Rhinoplasty FAQs (Part 2)
Rhinoplasty FAQs (Part 2)
Dr. Azhar Ali is a prominent board certified plastic surgeon in the West Bloomfield, Michigan area, with decades of experience and a host of satisfied patients. Dr. Ali is a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons, and has been rated Top Doc by Hour Detroit Magazine multiple years in a row.
In this second section of a two-part article, Dr. Ali further discusses questions you may have about a rhinoplasty procedure, including what you might expect in terms of preparation and recovery.
CLICK HERE FOR PART 1 OF RHINOPLASTY FAQS
While this article answers some questions, no doubt you have more. Rhinoplasty is complicated, and the results will be evident for all to see. Therefore, it is important to select a surgeon in whom you have confidence, who will take the time needed to put you at ease, and with whom you feel completely comfortable. If you are in the greater West Bloomfield, Michigan area and are considering rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ali to discuss your unique situation.
What do I need to do to prepare for rhinoplasty surgery?
In an extensive appointment before your rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Ali will discuss in detail exactly what you can expect from your surgery. He will tell you what he believes will be the best methods that will most likely give you the results you desire. He will then tell you exactly what to do to prepare for your surgery. Some common instructions include the following:
Some medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen inhibit blood clotting or increase the risk of postoperative bleeding. You will need to stop taking these prior to the surgery.
If you are a smoker, you will need to stop at least a month before your surgery and plan on remaining smoke-free until at least a month afterward. Smoking can inhibit the healing process, which lengthens your recovery time. In fact, you might consider using your rhinoplasty procedure as an excuse to quit smoking altogether.
What can I expect during rhinoplasty recovery period?
Before you leave the facility, Dr. Ali will provide you with clear, detailed aftercare instructions for you to follow, covering such things as wound care and pain management. It is important to follow the instructions carefully and completely.
Surprisingly, the normal recovery period is not as hard as you might think. Most patients describe feeling like they have a stuffy nose or sinus headache. You should expect some swelling of your nose underneath your bandages, and perhaps some bruising under your eyes. These usually disappear within a week or so.
What happens during the rhinoplasty procedure?
You will be placed under either a local anesthesia and intravenous sedation or a general anesthesia. Depending upon the extent of the procedure, Dr. Ali will either make an incision within your nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or in the strip of cartilage and tissue that is located between your nostrils (the columella). This is called an open rhinoplasty, and provides greater access to the inner structures of the nose. Once the incision is healed, it is virtually invisible.
Dr. Ali will then remove excess cartilage, restructure the nasal bone, and correct any defects that are present that interfere with nasal function (such as a deviated septum). If your nostrils need to be reshaped, Dr. Ali will take care of it during the same procedure. Depending on the complexity, the surgery will usually take about three to four hours from start to finish.
What will my first few days at home after rhinoplasty be like?
You will need to have someone drive you home from your surgery since you will have been under anesthesia. You may experience some drowsiness and lightheadedness.
While you’re at it, see if your friend or family member can stay with you for the first night or so. You will likely be very tired and will just want to rest. So having someone help with meals and taking care of the children if you have them is extremely helpful.
For the couple of weeks, you’ll want to keep your head elevated, including during sleep. This helps the healing process. And of course, it is important to avoid any contact with your nose so it can heal properly.
And speaking of children, if you do have them, it’s important that they keep their distance – since you will be out of commission for a while, it’s natural for them to want hugs and reassurance. But be careful – you don’t want your nose to be jarred or bumped!
CLICK HERE FOR PART 3 OF RHINOPLASTY FAQS
Rhinoplasty Surgery – West Bloomfield Area
Even small changes to your nose, when done by an experienced, skilled and artistic rhinoplasty surgeon, can make a large difference in how you look – as well as how your nose works, and how you feel about your overall appearance. West Bloomfield area board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ali is committed to working closely with you from start to finish to get the life-changing results that you will be thrilled with.
When planning your rhinoplasty surgery, West Bloomfield area surgeon Dr. Ali can evaluate your other facial features and tell you how any changes to your nose could enhance or affect your overall appearance. He will then work with you to customize a surgical plan that will best meet your appearance goals – for a better, more beautiful version of you!