A rhinoplasty is an alteration to the shape of the nose for function or cosmetic reasons. Working with the bone, cartilage and skin, your surgeon can get you the results you wish to achieve.
This rhinoplasty procedure will use anesthesia, so you will need to arrange for someone to come with you to drive you home. You will need someone to stay with you for the first few days after surgery to help you get around. The first few days after surgery you may experience memory lapses, impaired judgement and slow response rate from the anesthesia.
Your surgeon will put dressings and a stint in place to keep the shape and provide support. The internal dressing placed on the day of surgery will last up to seven days if necessary. If not, it will be removed before you leave the next morning. You will be on bed rest, and you’ll want to have your head raised higher than your chest to reduce the swelling and bleeding. You will also need to stay away from aspirin and ibuprofen two weeks after rhinoplasty surgery as they can increase bleeding, and you cannot place an ice pack on the nose. Many doctors will place a drip pad loosely under the nose to collect any blood and mucus, and will direct you to replace it every so often.
To ensure that your nose heals correctly, your surgeon will advise against any strenuous activity for a few weeks. The muscles around the nose can be used for more than you think, so it is important to avoid any extreme facial movements such as smiling or laughing. You cannot blow your nose, and you must be careful when brushing your teeth to avoid upper lip movement. Clothing can be pulled over the head, but you must wear items that can be fastened in the front (button ups, hoodies with zippers). You will not be able to rest glasses on your nose for up to four weeks. If you do have to wear glasses, Dr. Roussalis recommends little to no pressure if necessary. You should expect to take a week off from work, and will be able to resume normal activities after two to four weeks.
You may notice swelling and black-and-blue discoloration of the eyelids, but this is temporary. Swelling of the nose can take months to resolve, but it will be reduced each day. The results you wish to achieve will appear gradually. Dr. Sabini wants all of his patients to go into surgery with realistic goals. Those who are realistic are generally happier and more satisfied with their surgery. To learn more and get started today, give Dr. Sabini a call to schedule your consultation.