RHINOPLASTY
What are the benefits?
Rhinoplasty (nose job) is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty allows us to decrease or increase the size of the nose, to refine it, reduce nostril size, or change the angle of the nose and upper lip. It can also correct defects caused at birth or in an accident. It can even help a patient breathe better. Rhinoplasty can also remodel a nose to be more harmonious with the rest of the face. What is important is that the nose matches your face and personality.
Is it for me?
Rhinoplasty can improve your appearance and self confidence but it won’t change your relationships with others. Before opting for this type of procedure, be clear about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Duclos. She’ll be happy to answer any questions clearly and provide information on the type of procedure that’s best for you, including the pros and cons.
What techniques are used?
The nose can be made bigger or smaller by removing or adding bone and/or cartilage. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. To preserve the harmony of your face, Dr. Duclos may also advise you to have a cheekbone or chin implant (see the Chin and cheek implants section).
What should I expect?
During your consultation, Dr. Duclos will ask you questions about your expectations and your health (don’t forget to mention if you’ve had other nasal surgeries, any nose trauma or if you have respiratory problems). She will examine your nose structure and the morphology (internal structure) of your face. Dr. Duclos will then make her recommendations and discuss possible options with you, detailing location of incisions as well as factors that can affect the procedure and its results, such as bones, cartilage, thickness of skin, age, and facial structure. She will explain the inherent risks as well as each step of the procedure itself, which can be performed under local, local with sedation or general anaesthetic, and discuss pre and post operative care.
The duration of the procedure depends on the amount of work to be done. You will then remain under observation until the doctor decides you may leave the clinic. Painkillers will be prescribed and the date of your next appointment will be given to you before you leave. Make sure you ask someone to accompany you back home.
A bandage with or without a splint will be applied on top of your nose and dressings may be inserted into your nostrils. The bandage will be removed at your next appointment, which is generally five to seven days after the procedure. If you do have any nostril dressings, they may be removed before you leave the clinic.
After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort but it is usually quite light and easily treated with prescribed medication. You can apply ice to your nose and cheeks for ten minutes every hour, especially for the first two days. Despite the application of ice, swelling and possibly bruising may occur on the nose, eyelids and cheeks. In general, both are at their worst two or three days after the procedure and subside after 14 days. You’ll feel better two days after your procedure. A slight swelling might persist for a few months, especially on the tip of the nose. The final result won’t be completely apparent until a year after the procedure.
For the first five days following the procedure, it’s recommended that you sleep in a semi upright position (with your head at a 60 degree angle to the bed) or even in a ‘’lazy boy’’ type chair. Avoid leaning down to tie your shoes, for example. You should also avoid any strenuous physical activity for two to three weeks, and keep your nose out of the sun for eight weeks.
What are the risks?
The risks are few and relatively minor. However, infection, bleeding and irregular scarring can occur. Small blood vessels may also appear on the skin. This is usually minimal but can sometimes be permanent.
In about one case in ten, a second procedure becomes necessary to correct, for example, a minor deformation. Tissue reaction during the healing process cannot be predicted and varies according to the individual.