What is it?

Rhinoplasty or nose surgery may be aesthetic only or associated to functional corrections, such as a deviated septum or hypertrophy of the cornets.
There is an aesthetic balance between the nose and the face that must be studied, so that one can give the nose the best possible shape.

What you need to know:

1) Scar
There is no apparent scar in the aesthetic nose surgery, as the incisions (cuts) are done inside the nose. In special cases, such as the narrowing of the span of the nostrils, there are two small scars on the nostrils, but they are practically imperceptible.

2) Anesthesia
It may be local with sedation or general, according to the anesthesiologist’s indication.

3) Surgery time
One to two hours.

Before the surgery:

1) Complementary exams to be specified by the surgeon.

2) Picture of the region. The pictures are taken in the clinic and they are very important for the evaluation, surgical planning and documentation.

3) Go to the clinic on the day and time schedules, preferably with a companion, mainly if the surgery is to be performed in the office.

4) Don’t take jewelry and other valuables to the clinic.

5) Do not polish your nails.

6) Any diseases (flu, fever, infection) or other motives that may cause the suspension of the surgery must be related to the surgeon in advance.

7) You may use Arnica to avoid bruises. This use must start one week to ten days before the surgery. Suggestion: Arnica D 30, 5 drops, 4 times a day, or have an evaluation with a doctor and get his/her advice on medicines to be taken before the surgery that are important for the healing and balance of the organism, aiming a better recovery.

Care:

1) Fasting of at least 6 hours before the surgery.

2) Medication for hypertension and other diseases must be related to the surgeon for orientation.

3) Do not take any medication that has acetyl acid (ex.: AAs, Rhonal, Bufferin, Aspirin), one week before and one week after the surgery, because it increases the bleeding.

4) Appetite suppressing medication must be stopped 15 days before the surgery.

5) Do not smoke 15 days before and 15 days after the surgery. Why not stop smoking?

After the surgery:

1) Pain: The surgery is painless.

2) Hospital time: It varies – from some hours to 24 hours after the surgery.

3) First dressings: Cold compresses on the eyelids during the first 48 hours after the surgery.

4) Bathing: Carefully, not getting the nose region wet for 7 days.

5) Food: Normal.

6) Bruises: You may use Arnica ointment, Hirudoid or Trombofob.

7) Swelling: It is normal the presence of external swelling up to 3 to 4 months after the surgery. However, the swelling is more important during the first two months, when we recommend not wearing reading or sunglasses.

8) 7) Physical activities: Exercises are recommended with moderation after 30 days so that there are no nasal traumas.

9) Sun: No exposition to sun during 30 days. We recommend the utilization of a sun block factor 20 or more.

10) Rest: On the first days, resting must be done with two pillows. Preferably, lie on your back, with the face turned upward, avoiding turning to the side.

11) Respiratory functions: The respiratory functions are rarely hindered after the surgery. Some difficulty may occur immediately after the surgery due to some swelling or the presence of scabs.

12) Make-up: Allowed.

13) Moisturizing and Draining: The moisturizing of the skin may be done, as well as massages that help in the recovery process.

14) Sensibility: There is a higher sensibility in the region operated of the nose, but without pain. It improves after 2 months.

Will this disappear?

Every surgery involves a certain recovery period. Be patient because your organism will take care of some little problems that invariably will call attention of some people who will ask: "Will this disappear?” Always share with us any type of concern. We will give the necessary explanations for your tranquility.

Final Result:

Initially, during the first four months after the surgery, the region is a little swollen, but, with time, there is a gradual accommodation of the tissues. After the fourth month new pictures are taken for evaluation. This reevaluation may indicate the need for a retouch, procedure considered common in plastic surgery, which must be done after the 6th month and before the 10th month after the surgery.