Rhinoplasty is intended to reshape the nose, reducing or increasing its size, changing the shapeof the tip or the bridge, narrow te span of the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip.  It can correct a birth defect or injury and help to relieve some breathing problems. 

Special considerations may apply for teenagers, social and emotional aspects, and many surgeons prefer to delay their surgery untill they have completed their growth (14-15 years old for girls, a bit later for boys), the goals should include what they want and not only what their parents want.

Posible Complications

Risks include all the ones related to surgery and anesthesia, including reaction to the last one, infection and bleeding.  Small blood vessels may appear in the nose skin after the procedure, they are usually really small but they may be permanent. The incisions are usually placed inside the nose (not visible at all) and in the open techniques te scars are small in the base of the nose and usually not visible.  In 1/10 patients a second procedure may be required, such cases are unpredictable even when the procedure is performed by the most skilled surgeon.

Before Nose Surgery

First your nose and face will be evaluated, discussing all the available options for your case.  It is usually not cover by insurance policies, but when it is to correct breathing problem or marked deformity you should call your agency to ask them before the procedure. 

You should tell your surgeon about any medical condition and previous injury or surgery to your nose, inform him or her about allergies or breathing problems, medications and if you smoke. You will need to stop smoking at least couple of weeks in advance. 

The Surgery

The procedure usually takes 1 or 2 hours in an operating room under general anesthesia.  Your surgeon will separate the skin of the nose from the supporting structures and then sculpted to the desired shape.  Then the skin is redraped and the sutures are placed inside the nose. 

If your case require an open technique you will require incisions in the base of the nose, but they should stay almost not visible.  After surgery, a splint will be applied to help your nose to maintain its new shape and nasal packs or soft plastic splints will be placed in your nostrils. 

The Results

At the beginning you will feel your face swelling, your nose and face may ache and you could have a dull headache.  You can control this with the pain medication prescribed by our surgeon and everything will start to get better after the first 24 hours.  Your head should be elevated for couple of days.  The swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase first, will peak in 2 o 3 days and start to improve after that.  Cold compresses in the are may help also.

You shouldn't blow your nose for couple of weeks untill the tissues heal, the removal of nasal packing it is not usually an experience that you will like, but you will be able to see the change in your nose shape inmediately, you will feel more comfortable without them and you new look may provide you some comfort.  Remember that some small swelling can stay even for months, but it will be almost not visible.  In couple of weeks any dressings, splnts and stitches will be removed.

You can return to regular activities in about 1 week, but you shoul avoid ardous activities for 2 or 3 weeks more, also avoid rubbing your nose for 8 weeks and be gentle when cleaning your face and hair or using cosmetics.  You shouldn't wear glasses for at least 6 to 7 weeks untill your nose is completely healed.