Dr. Alberto Henao M.
Facial Plastic Surgery
RHINOPLASTY
Rhinoplasty (from the Greek ρινός rhinos, nose, πλασσειν plassein, to form) is a surgical intervention in which mainly the aesthetic problems of the nose such as the bone hump, the bone that protrudes from the back of the nose in the likeness of a hump, deviations to the right or left of the entire nose and congenital malformations such as sequelae of the cleft lip and palate, as well as other genetic factors or acquired by trauma and disease. When looking for a solution to the nose obstructed by excessive tension or deviation of the septum or nasal septum exclusively, we are referring to septoplasty. There are other structures within the nose, turbinates and nasal valves, or the inflamed mucosa itself, among others, whose congenital or acquired alterations may contribute or be the cause of the obstruction. Although the latter is a different procedure, both operations, rhinoplasty and septoplasty can be performed in the same operative act in most cases. The surgery that includes both procedures is called septorhinoplasty or functional rhinoplasty.
Diagnostic Appointment
During the consultation time, the nose should be analyzed, both inside, by means of an anterior rhinoscopy, which evaluates the state of the septum and the turbinates. That is, to evaluate the nasal function, so that the patient ventilates and breathes better after the operation than before.
And all the aesthetic aspects that we wish to modify must be analyzed in the same way. It can be the ridge, the beginning of the nasal root, the tip of the nose, the width of the nose, the width of the wing cartilages, various asymmetries that appear at the tip and in the triangular cartilages, respiratory insufficiencies, dislocations or deviations of the nasal septum, problems of rotation or sagging of the tip, projection problems, both due to lack of projection and excess of the tip itself, etc.
You can schedule your Diagnostic appointment here:
Process
Rhinoplasty is performed in a specialized clinic with which we have special agreements, they have all the necessary surgical work equipment. Complex procedures may require a short hospital stay. The procedure generally takes 1 to 2 hours, but may take longer.
The nose and the surrounding area are numbed with local anesthesia. The patient will be sedated (relaxed and insensitive to pain) during surgery. General anesthesia allows you to sleep throughout the operation.
Surgery is usually done through a cut (incision) made inside the nostrils. In some cases, the incision is made from the outside, around the base of the nose. This type of incision is used to carry out work on the tip of the nose or if you need a cartilage graft. If the nose needs to be tuned, the incision can extend around the nostrils. A small incision can be made on the side of the nose to break it, and shape the bone.
Postoperative and care after rhinoplasty
After leaving the operating room: After the operation, when the anesthesia has worn off and you are fully aware of the situation, you will notice that you are wearing a small metallic splint (as a plaster) and nasal tampons. You will also begin to feel the discomfort derived from the surgical process, which is completely normal. You should know that at all times you can minimize these discomforts with the pain relievers prescribed by Dr. Alberto Henao.
After the recovery period from anesthesia, you can start drinking liquids, and even make a light meal. Also, it is important that you sleep with your head elevated.
First postoperative day: It is recommended to be in absolute rest, so you will have better control of the inevitable discomfort suffered after the intervention. Above all, it is important to remain at rest to avoid possible bleeding. Hematomas and swelling will appear around the eye area. This is normal, so you shouldn't be alarmed. To reduce this swelling you can apply cold compresses to the inflamed area. When you come to the checkup, the doctor will remove the nasal plugs, but not the metallic splint, which you must wear for at least a week to protect the nose from any blow.
Second postoperative day: From the second day, the swelling and discomfort will begin to subside gradually. Surely, the Doctor will indicate that you can lead a normal life, as long as you do not carry out physical exercise or activities that require effort. You will also not be able to wear glasses and contact lenses for a few days. And, very important, you must take absolute care with the nose splint. Completely avoid moving or wetting it, as it must remain in place.
You will be able to join your job immediately after the postoperative medical review, as long as you do not have to make efforts or carry risks of blows to the face. In fact, you can carry out any daily activity and recover your social life from the second day after surgery. The only drawback you can have is that you don't want to be seen with the splint on. If this is a big problem for you, then you will have to wait until the week to resume your usual routine.
Hygiene of the nose is essential during the first month. This must be exhaustive and done as instructed by the doctor. The best way to clean the nose is using saline and gauze; This will prevent the formation of crusts. Also, blowing your nose is strongly discouraged as this can lead to complications.
After the first week the discomfort, swelling and bruising will have greatly decreased, so the doctor will proceed to remove the splint and the three or four stitches that are made under the nose. Surely the appearance of your nose is not what you expect. This is completely normal, because the recovery process is not yet complete. The final result can be seen at the end of the month or after two months.
On the other hand, you should avoid sun exposure for the first three months. From the second week the bruising and discomfort must have completely subsided; otherwise, you must indicate it to your Doctor.
The appearance of your new nose will begin to take shape. From the second week you can already perform your facial hygiene normally.
One month after surgery: The inflammation will have decreased almost completely, around 80%. You can start wearing glasses and play sports, although you must be careful not to hit your nose. Your nose will look almost normal by now. People will not know that you have had a rhinoplasty. Do not worry if you notice the tip of the nose a little hard and somewhat sensitive, this will disappear over time.
In short, after the month everything should evolve favorably. In general, this is how the postoperative period passes after a rhinoplasty and how are the care you must follow so that everything evolves in a positive way. If you follow the recommendations that your surgeon tells you, the final result will be totally satisfactory. And always remember to put yourself under the expert hands of a trusted medical professional. Only then will you guarantee the success of the surgery.
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