Auckland, New Zealand (Smile Makeover)
would never have though my teeth could look that good
Auckland, New Zealand (Breast Augmentation)
all spoke good English which was re-assuring and nothing was too much trouble
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (Tummy Tuck) I'm very pleased already with the result I can see
Auckland, New Zealand (Breast Augmentation) So much better than I had imagined and the hospital was great
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand (Breast Lift, Tummy Tuck, Liposuction)
The hospital - well this was way beyond what I was expecting from the head nurse down to the orderly.
Rhinoplasty is a nose-reshaping surgery that can correct deformities or make subtle aesthetic changes for cosmetic purposes. This article explains the procedure and the various Rhinoplasty techniques.
PROCEDURE RISKS / SIDE EFFECTS
Complication specific to rhinoplasty are uncommon but can include:
• chest or nose infection - antibiotics can help treat infection
• heavy nose bleed either shortly after the operation, or after a week to 10 days - this may require further hospital treatment
• temporary loss or reduction in sensitivity to smell - this may become permanent
• changes in the shape of the nose as scar tissue matures - this may require further surgery
• damage to septum - this lies between your nostrils and may require further surgery
PREPARATIONS BEFORE THE SURGERY
Your surgeon will explain how to prepare for your operation. For example, if you smoke, you will be asked to stop as smoking increases your risk of getting a chest and wound infection, which can slow your recovery.
You should ensure you are free from a cough, cold or sore throat at the time of your operation because this can increase the risk of an infection afterwards. If you have any concerns, contact your surgeon for advice.
The operation is usually done as a day case under general anesthesia. This means you will be asleep during the operation.
You will be asked to follow fasting instructions. Typically you must not eat or drink for about six hours before a general anesthetic. However some anesthetists allow occasional sips of water until two hours beforehand.
At the hospital, your nurse may check your heart rate and blood pressure, and test your urine.
Your surgeon will explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure and have given your permission for it to go ahead.
Your surgeon will examine your nose and measure its shape and size. Your surgeon may take photographs, so that the results of surgery can be compared with your original appearance.
Your nurse will prepare you for theatre. You may be asked to wear compression stockings to help prevent blood clots forming in the veins in your legs.
THE SURGERY
Two types of primary Rhinoplasty include "open" versus "closed."
Open Rhinoplasty
Open Rhinoplasty surgery allows the surgeon the least restricted access to the cartilage and bone of the nose but is also more likely to cause scarring. 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. When healed, the incision leaves a very small, almost unnoticeable scar on the underside of the nose. Despite this drawback, some surgeons feel that the open nose job procedure is the best option in many cases.
Closed Rhinoplasty
The closed Rhinoplasty procedure offers all of the traditional nose job benefits without the risk of external scarring. Incisions in this operation are made inside the nostril, where they will be completely invisible after healing. While it may not offer quite as much freedom to the surgeon, the closed Rhinoplasty surgery still allows plenty of reshaping possibilities. Bone and cartilage can be removed or, in some instances, taken from another part of the patient’s body and added in for better shape or support. In other instances, the surgeon may decide that an artificial implant is the best way to give the patient the nose appearance he or she desires.
ANESTHESIA TECHNIQUE
Primary Rhinoplasty can be done with local or general anesthesia.
LENGTH OF SURGERY TIME
The surgery will take about one to three hours.
LENGTH OF STAY IN HOSPITAL AFTER SURGERY
Patient will stay in the hospital for 1 day
TAKING CARE AFTER THE SURGERY
If you need pain relief, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.
General anesthesia temporarily affects your co-ordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 48 hours afterwards. If you are in any doubt about driving, please contact your motor insurer so that you are aware of their recommendations, and always follow your surgeon's advice.
You may have some minor nose bleeds for a few days. To reduce your risk of bleeding, keep your head up as much as possible and don't have a hot bath or drink alcohol for a week or two.
You will feel bunged up for a few days but don't use any nasal sprays or decongestants. You may find the pressure lessens at night if you sleep in an upright position on several pillows.
You will need to breathe through your mouth for the first few days. This can lead to dry lips so use petroleum jelly or lip balm on your lips to stop them cracking.
You shouldn't blow your nose for at least the first week. Your nose may drip, but you should only wipe it gently. If you need to sneeze, cough it out.
Stay away from crowded places for a week after your operation to reduce your risk of infection. Don't do any contact sports, such as rugby or football, for at least six weeks.
Please contact your GP or surgeon if you develop any of the following symptoms:
• bleeding that doesn't stop within 10 to 15 minutes
• inability to drink or swallow normally
• high temperature
• increasing pain
Whilst there is no medical reason why you should stay away from work, you will probably feel more comfortable taking some time off and returning when the bruising has settled.
It will take several months before your nose settles into its new shape.
RECOVERY
You will need to rest until the effects of the anesthetic have passed. You may need pain relief to help with any discomfort as the anesthetic wears off.
You will have dressings (packs) in each nostril for about a day, which will stop you from breathing through your nose. You may be asked to stay in hospital overnight, so that the packs can be removed in the morning.
You will have a splint over your nose to support it for seven to 10 days.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You should try to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours.
Your nurse will give you some advice about caring for your nose and a date for a follow-up appointment before you go home.
Dissolvable stitches will disappear on their own in seven to ten days.
Risks of General Anaesthesia
The risks of general anaesthesia include human error, unsuspected inherited hypersensitivity to anaesthetic drugs, accidental overdose of anaesthesia, any undetected airway disconnection or airway blockage. General anaesthesia, which increases the risk of vomiting and impairs protective airway reflexes, can cause aspiration of stomach contents.
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