How Is Nose Surgery Performed?
Nose surgery is performed to reshape the nose. The procedure normally requires 1 or 2 hours, depending on the amount of nose reshaping to be done. Surgery is normally conducted under local anesthesia in the doctor's outpatient surgical suite. General anesthesia may be needed ff the procedure is more complicated. In some cases, a short inpatient stay may be necessary.
Nose Surgery Incisions and Nose Reshaping
Most rhinoplasty surgeons make incisions within the nose for cases where a limited amount of reshaping is planned. The skin of the nose is then separated from the bone and cartilage, which forms its supporting framework. A certain amount of the bone and cartilage can be removed, reshaped, augmented or rearranged to obtain the desired new shape once exposed.
Sometimes the incisions are made in the vertical strip of skin separating the nostrils instead of incisions inside the nose,. This is called the columella. This type of procedure is normally reserved for more complicated cases and is referred to as an "open" rhinoplasty.
Post Nose Surgery
Soft puffy material may be used inside the nose to maintain the structure along the nasal air passages immediately after the incisions have been closed. Also after surgery, an external splint is applied to help the nose maintain its new shape. The splint allows for some additional protection for the nose during the healing process and is normally worn for six to eight days.
The nose area will become bruised and puffy after surgery. This bruising may extend to all areas of the face, and a cold compress can aid in the swelling. Pain medication can help reduce discomfort, and the head should stay elevated for the first 24-hour period. Great care should be taken not to bump or cause any trauma to the nose during the first week after surgery. Even blowing your nose should be avoided for the first 7 days.
Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear after seven days. The nose may bleed after surgery, which is normally limited to the first few days and is not substantial. Generally after two weeks, all stuffing, splints, and any other post-surgical dressings are removed. There will be some internal swelling within the nose for a few months, but this will not be noticeable to anyone but you and the nose surgery surgeon.
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