Arizona Rhinoplasty Surgeons at The Body Sculpting Center

The nose is a very prominent part of the face. Disproportion in any of its parts will result in deformity of some degree. It plays a part in the senses of taste and smell. It also assists in humidifying the air that we breathe, as well as acting as a voice resonance chamber.

Rhinoplasty can improve the relation of one's nose to his or her facial features. There is usually little pain and complications are rare. In most cases, the results of this operation are good and the level of patient satisfaction is high. At The Body Sculpting Center our Arizona Rhinoplasty Surgeons wil see to it you get the personalized care you deserve.

Surgery on the nose may be done for functional, reconstructive or aesthetic reasons. Functional rhinoplasty is aimed at improving the physiology of the nose by modifying its malpositioned anatomical structures to relieve a nasal obstruction. Reconstructive rhinoplasty is aimed at correcting congenital or traumatic malformation of the nose. Aesthetic rhinoplasty is aimed at modifying the shape of the nose in order to make it look more pleasing. Arizona Rhinoplasty Surgeons have the expertise to deal with all these aspects of nasal surgery.

During your consultation, your doctor will examine all elements of your face and will explain how corrections can be made. Any modification of the structure of the nose is done after taking into account the shape of your face, your age, your ethnic identity, the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, as well as the thickness and condition of your skin. The bones and cartilage of the nose contribute to its characteristic shape. The upper half of the nose is supported by the nasal bones, while the lower part is supported by the cartilage.

The skin is a very important element of your nose. A thick skin will not drape itself well over the remodeled cartilage at the tip. The skin will take months to adapt itself to the new shape of the underlying structures.

It is essential to respect the harmony of the nose in relation to the other facial features. Your surgeon will take special care to note your profile, the occlusion of your teeth and shape of your chin. Occasionally, simultaneous corrections to the nose and chin will produce a better result than surgery on the nose alone. Allergy problems must be discussed with your surgeon.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Job, Nose Surgery) Recovery :

NASAL PACKING:
We usually are able to avoid nasal packing after surgery. If you have bled slightly more than usual during your operation, or if there is some other reason, we may occasionally use packing. With packing in place, you will have to breathe through your mouth, and you will have somewhat more swelling than usual. We will usually remove such packing in 24-48 hours.

INTERNAL SPLINTS:
If you have had surgery on your septum as part of your rhinoplasty, plastic splints will be sutured inside your nose. Although these take up some room your nasal passages should not be totally obstructed. The doctor will usually remove the splints from 7 to 14 days after surgery.

CAST:
The splint put on your nose at the end of surgery is intended to provide protection, serving as a sort of small external skeleton. We will change it in the office as needed. Do not sit in a hot tub and expose splint to steam.

POSITION:
Keeping your head (and nose) elevated tends to reduce swelling. If possible, sleep on two or three pillows.

DRIED BLOOD IN THE NOSTRILS:
After surgery, some oozing and bleeding usually occurs for a day or two, and crusting dried blood will collect in the nostrils. Use of NA- SAL or Ocean Spray Saline Nasal Spray for a few days will help clean the area; debris can be removed with an infant aspiration bulb. Do not use any other nose drops for 2 weeks.

WASHING HAIR:
You may wash your hair on the second day after surgery (not counting the day of surgery), provided you can wash it or have it washed in a face-up position. (bending forward could start a nose bleed) Dry with towel or cool dryer. DO NOT SIT UNDER A HOT DRYER.

DIET:
You should begin with a soft diet requiring little or no chewing. Be sure to get enough liquids. Avoid very hot foods or liquids.

ICE:
You should use COLD compresses across your eyes. NO HOT OR WARM COMPRESSES TO FACE.

YOU CAN EXPECT:
Initial nose bleed for about 4 hours. Change "drip pad" gauze under your nose as needed. Moderate discomfort- use pain medication at first sign of discomfort. Swelling with black and blue discoloration around your eyes as well as blood shot eyes are normal, with an increase on the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery.

DURING THE FIRST WEEK:
Restrict talking and walking. Avoid lots of visitors. Do not bend your head down. Do not strain or do anything which requires significant effort. Avoid smoking, because it irritates the lining of the nose and causes coughing, both of which could bring on a nosebleed.

ALCOHOL:
No alcohol for 10 days after surgery.

BLOWING YOUR NOSE:
If you happen to sneeze, it usually causes no harm Do not blow your nose for 2 weeks after surgery. During the first week you may gently cleanse your nostrils with a moist Q-tip moistened with hydrogen peroxide.

ACTIVITY/SUN EXPOSURE:
Avoid strenuous activity for 4 weeks. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and/or heat for 3 months to prevent prolonged swelling.

SPECIFIC “AS YOU HEAL” INFORMATION

NUMBNESS AND SWELLING:
You may experience some degree of numbness at the tip of your nose for up to one year. You may have some swelling for 12-36 months, and the incision site inside the nose may remain swollen or feel swollen for many months after surgery.

INCREASING SWELLING:
Intermittent swelling will occur for the first few weeks after surgery.

DRIPPING:
You may want to carry some tissues with you for a few weeks after surgery, as your nose may "drip."

ACTIVITIES:
Nasal surgery usually hurts very little. Many people feel quite "normal" within a day or two. If your work keeps you sedentary, you may return when you are able. Heavy exercise or straining can cause bleeding or swelling during the first 2-3 weeks. Please be careful!