This surgical procedure can produce changes in appearance; structure and nose function, it can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip, narrow the width of the nose, or change the angle between the nose and upper lip.
You can help correct birth defects, nasal injuries, and some respiratory problems.
The initial interview with the plastic surgeon is very important; with it there should be clarification of most the patient’s concerns and expectations clarifying all points before undergoing the procedure. The professional can show their patients using various aids the proposed changes and how he’ll try to achieve them.
It is also important to know the patient’s personal background regarding the diseases he/she might suffer and history of hypertension, previous nasal trauma and the current medication status, especially those affecting the coagulation, such as steroids, Vitamin E, aspirin, etc.
RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE SURGERY:
During a month before the operation do not use of any type of substance or inhaled products.
During the days prior to surgery breathing exercises should be performed, inhaling and exhaling gently through the mouth not the nose.
Do not take aspirin or other medicines that contain salicylates, for two weeks prior and two weeks after surgery.
No smoking two weeks before or two weeks later, as it can impair the healing process.
DAY OF THE SURGERY:
The surgery takes approximately 2 to 3 hours of duration, as an outpatient under general anesthesia and in selected cases in which few structural changes need to be made; it is done with local anesthesia and sedation. Most are done through internal nasal incisions, in some difficult cases like reoperation of patients operated on by other professionals and because of sequelae of cleft palate it is done with external nasal incisions (open rhinoplasty) with excellent results, a scar that is absolutely imperceptible after a few months.
Structural changes are based on the modification of nasal cartilage and bone structures, by trimming, increasing and fracturing them, leading to a modification of the nasal angles in order to get the planned result for the patient.
AFTER SURGERY:
IT’S NORMAL:
Bruising to appear in greater or lesser proportion, as well as edema or swelling.
The eyelids may also swell for a few days. The bruises go away in one or two weeks.
The final outcome can only be assessed after 6 months, when the healing process has matured.
A slightly elevated temperature (up to 38.3 ° C) in the first 48 hours.
Some degree of ecchymosis (bruise) around the nose and eyes, this gradually disappears in 3 to 4 weeks. To speed up the process it should be applied the recommended lotion.
When there is an important hematoma it can extend to the ocular conjunctiva, causing temporary redness of the sclera (white part of the eye). Do not be alarmed, it has no more importance than the discomfort it represents and it will disappear spontaneously.
That a serum-bloody secretion leaks through the gauze during the first 48 hours. You can gently remove it by applying gauze over it. You may also feel that the secretion falls through the throat; in this case it is preferable not to swallow.
It is normal to feel difficulty while eating because of the tamponage; you will have to breathe through the mouth. When eating you may feel that you will not achieve to perform the two functions but do not worry, it is possible and you should be the one who must be convinced you are able to in order to do it naturally.
YOU SHOULD KNOW:
In a simple nose surgery we normally remove the tamponage between 48 or 72 hours, whereas if the septum has been treated it must be kept for a week.
All external sutures, if necessary, will be withdrawn between the fourth and the seventh day.
The external splint (rigid) will be withdrawn within a week, leaving for a week or two a hypoallergenic tape.
POST-OPERATIVE:
Keep the head and chest elevated to rest or sleep, trying not to turn the head sideways.
Apply icy chamomile gauze over the eyes every 15 minutes during the first 48 hours.
Wash your face with cold water after the first 24 hours, avoiding wetting the dressing.
After removing the tamponage, administer saline solution in both nostrils every three hours.
Take a soft diet (soft food) and plenty of fluids as it is not easy the first few days to breathe through the mouth while eating.
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages for two weeks.
Talk as little as possible, avoiding to laugh or cry during the first ten days.
Do not blow the nose and open the mouth when sneezing for six weeks.
Do not take the sun directly on your face and avoid heat exposure during six weeks.
Do not perform violent activities during six weeks.
Do not use contact lenses for the first week or glasses for the first three weeks after surgery
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