Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Prior to the procedure, a surgeon will meet with the candidate to discuss the surgery, confirm the results that can realistically be achieved and outline the complications that can occur. It is essential that candidates have realistic expectations. Your surgeon will also perform diagnostic examinations and/or laboratory investigations prior to hospital admission and surgery. This is to ensure that you are fit for surgery. This is in line with standard hospital procedure.

Prior to surgery you may also be advised to:

• Cease and/or commence taking certain medications
• Avoid aspirin, herbal supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Cease smoking

General anesthesia will be administered for your comfort. In order to access the bones and cartilage that provide nose support, incisions will be made. These incisions will be made inside the nose to reduce scarring. Depending on what outcome you are seeking will inform whether and to what degree, bone or cartilage is removed. Tissue may be added to the site from another part of your body. The surgeon can alter the cartilage and bone to the desired size and shape. The site is then closed using incisions. You may have packing inserted into your nose and tiny tubes placed to assist in your breathing. A splint is then used to support the new shape as it heals.

There is risk in all surgical procedures and it is important that you are aware of the risks involved in your procedure before going ahead with the surgery. During your appointments you should discuss any concerns with your surgeon and not be afraid to ask questions. Your surgery will be unable to proceed unless you sign a pre-surgery consent form.

It is also your obligation to advise your surgeon of any important medical information that could affect your surgery and/or increase your levels of risk. The type of medical information that you should disclose includes medical complications, previous surgeries, current and recent medications and family disease.

Every patient is different with risks for each person varying based on different factors. The below risks can occur with undergoing nose correction:

• Nosebleeds
• Double or blurred vision (often a temporary side effect that disappears within a few days)
• Reaction to anesthesia
• Swelling
• Skin numbness
• Skin irritation from the bandages and tape
• Infection
• Hematoma (localized swelling as a result of a build up of blood. This requires
• removal)
• Nasal blockage
• Small scars at the base of the nose
• Visible bursting of the blood vessels on the skin’s surface

White heads may develop after your stitches have been removed. Your surgeon can address this

After the surgery is complete, you will have bandages outside of your nose and packing inside your nose. There will be some swelling around the nose. This should subside after a few days. You may be prescribed antibiotics, pain killers and other medications to apply on the nose. You may also be encouraged to apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. There is lengthy recovery with this procedure. After one year, incisions scars will fade to the point of being invisible and your nose will be fully developed.

Returning to Work: 3-5 days following surgery
High Impact Activity: 3-4 weeks following surgery