RHINOPLASTY IN AUSTIN

To prepare the nose and surrounding area for rhinoplasty surgery, our team will administer intravenous anesthesia. Then, depending on the nature of your nose surgery, an incision will be made either inside the nostrils or on the columella, the bridge of tissue that separates the nostrils. Typically, for a minor reshaping of the nose, incisions are made inside of the nose and are virtually hidden, while a major restructuring of the entire nose may require a larger incision as well as rearranging of bone and/or cartilage. To reduce the size of the nose, septum cartilage may be removed during a nose job. To reshape the nose or add volume, cartilage grafts, also typically from the septum, may be used to supplement some areas.

MALE RHINOPLASTY

Overall, the surgical techniques of rhinoplasty for both men and women are similar; however, as discussed above, the aesthetic goals are somewhat different. There are other natural differences between the male and female nose that also must be taken into consideration during male rhinoplasty. For instance, men tend to have thicker skin and stiffer cartilage. This often dictates a different technique when it comes to altering the underlying framework to reshape the nose.

During a typical male rhinoplasty procedure, the surgeon will make incisions within the nostrils and work from inside the nose to carefully alter and reshape the bones and cartilage to achieve the desired shape. In more complex cases, the surgeon may need to make incisions across the base of the nose.

Depending on your specific aesthetic goals and what was discussed at your consultation, pieces of cartilage or bone may be removed from or added to the nose to achieve the desired shape and size. If your goal is to create a narrower nasal bridge, the bones can be precisely broken and moved together to achieve a thinner nasal bone structure. If a hump is present, this can be filed down with a specialized surgical tool.

After all the reshaping and resetting methods have been performed, the nasal tissue and skin is redraped and the incisions are closed. A nasal splint will be worn for the first week to help minimize swelling.

The immediate recovery phase is usually the first week immediately after the surgery. Typically, it is five days to seven days from the date of the surgery. After your procedure, a splint is placed on the nose. This splint acts both as a protector for the nose and helps maintain the position of the newly sculpted nasal bones. Often a nasal pack is inserted in the nose as well to support the inside. You will have stitches as well, the location depending on the type of rhinoplasty technique that was used.

You’ll be up and around a day or two after your surgery, and any pain you feel can be controlled by medication. Cold compresses on your eyes can reduce swelling and bruising. During the first week of rhinoplasty recovery, you should rest as much as possible and keep the head elevated. You should not engage in any laborious activities like working out during this period. Within a couple of days the nasal packing comes out and the splint usually comes off within a week.

After the immediate recovery phase, you enter the intermediate recovery phase. At the start of this phase, your bandages and stitches will be removed and your surgeon will assess the condition of your nose to ensure your recovery is progressing smoothly. You may notice some swelling of the nose which will subside over time. By this point, if you are still feeling any pain it is typically very mild. You may have some numbness of the nose as well, which will also resolve over time.

Oral medications are often prescribed through the immediate and intermediate recovery phases. You can resume work and most of your usual activities during the intermediate phase. It is advised that you avoid strenuous activity for 2 – 3 weeks after rhinoplasty. Strenuous activity, in this case, is defined as anything that raises your blood pressure, pulse, or breathing rate. It is important to refrain from intensive exercise for the first few weeks after surgery to minimize the risk of a nosebleed.

The final recovery phase is when the results of your rhinoplasty surgery will start to become fully evident. It can take anywhere from seven months to over a year before your final results are visible. The majority of swelling will resolve in the first few months and typically the final results will be completely apparent around a year. However, every patient is different and each person heals at their rate.