Aesthetic Surgery

Rhinoplasty (Nose surgery)

1) Does Aesthetic nose surgery leave scars?
There are practically no apparent scars from the aesthetic nose surgery. This happens because the incisions (cuts) are made "inside the nose" or in the creases; as a consequence, they leave no apparent signs. In special cases, when nostrils are worked upon, there are two small scars in the creases between the nostrils and the face; after some weeks, they become barely visible. In other cases, an invisible scar is located on the collumela (lower part of the nose).

2) Will i be able to choose the shape of my future nose?
No. There is an aesthetic balance between the nose and the face, and the surgeon must keep this balance, in order to preserve the natural and authentic appearance of the face. Each case is studied in detail, in order to give the nose the best possible shape, within the requirements of the corresponding face. Another limitation is the nose tissue itself: for example, a thick skinned nose will never become so thin and delicate as one made from a thin skin.

3) Is the definitive result of the "New Shape" Immediate?
No. The nose goes through several differente postoperative phases. In the first phase (immediately after the plaster removal, around the 7th day), despite the correction of several aesthetic imperfections of the original nose, there is edema (swelling) that decreases along the following days, to disappear completely around the 6th month. Some patients reach the definitive result a little earlier and others take somewhat longer. The persistence of the transient edema for a longer than usual period, in general, does not interfere with the final outcome.

4) How will i breathe after surgery?
Aesthetic rhinoplasty also aims at improving the respiratory conditions, when these are precarious with the original nose. Although there will be some difficulties in the immediate postoperative (a few weeks), this is due to the edema that affects also the inner part of the nose, and to an impairment of the movement of the "respiratory valve" in this period, due to a change in the elasticity of the nostrils. With time, it all tends to normal. Respiratory problems are usually associated with the septum, which, in many cases, is corrected during the same surgical procedure. When the concomitant correction of the septum and nasal pyramid require special care, the aesthetic surgery must be performed later, after the septal correction by the specialist. Alergic disorders, such as rhinitis, will not change with surgery.

5) How long is the result sustained?
The result of a rhinoplasty is practically definitive. However, it should be noted that after the 5th decade, every nose starts to develop morphological changes, due to the alteration of the overlying skin.

6) Which type of anesthesia in used in this surgery?
Both local anesthesia with sedation and general anesthesia may be used, on a case by case basis.

7) How long is the surgical procedure?
It usually takes 90 to 120 minutes.

8) How long is the hospital stay?
Twelve hours for surgery under local anesthesia with sedation. Twenty four hours, for general anesthesia.

9) Are dressings used? How many?
After the surgery, the nose is kept immobilized with plaster placed all over it. This plaster remains in place for 7 to 10 days, after which it is removed at the clinic. Nasal packing may be used or not (with vaselinated gauze), and left in place for 24 to 48 hours. The plaster is important for the 1st phase of nose modeling.

10) I heard say that the nose "Bleeds" during the first days. Is that true?
I small bleeding occurs through the gauze packing, which is normal in the first 48 hours. However, this should not be a reason for concern, since a protective dressing is kept purposedly over the nose opening, in order to dry this bleeding. This additional dressing may be changed at home, as often as necessary.

11) Is there pain in the postoperative period?
Usually no. Aesthetic nose surgery has a painless postoperative. In case of pain, it can easily be controlled with analgesics, and these can be prescribed prophylactically.

12) Does this surgery bear any risk?
Very rarely does a nose surgery cause serious complications. This risk can be reduced with an adequate preparation of the patient for the surgical procedure, and considerations on the convenience of performing this surgery concomitantly with other procedures. The risk is neither higher nor lower than that of a trip by plane or by car, or even that of simply crossing a street.

13) How should i sleep in the first days?
Always with your head slightly elevated (on a pillow). Keep your face turned upwards (never to one side) in order to avoid touching the pillow with the nose.

14) When will i be allowed to go in the sun?
For long exposures (beach, sun bathing), we recommend that you wait at least 90 days.

15) What is the postoperative evolution?
You should not forget that, until the expected result is achieved, this surgical procedure typically goes through different phases. Edema (swelling), "spots" due to blood infiltration, respiratory difficulties are common to all patients in the first few days; obviously some people experience these symptoms with less intensity than others. We hope you belong to this group. If not, please do not worry about it. Please be patient, because your body will take care of resolving all the small, transient disturbances that invariably call the attention of some person, who will certainly not refrain from asking: "... "isn't there something wrong with you?" Obviously all your questions and concerns should be addressed to your doctor. Remark: usually, patients experience a certain euphoria, as soon as the plaster is removed (7th day). In rare cases, there is a certain anxiety, due to the transient edema and bruising. This is a transitory condition and usually reflects the desire to achieve the final result as soon as possible. Be patient. Please remember that no result of an aesthetic nose surgery should be evaluated before the 6th month postoperatively.

16) Last but not least: Is the result of an aesthetic nose surgery rewarding?
For sure. Among aesthetic surgical procedures, nose surgery is one of those providing great satisfaction. Please remember what we said above: each case is individually assessed in the first visit, when all the details here described are clarified, as well as other aspects will may have been overlooked. If we decide, together, to perform the surgery (doctor and patient), this is because the result is worthwhile. Otherwise, we would be the first one to refuse doing it. This simple message was designed to inform you about aesthetic rhinoplasty. We are at your disposal for any further detailed clarification.