About Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) in Orange County
Read about rhinoplasty, tiplasty and septoplasty.
Rhinoplasty: Open and Closed Approaches
Understanding Rhinoplasty:
Rhinoplasty is a surgery that can improve the appearance of the nose by reshaping structure and size. Repairing the nose after an injury and improved breathing may also be achieved by performing rhinoplasty. The surgery typically takes two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the case. When possible, the surgeon will choose a closed rhinoplasty in which all incisions are made inside of the nostrils. However, certain circumstances will require the surgeon to perform an open rhinoplasty in which there is an additional v-shaped incision at the columella, which is the skin between the nostrils. Instances where the surgeon may choose the open approach include severe asymmetry, revision rhinoplasty, or if the skin at the tip of the nose is very thick. Your surgeon has discussed both your aesthetic and functional goals to determine which approach to rhinoplasty is best for you.
What to expect after the surgery:
Immediately after surgery, a small splint will be placed on your nose to protect it and to keep the structure stable for 7 days. In addition to the splint, a mustache dressing will be placed directly under your nostrils to absorb any nasal drainage for 24 hours and may need to be changed the evening of the surgery. If packing is placed inside the nose during surgery, it will be removed the following day. Your face will feel puffy, especially the first day after surgery. Pain medication will be provided to keep you comfortable. Your surgeon will advise you to avoid blowing your nose for 7 days after surgery. In the immediate days following surgery, you may experience bruising and minor swelling in the eye area. Cold compresses often reduce the bruising, swelling, and discomfort along with the use of our healing supplements.
Post-Operative Instructions:
1. Keep your head elevated above the heart. Avoid bending, lifting, or straining.
2. Ice packs may be used over the eyes to help reduce swelling. Prior to applying icepacks, protect the skin with a clean washcloth. Apply the cold compress for 15 minutes on the skin and then 15 minutes off the skin for the first 48 hours following the surgery. Frozen peas or corn placed in baggies may be used in lieu of icepacks.
3. Take all medications with food and drink plenty of liquids.
4. Avoid salty foods.
5. No sunglasses or reading glasses for one month.
6. Keep diet bland for the first day following surgery. You may resume your normal diet within 2-3 days.
7. Showering and baths are fine, but keep water temperature warm, not too hot, and also keep dressing dry.
8. You will have a mustache dressing under the nose, which will need to be changed every few hours.
9. Avoid sneezing through your nose right after surgery.
10. If the nasal cavity feels dry or irritated, you may use Ayer nasal spray and Bacitracin without zinc (both non-prescription items). The Bacitracin may be applied with a Q-Tip to the inside of the nasal tip of the nose.
11. Exercising is not recommended for approximately 3 weeks after surgery.
*** A post-operative appointment will be made for you for the following day, before you leave our office.
Concerns to notify the office for:
1. A temperature of 100 degrees or higher 1-2 days following surgery.
2. Nausea or vomiting.
3. Shortness of breath or lightheadedness.
4. Unusual bleeding or swelling 3-5 days after surgery.
***Please use the entrance to our surgery center, 100C for all post-operative appointments. Ring the doorbell and our office staff will assist you. This entrance allows us to accommodate your need for privacy and comfort.
***Your surgeon and medical staff may be reached at (949) 276-4141 during office hours. If you are calling after hours, please dial (949) 276-4141 and review the following options: 4 will page the surgeon, 5 will direct your call to the surgery center, 6 will direct your call to the overnight suite.
Read about rhinoplasty, tiplasty and septoplasty.
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