for at least a week, but most take up to three weeks off, especially if your work involves heavy lifting/carrying. You should also avoid any sports with a risk of contact to your nose for at least six weeks, but many take at least a year off.