Nose Surgery - Rhinoplasty Procedure

This procedure involves the use of general anesthesia.

The open approach uses an incision along the columella, the bridge of skin between the nostrils. The entire skin is lifted off the nasal skeleton, and the underlying structures are fully visualized. The cartilages and bones are then reshaped, and the skin is redraped and sutured back.

The closed approach uses incisions just inside the nostrils. The rest of the procedure is similar to the open method.

After surgery your nose will be packed with a special dressing, which is usually removed the next day. You will have to breathe through your mouth till the pack is removed. You will also have a nasal splint to maintain the contour of your new nose.

You may have mild bleeding from the nose for a couple of days.

Most people who have had this type of procedure under general anesthetic will be able to leave hospital after a day or so.

If you have had external stitches, these will usually be removed after five days, along with the plaster cast or splint.

When you return home, you should take life very slowly and be extra careful for the first week. You should avoid any lifting, stretching or strenuous exercise for six weeks.

After the first week you can bathe normally and get the wound wet but please try to keep the adhesive strips on for as long as possible. They help support the wound during the early phases of healing.