Nose Surgery

The nose surgery is often done under general anesthesia (you sleep), however if a minor surgery is done such as nose implant or alarplasty (fix the nostrils) or tipoplasty (fix the tip of the nose), it can go under local anesthesia. Please discuss it with your surgeon. Many plastic surgeons prefer to operate from the inside of the nose sections which are contained in the nostrils, others prefer open surgery, a cut is then made along the portion that exists between the nostrils (columella or droopy nose).

The operation takes about 1-2 hours; the plastic surgeon begins to loosen the skin from the supportive backbone of the nose bone and cartilage. The Bone and cartilage are then formed into the desired shape; sometimes the bone or cartilage might be removed in order to achieve the best results. Skin, it is then put back over the new backbone and sewn together. Tampons are placed in both nostrils to keep them and to soak up the blood; they are removed after 5-7 days. It may therefore feel hard to breathe in the first week then you can breathe through your mouth. Often a plaster cast or tape is added by the surgeon.

After the operation, you will be swelling and bruising under the eyes and cheeks. You will have pain over the eyes and pain in the head. Swelling decreases, but it may take several month before it is quite good, bruises disappear within a few weeks and the shape gets better after a few days. It can take between 1 to 1.5 years before we see the final result. Please use an extra pillow under your head when you are resting and sleeping, take it easy the first week hold and hold your head high, don’t bow forward / down, it reduces the risk of bleeding. There may be little bleeding a few days after the surgery which is normal, if you are bleeding a lot or the bleeding is not stopping after a few days, contact your plastic surgeon.

You can return to work after about 1-2 weeks. Avoid physical activity for 2-3 weeks and your plastic surgeon will inform you what applies to you. Remember that healing takes time up to a year before the final results can be seen.

There is always a risk of complications, bleeding, infection or reaction to anesthesia. It is known that smokers suffer more frequently of complication and less healing. You can minimize risks by carefully following the instructions you receive both before and after the operation.

Other things affecting the outcome of nose surgery is the structure of your muscle and cartilage, the shape of your face, skin thickness, your age and your expectations. If you had any damage to the nose or if you have operated in the past, it is very important that you tell.

Tell the surgeon if you have any respiratory problem, if you taking any medicine, or have any allergies. Think carefully and review your expectations for the operation and discuss them with your plastic surgeon.