| Q:
DOES RHINOPLASTY LEAVE ANY SCARS? |
A: In some
cases the scars can be placed inside the nasal cavity, where they are
invisible. In other cases, however, there will be quite inconspicuous,
external scars from incisions done in the columella (the small bridge
of tissue between the nostrils) or in the nasal alae (lateral surfaces
of the nose). These minimal external incisions are necessary because
it is from them that the surgeon further improves the final shape and
the physiology of the nose as well.
| Q:
CAN I CHOOSE WHATEVER SIZE AND SHAPE I LIKE FOR MY NOSE? |
A: No.
An aesthetic balance between the nose and the remainder of the face
must be observed, to preserve the natural look and genuineness of your
face. Each case is thoroughly studied, in order to give the nose the
size and shape that best harmonize with the other facial features. If
your choice happens to be the same as the type of nose the surgeon has
designed for your case, no doubt your wish will come true. Surgeon and
patient should agree on the best achievable result.
| Q:
WITH REGARD TO SHAPE AND FUNCTION, IS THE FINAL RESULT IMMEDIATELY
ACHIEVED? |
A: No.
The post-operative period of a rhinoplasty is characterized by several
phases. In the first phase (after removal of the plaster around the
seventh day), although many aesthetic imperfections of the nose have
been corrected, there is an edema (swelling) that gradually subsides
with time until it completely resolves around the 6th month. Some patients
will see the definite result a little earlier, while others will have
to wait a little longer. In general, the end result is not affected
by the edema lasting longer than expected.
| Q:
WHAT WILL MY BREATHING BE LIKE AFTER THE SURGERY? |
A: Rhinoplasty
also aims at improving the patient’s breathing. Although there
will be some difficulty breathing during the intermediate post-operative
stage (which lasts a few weeks) because the edema also occurs in the
inside of the nose, altering the elasticity of the alae and affecting
the “breathing valve” function. This is likely to normalize
with time. Breathing problems may be associated with the septum, and
in certain cases a septoplasty (corrective surgery for the septum) can
be done during the same surgical episode. When a septoplasty requires
special care, rhinoplasty should be performed at another time, after
the septum has been corrected.
| Q:
I SUFFER FROM A NON-STOP NASAL DRIP (RHINORRHEA). CAN COSMETIC SURGERY
ALLEVIATE THIS CONDITION? |
A: Practice
has shown that, in some cases, rhinoplasty can minimize or even completely
resolve the chronic symptoms that have long been afflicting the patient.
This, however, cannot be assured to all patients. It is important to
point out that the breathing functions should be preserved after a rhinoplasty.
| Q:
HOW LONG DOES THE OBTAINED RESULT LAST? |
A: Rhinoplasty
produces long-lasting results. A few years afterwards, as with any other
part of the organism, some morphologic alterations may occur in the
nose area.
| Q:
IS RHINOPLASTY A MINOR, OR “MEDIUM” SURGERY? WHAT ABOUT
THE COMPLICATIONS? |
A: Serious
complications from a rhinoplasty are rare. However, since this is a
surgical procedure, minor problems may occasionally occur post-operatively,
which fortunately can be corrected with surgical revisions to achieve
the designed result.
These possible
complications should not be confused with the intermediate forms the
nose goes through at the intermediate post-operative stage, before reaching
its final size and shape.
Any doubts
you may have about potential post-operative complications will be clarified
by your surgeon, who will give you frank, thorough explanations in advance.
| Q:
WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR THE OPERATION? |
A: Local,
general, or combined anesthesia can be used. The decision about the
type of anesthesia that is most recommended for each case will be made
by surgeon and patient together.
| Q:
HOW LONG DOES THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE TAKE? |
A: It usually
takes one to two hours, but may occasionally take longer to complete,
depending on the circumstances. However, the operating time should not
be confused with the length of stay in the Surgery Center, which also
involves both preparation for anesthesia and post-operative recovery.
Your surgeon can tell you the total amount of time.
| Q:
WHAT IS THE LENGTH OF HOSPITALIZATION? |
A: It varies
from half a day to one day. It will all depend on the type of anesthesia
used and the patient’s recovery at the immediate post-operative
stage. Your doctor will prescribe the length of stay, always considering
your safety and comfort.
| Q:
WILL DRESSINGS BE USED? HOW MANY? |
A: When
the infracture procedure is used, plaster or other immobilizing material
is placed on the nose to keep it stable. This splint, which completely
covers the nose, is worn for about 7-8 days and then is removed at the
surgeon’s office. In some cases, nasal packs (tampons) are placed
inside the nose for 24-72 hours. If correction of the septum has also
been performed, this time may be prolonged, with change of tampons.
| Q:
I HAVE HEARD THAT THE NOSE BLEEDS FOR THE FIRST DAYS, IS THIS TRUE? |
A: Some
minor nosebleeds normally occur in the first 48 hours. However, this
should not be a cause for concern, because a protective dressing is
applied to the base of the nose to absorb any blood drip. This drip
pad can be changed at home as often as the patient deems necessary.
| Q:
IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD PAINFUL? |
A: It rarely
is. You will feel quite comfortable. Any occasional pain or discomfort
can be easily treated or prevented with analgesics prescribed by your
doctor.
| Q:
ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SURGERY? |
A: Serious
complications from a rhinoplasty are rare, not only because each patient
is properly prepared for the surgical procedure, but also because we
ponder the advisability of performing it in conjunction with other surgeries.
It is neither more nor less dangerous than travelling by plane or car,
or even crossing a street.
| Q:
IN WHAT POSITION WILL I HAVE TO SLEEP THE FIRST DAYS AFTER SURGERY?
|
A: Always
sleep with your head slightly elevated (on a pillow). Whenever possible,
keep your face up.
| Q:
WHEN CAN I GO OUT IN THE SUN? |
A: Usually,
occasional exposure to the sun in the street is allowed after the third
day post-operatively. If your face is affected with ecchymoses (black-and-blue
or purple spots or areas, marking the escape of blood into the tissues
from ruptured blood vessels), a photo-protective cream (SPF 30) must
be applied to the face, and daily exposures to sunlight should be avoided.
For longer exposures on the beach, or sunbathing, it is advisable to
wait at least 30-45 days.
| Q:
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE PERIOD LIKE? |
A: You
should bear in mind that you will go through several phases before the
desired result is eventually achieved. Edemas (swelling), ecchymoses
(black-and-blue or purple spots, or areas, where blood has escaped into
the tissues from ruptured blood vessels), and difficulty breathing are
common to all patients during the first days; obviously, these postoperative
events occur to a greater degree in some patients than in others. We
hope you will be in the latter group. If not, do not worry. With time,
your organism will resolve all these minor side effects that will inevitably
call the attention of someone who will make an unrestrained comment
such as, “Isn’t there anything wrong going on?” Needless
to say, any doubt or concern you may have during this time period should
be addressed with no one but your plastic surgeon, who will give you
all the necessary explanations to ease your mind. In general, patients
go through a period of euphoria after removal of the plaster or splint
(on the 7th day). In rare instances, patients experience some anxiety,
caused by the temporary edema and ecchymoses. This feeling reflects
their desire to see results as soon as possible, and gradually subsides
as they begin to look and feel better. Be patient, and remember: the
results of cosmetic nose surgery should only be evaluated after six
months have elapsed post-operatively.
| Q:
ROUNDING IT OFF: IS THE RESULT OF COSMETIC NOSE SURGERY REALLY WORTH
IT? |
A: Yes,
absolutely. The results of a rhinoplasty are very satisfying. Remember
what you have been told: each individual case is analysed at the initial
consultation, when all the details described here will be clarified,
as well as other details that may have escaped us. If a mutual decision
for the surgery is made by both you and your surgeon, and you, the patient,
have realistic expectations, the result will be worth it. Otherwise,
the operation is not recommended. The information presented here has
been prepared to familiarize you with facts about rhinoplasty. If you
would like further information, please visit the website of the SBCP
(Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica – Brazilian
Society of Plastic Surgery).
| INSTRUCTIONS
REGARDING RHINOPLASTIES
|
PRE-OPERATIVE
INSTRUCTIONS:
Does
rhinoplasty leave any scars? 
