Rhinoplasty

WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY:
Cosmetic nasal surgery is performed in cases of innate or acquired deformations of the nasal bone or cartilage. Sometimes, the procedure may involve the surgical performance just on the soft part of the nose (cartilaginous tissue), in other cases, the complete correction is required (covering both cartilaginous and bone area). Most procedures allow for incisions located in the nostrils - this technically eliminates the risk of any visible postoperative scars. Correction of certain deformations, however, requires incisions of the columnella, or at the margin between the wings of the nostrils and the cheek. The surgery, depending upon its extent, may be performed under local, intravenous or general (intratracheal) anaesthesia.

PROCEDURE TIME:
The surgery is usually completed within two hours, depending upon the character and complication of the procedure.

POSTOPERATIVE CARE TIME:
After the surgery the nose is covered with a stiff dressing immobilising the bone. The dressing shall remain upon the nose for about one week. Usually gauze "packing" of the nostrils is not required. After the surgery the patient remains at the recovery room for about an hour, leaving the hospital on the same day.

RECOVERY TIME:
For the first 24-48 hours any excess effort should be avoided, and patients are recommended to stay mostly in sitting or laying position, head up. During that time cold compresses should be made within the area of the base of nose and around eyes. Such procedure reduces the postoperative oedema and livedo. The facial and nasal oedema is dramatically reduced within the first few days. Skin livedo around the eyes may be still visible for about two weeks, still the effect depends upon the individual patients predisposition. Resuming normal activities is possible within 1-2 weeks.