What is a rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to create an aesthetic appearance to the nose while maintaining or improving the breathing through the nose.

How is rhinoplasty surgery performed?

 

A rhinoplasty operation may be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation. There are two major techniques in rhinoplasty surgery. The first is the open technique in which a small incision is placed on the undersurface of the nose, on the small strip of skin that separates the nostrils. The second is the closed technique where no external incision is placed on the skin. After initial incision, the nose is re-shaped by removing, adding or sculpting the cartilages, bones and soft tissues of your nose. After completing the framework of the nose the skin is re-draped and the incisions will be closed.

 

 

 

Can I see what I will look like after the operation?

 

Computer imaging can give you an idea of what you will look like after surgery. Remember that the actual result may differ somewhat from the computer generated outcome, regardless of the surgeon’s expertise.

 

 

 

Would it be necessary to take cartilage from my ear or rib during rhinoplasty?

 

If you have previously undergone a rhinoplasty, the obtainable cartilage may be sufficient for shaping and reconstructing the nose. If harvesting cartilage either from your ear or you rib cartilage would be required, you will be informed before the surgery.

 

 

 

What can I expect after surgery?

 

There would be mild- moderate swelling and the ecchymosis of the skin while degree differs markedly from patient to patient. A cold mask is placed over the eyes for the first two days to decrease swelling and bruising. Dr. Cakmak does not place any dressing inside the nose to be removed.  However, breathing through the nose would not be possible due to edema at the first few days, which completely resolves within few weeks. There can be an intermittent mild bleeding at the first few days that subsides on its own or with decongestant sprays. You will be asked to apply a saline spray 3-4 times a day to humidify and decrease the crusting inside of the nose. Generally speaking most of the swelling and bruising will subside in 7-10 days although some swelling can persist for up to 2-3 months, and the final appearance will take a year.

 

 

 

Will I have a bandage or dressing after surgery?

 

During surgery at the end of the procedure your surgeon will typically place small strips over your nose and place a splint on these strips. Dr. Cakmak does not prefer any nasal pack or dressing, uses absorbable sutures instead to prevent blood accumulation (hematoma) that do not require removal. The splints on the outside of your nose are removed 7-8 days after the surgery.

 

 

 

Will I need my sutures to be removed?

 

If you have undergone an open rhinoplasty the sutures on the skin will be removed 5-7 days after surgery. If absorbable sutures are used for skin closure these do not have to be removed. The incisions inside of the nose are made from absorbable material and do not need to be removed.

 

 

 

Will I be in pain after the surgery?

 

After surgery pain is minimal to moderate and is well managed with pain medications.

 

 

 

Will I have any visible scar?

 

External incision of open approach rhinoplasty is arranged as very well camouflaged just below the nose, and often not visible after complete healing. Since no external incision is used, there is no scar in internal approach.

 

 

 

How long will I be off from work?

 

Generally speaking the swelling and bruising around your eyes and nose may last up to 7-10 days. You can start working after removal of external splint on on your nose 6-7 days after surgery. The mild swelling may persist rarely longer than few weeks and almost never limits patient mobility.

 

 

 

Can I wear make-up after surgery?

 

You can start wearing make-up 2-3 days after the surgery.

 

 

 

Can I wear glasses?

 

You will be asked to refrain from using glasses for a period between 6 weeks. You may use your contact lenses 2-3 days after the surgery

 

 

 

Can I do sports?

 

You should refrain from strenuous exercise 2-3 weeks after the surgery. You should refrain from contact sports for 6 weeks.

 

 

 

Can I sunbathe?

 

Yes, but only after applying copious amounts of sunscreen on your nose. As direct sunlight may cause edema and discoloration of the skin on your nose. This risk can last a year.