Nose correction
A nose correction is a very personal decision that could have life-changing implications so it is crucial that you gather as much information as possible.
The surgery
A nose correction can have many reasons:
Depending on the type of nose correction, the surgery may require general anaesthesia. The nose correction takes about two to three hours.
A cosmetic nose correction can be done in several ways.
The first possibility is a ‘closed nose correction’, a procedure that leaves no scars. This type of nose surgery offers only a limited range of possibilities to alter the nose tip.
Secondly, an ‘open nose correction’ offers a better view of the structures of the cartilage which means the tip can be changed more accurately. The incision across the columella makes it possible for the doctor to lift the skin off the tip of the nose and shape the cartilage very precisely.
This ‘open nose correction’ makes the swelling of nose remain longer because the lymph drainage is temporarily interrupted. When healed, the incision leaves a very small, almost unnoticeable scar on the underside of the nose.
Reduction of the nostrils is yet another procedure involving pieces of skin tissue on the bottom of the nostrils being removed. There is practically no subsequent scarring after this type of nose correction as the soluble stitches are made into the fold between the nose and the cheeks.
A nose correction is, however, not always what needs to happen. Sometimes a chin implant is a better solution to the problem as the chin can strongly determine the appearance of the nose.
Post operative care
Immediately after the nose correction two cotton wool plugs will be placed in the nose in order to stop any bleeding. These plugs should remain there for 24 hours after the procedure. The patient will therefore temporarily have to breathe through the mouth. Once these plugs have been removed the patient could still experience some difficulty breathing for a while since the mucous membrane might still be swollen as a result of the operation. A salt water solution could alleviate this problem. Also, try not to blow your nose for at least two weeks after the nose correction to allow the tissues to heal.
When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Discolouration and a swollen face are entirely normal after such a procedure. You'll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will even slightly increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. The swelling could also occur asymmetrically even though the nose correction was done symmetrically. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better.
In order to reduce the swelling and the discolouration it is recommended that two cushions are used to sleep on. During the day the patient should try to either sit upright or to walk around as much as possible. Activities whereby the blood pressure drastically rises such as sport, but also bending and lifting, should be avoided. If necessary, spectacles can be strapped to the forehead using elastoplast.
A mild painkiller should be enough to relieve any post-operative discomfort.
Approximately 10 days after a nose correction the bandage is removed. The swelling and any discolouration will largely have disappeared by then. Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to fully return to their daily activities 14 days after surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you're entirely up to speed.
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