Rhinoplasty- Surgery and Post Surgery

Rhinoplasty is a safe and effective plastic surgery procedure to alter or restructure the nose. It is a reconstructive surgery that helps the patient change the nose’s appearance. Over the years, it has become the most desired cosmetic procedure for men and women. Each surgery is unique according to the needs and wishes of the patient. With a bespoke plan designed for you, your surgeon will carry out your rhinoplasty surgery. 

After a full pre-surgery work-up, you proceed to your rhinoplasty procedure. Rhinoplasty London prices are slightly higher than most other smaller operations due to the intricate nature of the procedure and inherent specialised skills needed from the rhinoplasty surgeon.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

The surgery will start with the administration of a gentle general anaesthetic. Local anaesthesia is then applied to the nose, which you will not feel as you will be fully asleep. The dosages and combinations of these will depend on your medical condition and will be decided by the medical team in charge. Depending on the patient’s case history, sometimes awake surgery using local anaesthesia (numbing injections) may also be recommended.

In the case of general anaesthesia, you will feel nor remember any part of the operation. The anaesthesia will be given through a line, and you will drift gently off to sleep. In the case of local anaesthesia, the anaesthetic will be injected into your nasal tissues with an initial stinging sensation which quickly wears off like when you visit the dentist.

The surgery does involve incisions (cuts) in your nose. These could be placed discreetly on the skin. Sometimes these cuts are made inside the nose within the septum or the nostrils. The exact placement will depend on your rhinoplasty goals and current shape concerns.

During functional Rhinoplasty, the septal (partition of the nose) and supporting cartilages are altered in position and dimension. That could include removing small pieces of cartilage or bone from the nose, or it could also include the incorporation of some cartilage from other parts of the body to your nose. The ultimate aim is to restore the nose’s functionality such that it helps you to breathe correctly and aid in the other functions of the nose, such as the sense of smell. In the case of cosmetic Rhinoplasty, things are a little bit different. In this case, the aim is to improve the appearance of your nose. Thus, it can require re-shaping the nose’s bones, tip cartilages and reducing the overall size of the nose.

There are specific vital measures that the doctor will ask you to take after your rhinoplasty surgery. Initially, after the surgery, you will have to stay in the hospital for a few hours. During this time, you will need to sit up in bed but eat and drink and use the toilet when ready. Your nurse will take meticulous care of you during this time and fully assess you before giving you the green light for discharge home.

For most patients, the recovery is relatively quick and comfortable. However, any strenuous activity needs to be avoided in the first to two weeks. It is done to prevent the nose from bleeding heavily. 

Complete bed rest is not required during the recovery process. You can walk and move carefully but should do so carefully initially. As discussed previously, make sure that none of your movements is very vigorous. Rhinoplasty is a delicate procedure; hence, post-surgery care is essential to facilitate an excellent overall result.

Rhinoplasty surgeons generally recommend a well-balanced diet to help in recovery. The small scars you have on the nose generally heal very well, and your surgeon will usually prescribe ointments to make the healing process faster and smoother. The ointments will help keep the area clean, but your surgeon will also likely provide some nasal washes and antibiotics to help further. 

You can recover quickly by following your post-surgery plan carefully and completing the medication as prescribed. Do not forget to stay connected with your surgeon and never miss the post-surgery checkups. London rhinoplasty prices can be a little higher than other clinics and overseas, but choosing the right clinic and surgeon irrespective of price is imperative in rhinoplasty surgery.