Are you considering rhinoplasty? Then you must have a ton of questions going through your mind. Every surgery carries a degree of risk, and rhinoplasty is no different. Rhinoplasty London, or a nose job, aims to enhance the nose’s shape, size, and proportions. It can also correct congenital disabilities and injury-related deformities and improve breathing difficulties. It is among the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK.
What Happens During Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. The operation doesn’t take too long, and you can go home the same day. Rhinoplasty is either done inside the nose or through a small external incision at the base of the nose. The surgeon may re-adjust the cartilage or bone underneath the skin. If you only need a minor adjustment, closed rhinoplasty may be more suitable, where there is a small incision inside the nostrils.
The surgeon changes the shape of your nasal cartilage and bone in several ways depending on the available materials and the structure of your nose. The surgeon will use cartilage from the ear or deep inside the nose for minor reshaping and opt for open rhinoplasty if your nose requires extensive work. A small incision is made between your nostrils for better access to the nasal structure. The surgeon will then reshape the nasal bone and cartilage. They can do this by removing or adding cartilage or bone to the nose. Cartilage is harvested from the septum, rib or ear.
After making the changes, the surgeon will place the skin and tissue back and stitch the incision. If the septum is crooked, the surgeon will also correct it during the procedure to improve breathing. After the surgery, you will stay in the recovery room for a while as the anaesthesia wears off. Most people go home the same day after a nose job.
What Happens After a Nose Job?
After the procedure, you will need to ensure you get enough rest. To reduce swelling and bleeding, keep your head elevated. You may experience congestion due to the swelling and splints inside the nose. In most cases, the internal dressing remains for a day to seven days following the procedure. A splint is also taped to your nose after the procedure to protect your new nose shape and offer the much-needed support for great results.
There might be slight bleeding and blood and mucus drainage a few days after the surgery and after removing the dressing. Your doctor will place a drip pad under your nose to absorb drainage. To lower your chances of bleeding and swelling, your doctor will ask you to follow several post-operative instructions:
- Avoid strenuous activities like jogging or aerobics.
- Take baths instead of showers because you don’t want to soak the incisions.
- Don’t blow your nose too hard.
- Avoid extreme facial expressions like laughing and smiling as this may affect the procedure results.
- When brushing your teeth, do it gently and limit upper lip movement.
- Go for clothes that fasten at the front as you recover from a rhinoplasty.
- Eat a high-fibre diet to prevent constipation which could cause you to strain, putting pressure on the incisions.
In addition, avoid wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses for the next 4 weeks. Glasses usually put pressure on the bridge of the nose, which may alter the procedure results. If you need to wear glasses, tape them to your forehead, wear bridgeless glasses or buy a device that clamps to the rims so they rest on the cheeks instead. When going out, wear sunscreen as too much sun exposure can lead to permanent irregular discolouration of the nose.
These are some reasons to go into the surgery with the correct information and expectations. Rhinoplasty doesn’t guarantee optimal results, and because of that, some people need more than one surgery to achieve their dream results. It’s essential to manage your expectations.
Rhinoplasty London: Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before the Procedure
Like other surgeries, rhinoplasty carries the risk of:
- Bleeding
- Adverse reaction to the general anaesthesia
- Infection
- Numbness
- Scarring at the base of your nose
- The small blood vessels on the ski’s surface may burst
- Permanent nerve damage
- Swelling
- Undesired results, leading to a second or even third surgery.
Communicating with your plastic surgeon can help you understand your goals and expectations. Here are a few questions you should ask your plastic surgeon during your nose surgery consultation.
1. What are your qualifications?
The most important thing between you and your chosen plastic surgeon is trust. Ask about your plastic surgeon’s experience performing rhinoplasty procedures. Most importantly, ask them about their certifications. Your surgeon should be listed on the General Medical Council’s (GMC) Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery.
2. How many of these procedures have you done?
Besides being certified and an expert in their field, you also need to know that your plastic surgeon has the required experience. Nobody would be comfortable with a surgeon who has only performed a handful of similar procedures.
3. What is the best procedure for me?
Sometimes you may think you know what is best for you but don’t. Your plastic surgeon should assess you and suggest the best procedure.
4. Can I see some rhinoplasty before and after photos?
Before and after nose job pictures of other patients will help you assess your surgeon’s skills. These pictures will also give you a clear picture of the results you can expect.
5. Where will the procedure be performed?
Rhinoplasty is done at a clinic, doctor’s office, or a certified outpatient surgical facility. You will want to know if the doctor can access the best staff and equipment. You also need assurance that you will have access to emergency medical care. After all, you deserve the highest standard of care and technical expertise.
6. What are common rhinoplasty complications?
Any surgery carries a degree of risk, and complications can happen. You need to ask your doctor about such complications and how they will handle them.
7. What happens if I’m not happy with the results?
After the healing process, you may find that you didn’t get the desired results. What do you do then? Will the surgeon go in and correct that? Having realistic expectations of your procedure is incredibly important.
8. What should I expect during the recovery?
After the procedure, the recovery road ahead is tough. You need to know all the details of your rhinoplasty recovery. This includes what to do, medications to use and how long it will take to heal. You also need to know if there are post-surgical appointments you need to attend.
Best Rhinoplasty London Clinic
If you are thinking about rhinoplasty London, you must meet with a plastic surgeon first. They will discuss your options, goals and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. Ask as many questions as possible to better prepare yourself for the procedure and recovery.
Book your consultation today with Dr. Riaz Agha at the Harley Clinic to learn more about rhinoplasty or even non-surgical rhinoplasty in London.
