What Does It Involve?
Nose surgery or Rhinoplasty is performed to improve the appearance of the nose and achieve better facial harmony. The patient may complain of different aspects including deviation, dorsal hump, or large nose tip in any combination. It is important for the surgeon to understand the requirement of the patient instead of a standardised approach to all noses. The complexity of the surgery depends on the correction that needs to be made and it is important to appreciate that in a 3 dimensional structure as such, alternation of one aspect will automatically alter another part with the redistribution of tissue. In some complex cases, additional material will be required to correct a deformity. In general, cartilage can be obtained inside the nose but on occasions, additional cartilage needs to be obtained from elsewhere if necessary. This will be explained in the consultation.
Nose surgery can be performed as either an open or closed technique. In both open and closed rhinoplasty, the majority of the incision is made inside the nose, so that no scars are visible afterward. In open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made on the columella (the area between the nostrils) which help with exposure in some cases. This scar usually heals well.
It is important to discuss your expectation of the outcome with Mr Ho-Asjoe. He will evaluate your bony structure and facial appearance and discuss with you what can be achieved and what is most suitable to your facial appearance. It is important to have a realistic expectation.
Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two but complicated procedures may take longer.
After Surgery
Patient is likely to have bruises and swelling around the eye region in addition to the nasal area. Most of the bruising and swelling will settle in 7-14 days. There will be swelling inside the nose and will affect the nasal airway until the swelling settles. The patient should not blow their nose or insert anything into the nasal cavity to improve airway.
The patient is to return to the clinic in 7days time for removal of sutures and the external nasal splint. The swelling will remain there and it can take up to 3 months before settling down.