Nose surgery

Alternative names:

rhinoplasty

Expectations after surgery:

A metal splint will be applied externally to maintain the newly shaped bony structure when the surgery is complete. Soft plastic splints or nasal packs may also be placed within the nostrils to stabilize the septum (the dividing wall between the air passages).

Immediately following surgery, the nose and face will be swollen and painful, including a headache. Pain medications will control these discomforts. Swelling and bruising around the eyes will increase and reach a peak after 2 or 3 days. Keeping the head raised (elevated), and using cold compresses to the eyes can help reduce the swelling. Within 2 weeks most of the swelling and bruising disappears. Some subtle swelling remains for several months, but this is unnoticeable to anyone but the patient.

During the first few days, minor bleeding from the nose is common. Blowing the nose, picking the nose, or inserting items into the nose is not recommended for the first week while tissues heal.

The nasal packing is usually removed after 3 to 5 days and the patient will feel much more comfortable. All dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed within 1 or 2 weeks.

Convalescence:

Within 2 days, most patients are up and about, and able to return to school or sedentary work within about a week following surgery. Full recovery takes several weeks.

Avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, bending -- any activity that increases blood pressure) for 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid rubbing or bumping the nose. Avoid unprotected sun exposure, especially for the first 8 weeks. Be gentle when washing the face and hair or using cosmetics.

Glasses will have to be taped to the forehead or propped on the cheeks for 4 to 6 weeks after the splint is removed and the nose is completely healed.

The patient may feel depressed following surgery, but day by day the nose will look better. Within a week or two, cosmetics will camouflage postoperative symptoms. Healing is a slow and gradual process. The tip of the nose may have subtle swelling and numbness for months. The final results may not be apparent for up to a year.

The patient might experience some unexpected reactions from family and friends. They may act resentful, especially if something they view as a family or ethnic trait is altered. The patient should keep in mind the reasons for the nasal correction, and if these have been reached, then the surgery is a success.