RHINOPLASTY / NOSEJOB
Rhinoplasty is the surgical procedure for correcting structural deformities of the nose. It involves redesigning the nose either by removing excess tissues or correcting insufficiencies to improve overall nasal contour and function. Your surgeon can shorten a long nose, narrow and wide one, reduce a wide tip, lower a high nose, and straighten a crooked one. The incision is placed in relatively hidden positions, such as inside the nostril or underneath the nose, to avoid visible scarring.
Rhinoplasty usually is performed on an outpatient basis. You may be required to wear an external splint for a few days. During this time you can resume non- stressful activities like bathing, shampooing and walking. You must keep the splint dry so that is does not fall off; it is held in place by tape only.
After the splint is removed, your nose may appear slightly swollen. Within two weeks after surgery, most patients can return to full activities. Although most of the swelling will be resolved after the first two weeks following surgery, the final results may not be evident for several months due to the normal healing process.
PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
- Two weeks prior to surgery: Do not sunburn or over-expose to sunrays. Do not take aspirin or aspirin products. Take Vitamin C daily 1,000 mg.
- NO alcoholic beverages 72 hours prior to surgery.
- Pre-op testing to be done 3 weeks prior to surgery date.
- The night before surgery, NO food or liquids after midnight.
- Do not apply make-up or cream the morning of surgery.
- Wear a blouse/shirt that buttons down the front.
- Arrange for your post-operative care.
- If you should get a pimple or blemish on your nose, please contact the office immediately so that you can be treated. Otherwise, this could result in canceling your surgery.
- Purchase a bottle of AFRIN nasal spray & nasal saline drops before your surgery day. (i.e. Ocean Spray orAYR)
- Do not do facials within 30 days prior to your surgery.
Day of surgery: Please bring the bottle of Afrin nose spray & the Zofran anti-nausea medication with you. The nurse will advise you of its use.
POST SURGERY INSTRUCTIONS
- Give the nursing staff a telephone number where you can be reached the evening of surgery.
- Continue medications as instructed.
- Nausea & vomiting can occur with surgery. Make sure that you take your medication with food. Antacids like Mylanta or Tums may help. If nausea & vomiting persists, stop taking the prescription pain medication & switch to Tylenol.
- Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows for at least 10 days.
- Continuously keep cold compresses on your eyes for the first 10 hours after surgery. This helps reduce bruising. Supplies will be provided for you.
- No eye glasses for 1 month. *See Ellen for further instructions.
- Moderate bleeding from the nose is normal. A gauze dressing will be placed to collect the blood. This dressing SHOULD NOT be removed. You can add more gauze to that dressing if needed. Supplies will be provided for you on the day of surgery. * If excessive bleeding persists, please call the office.
- Follow a soft diet for 2-3 days. Avoid dairy products the day of surgery.
- Do not blow your nose for 1 month & sneeze with your mouth open.
- No strenuous activities or exercise for 1 month. (i.e. weight lifting, yoga, pilates, sit-ups)
- No underwater swimming for 1 month / No scuba- diving for 3 months.