Rhinoplasty Surgery: A Step By Step Guide

by Wendy Travis

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed today. This surgery effectively reshapes a patient’s nose to a more desired contour. For some patients, the procedure can also be performed to reshape the internal structure of the nose to make breathing easier. Rhinoplasty is also done in combination with other plastic surgery procedures, such as a face lift. If you are considering rhinoplasty, this step-by-step guide from PlasticSurgeryPortal will help you understand what to expect from your procedure.

Medication
The first step in your rhinoplasty procedure will be the administration of the appropriate medications to prepare you for surgery. Some patients will be given a local anesthetic, while others may receive a general. A local anesthesia numbs the specific area of the surgery. The patient is often given IV sedation in combination with the local anesthesia to help them relax during the procedure. A general anesthesia may also be used during rhinoplasty, which puts the patient into a deep sleep during the procedure. Your doctor will recommend the best medication for your specific situation.

Monitoring
Throughout the procedure, your doctor may monitor certain vital signs like your blood pressure and breathing rate to ensure you are tolerating the surgery. These monitors are for the patient’s own safety and rarely anything to be concerned about.

Incisions
The incisions used for rhinoplasty vary based on whether the procedure is an open or closed one. In an open rhinoplasty, the incisions are made across the tissue that goes between the nostrils. This procedure is generally considered more invasive and is reserved for major reconstruction surgeries. A closed rhinoplasty involves hidden incisions inside the nose, and is used for smaller readjustments to the size and shape of the nose.

Reshaping
Once the incisions are made, the doctor can perform the reshaping process in accordance to what was discussed with the patient prior to the surgery. In many cases, the procedure will consist of reducing the size or features of the nose. If the surgeon needs to augment an area of the nose, this process is typically completed with either cartilage from the septum, or a piece of cartilage from the ear. Corrections for breathing problems will also be performed at this time.

Closing
Once the reshaping is complete, the doctor will close the incisions with tiny stitches. A splint may be applied to hold the nose in place as it heals and protect it from accidental bumps. Some patients might also have internal splints or tubes, as well as a triangular bandage underneath the nose. The patient is taken to a recovery area to be monitored for a short period of time after surgery. Most patients are allowed to go home a few hours after surgery, although some remain in the hospital overnight for observation.

Recovery
After surgery, the recovery process begins. It is important to understand that positive results from the surgery won’t appear right away. The face and nose may be bruised and swollen, but these symptoms should disappear on their own within a few days. Patients are given prescription pain medication after the procedure to keep them comfortable during the healing process. The doctor may also instruct the patient to sleep with the head elevated and avoid most activities. Dressings and splints may remain in place for up to one week after the procedure.

Because the healing process after a rhinoplasty takes some time, patients may not see the full benefits of the procedure for up to one year. However, this procedure has been shown to be highly effective for most patients, offering an improved appearance that will be permanent. If you are interested in rhinoplasty, we can help answer your questions about the procedure. Contact one of our representatives at PlasticSurgeryPortal today for more information or to schedule a private consultation with a board certified rhinoplasty surgeon in your area.

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