AFTER RHINOPLASTY

What happens after surgery?

When surgery is complete a dressing / cast is applied to the outside of the nose.

Rarely, a temporary dressing is placed inside the nose to prevent bleeding

Most patients spend a night in hospital after their operation and are discharged after assessment and review the next morning.

You may require antibiotics for a week if a graft has been used.

You will be seen in the clinic a week after surgery at which time the external nasal dressing and any stitches can be removed.

You will be seen again 6 weeks after surgery to check your nose has healed.

How will I feel and look after surgery?

Surgery is not usually painful but you may have some discomfort for 1-2 weeks

It may be helpful to recuperate at home for a week and you may not feel ready to fully resume your normal work pattern for 2 weeks

You
- will most likely have some swelling and bruising around the eyes which is usually minor and settles over 7-10 days. Similar changes may also effect the top lip.

- a degree of swelling over the nose is normal after surgery. This is noticeable when the external nasal splint is removed but you should see some of the shape change in your nose even then. The most noticeable swelling will settle over 10-14 days however changes perhaps noticeable to you but not to others may last 6 weeks.

- fine swelling, particularly in the tip may take over 9 months to resolve.

- the final result when healing is complete may be judged at 12-18 months.

Your nose
- may produce small amounts of blood and crusts in the nostrils for 1-2 weeks
- will be blocked, as if you have a cold, for 2-3 weeks
- may feel stiff or numb, particularly around the tip for about 3 months and maybe longer if you have had an open approach rhinoplasty.

You will most likely have some swelling and bruising around the eyes which is usually minor and settles over 7-10 days. Similar changes may also effect the top lip.

A degree of swelling over the nose is normal after surgery. This is noticeable when the external nasal splint is removed but you should see some of the shape change in your nose even then. The most noticeable swelling will settle over 10-14 days however changes perhaps noticeable to you but not to others may last 6 weeks.

Fine swelling, particularly in the tip may take over 9 months to resolve.

The final result when healing is complete may be judged at 12-18 months.

What should I do and not do after surgery?

Allow for feeling more tired than usual for 1-2 weeks.

You may find mild painkillers such as paracetamol helpful - avoid painkillers containing aspirin.

You will be sleeping with your mouth open as your nose will feel blocked - drink plenty of fluids to stop dehydration. If this is awkward you may find a straw helpful.

Sleeping more upright with extra pillows may make your nose feel less blocked and make you more comfortable.

Avoid smoky environments.

Do not get your external nasal dressing wet - ask for help washing your hair with your head held backwards as at the hairdressers.

Do not blow your nose or stifle sneezing for the first week - you may sniff gently and dab or wipe the nose carefully.

Take great care when taking clothes on and off over your head - ideally wear button fastening clothes for the first week.

You may gently wash and clean your nose one week after surgery when the external cast has been removed. You might like to use concealing make-up.

Unless the frames are very light do not allow glasses or sunglasses to rest on the nasal bones for 4 weeks. Wear contact lenses or tape your glasses up to your forehead off the nose.

Protect the skin of your nose from strong sunlight with complete sun-block or a hat for at least 6 weeks as it will be more sensitive to sun burn.

Do not travel for two weeks, for example by boat or plane, if this means you will not have access to medical care. Significant bleeding during this period is rare but is a possibility.

Avoid physical exertion such as heavy gardening, running or the gym for 2 weeks and resume gently after this period. You may swim after 2 weeks but not if this risks your nose being accidentally knocked.

Avoid contact sport for 6 weeks - it takes this long for the nose to heal and to be back to normal strength.

If you have any concerns at all call us - you will be given contact numbers on your discharge from hospital.