More than ever, people concerned about their appearance are often first concerned about their noses -- the central point on the face. Your nose also defines the appearance of your profile. And, depending on your ethnicity, a rhinoplasty has different guidelines. In any event, a good nose job is tailored individually for every person! But performing rhinoplasty is very, very involved: the human nose is extremely complicated and breathing can be affected. -
Rhinoplasty – What Happens Just After the Operation?
Posted on March 27th, 2009 1 commentOne person interested in plastic surgery watched an episode about rhinoplasty on Dr. 90210 and later wanted to know the meaning of a “nasal package”.
Actually, she was referring to nasal packing, which is the cotton inserted inside the nose after some rhinoplasty procedures. Nasal packing can be a little uncomfortable so plastic surgeons try to use as little as possible and remove it as soon as possible. The packing is used to stop bleeding while encouraging good healing and is usually removed 24 to 48 hours later.
But a few other things can be expected just after nose surgery. Of course, your surgery is unique, so be sure and have your surgeon spell everything out for you.
Your post surgical appearance: your surgeon may want you to stay in bed just after the surgery with your head elevated. You may see one or two black eyes and some other localized puffiness in your face during the first 24 hours after the procedure.
Usually, cold compresses help the swelling while your surgeon will probably have sent you home with some pain medications to lessen any discomfort. You may even be cautioned not to blow your nose.
Depending on the type of nose surgery – there are many — your nose may also have a narrow splint applied to the outside. Likewise, depending on the procedure, you may have another soft splint inside your nose to stabilize and protect the septum, the cartilage wall that separates the nostrils. But not to worry, those splints, if any, will be removed soon.
Some drainage and bleeding from your nose may be normal.
Contacts lens are O.K. but it may be some weeks before your glasses can be worn again. The weight of the glasses on the bridge of your nose may undo some of your surgeon’s exacting work.
It almost goes without saying, but surgeons will also caution you not to bump your nose in the days just after surgery.
Most patents can go back to work a week to 10 days after surgery.
Some results are apparent soon although it can take a year for full and complete healing.