Rhinoplasty (Surgery of the Nose)

Every year, half a million people who are interested in improving the appearance of their noses seek consultation with facial plastic surgeons. Some are unhappy with the noses they were born with, some dislike the way aging has changed their nose, and others have sustained injuries that may have distorted the nose, or impaired breathing. Nothing has a greater impact on how a person looks than the size and shape of the nose. Because the nose is the most defining characteristic of the face, a slight alteration can greatly improve one’s appearance, and other nasal surgeries can correct breathing and nasal obstructions.

Skin type, ethnic background, and age are important factors to be considered in discussions with your surgeon prior to surgery. Before the nose is altered, a young patient must reach full growth, usually around age fifteen or sixteen. Exceptions are cases in which breathing is severely impaired.

Before deciding on a rhinoplasty, ask Dr. Trimas if any additional surgery might be recommended to enhance the appearance of your face. Many patients have chin augmentation in conjunction with a rhinoplasty to create a better balance of features.

Whether the surgery is desired for functional or cosmetic reasons, your choice of a qualified facial plastic surgeon is of paramount importance. Dr. Trimas is double boarded certified with the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), which provide you with the highest level of training and expertise. Dr. Trimas will examine the structure of your nose both externally and internally, to determine if you are a good candidate for a rhinoplasty.

Instructions for Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty Surgery:

Surgery Morning

1. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight-may brush teeth.
2. Take a shower and wash hair and face in the morning.
3. Do not wear any make-up (includes mascara and eyeliner). Wash face with baby shampoo when arrive at surgery center to remove any residual eye make-up.
4. Leave all jewelry at home. Cannot have any metal on your body, so please remove any body piercing.
5. DO NOT WEAR CONTACTS.
6. Clothing: Button-up shirt, sweat pants, socks, shoes (comfortable and easy to walk in).
7. Bring pain medication with you. You will be numb after surgery and may not feel anything. However, the nurses will give you a pain pill prior to discharge to help keep pain level at a minimum.

Surgery Night

* You will be MOUTH-BREATHING due to packing and swelling inside your nose.

1. Soft Bland Diet: DO NOT EAT SPICY FOODS and drink plenty of fluids.
2. Start your antibiotics at dinnertime; IF NAUSEATED may start antibiotics the next day.
3. Sleep with head elevated using a recliner or at least 3-4 pillows (for about a week).
4. Apply ice compresses to sides of nose (alternating) every hour for at least 15 minutes for a couple of days. Frequent application of ice decreases swelling and bruising.
5. It is normal to have some bleeding for 24-48 hours after surgery. A drip pad will be taped under your nose. Change the pad as needed.
6. Take pain medication, as you need it, do not try to brave the pain. You will be more comfortable if you keep your pain at a minimum.

Next 2-8 weeks

* You will be stuffy for a couple of weeks.

1. Nasal Irrigations: (Start morning after surgery, Irrigate 4-6 times a day)
2. Prevents blockage of your sinuses, keeps inside of nose moist and clean
3. Helps dissolve nasal packing – may take up to a week or longer
4. May buy SINUS RINSE (from Walgreens) or follow recipe:
5. In 1 gallon of distilled water add 4 teaspoons (sea salt OR canned salt) and 1teaspoon baking soda. Using a baby bulb syringe, squeeze solution into nose (while bent over sink or towel) and irrigate until drainage is somewhat clear. It is normal for discharge to be various colors. Blood clots and mucous may come out.
6. Apply antibiotic ointment to the rim of your nostrils and sutures (if you have) twice daily.
   
7. If you have a cast on the bridge of your nose, it is removed in 5-7 days.
8. After cast removal, you will be instructed to tape your nose. You need to tape 24 hours a day for 1 week and then as much as possible for the next 4-8 weeks. This helps prevent scar tissue from forming.
9. Splints may be placed on each side of your septum (inside your nose), this may cause some discomfort. It will be removed in 2 weeks.
10. Expect bruising under your eyes, cheeks, and nose (may use make-up to cover).
11. No glasses/sunglasses on your nose for 8 weeks.
12. No blowing through your nose. May blow very lightly after 2 weeks (VERY LIGHTLY).
13. Sneeze with your mouth open.
14. No exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over.