If you are bothered by the appearance of your nose, you may benefit from a popular procedure known as a rhinoplasty. Read on to learn more about what to expect following rhinoplasty surgery at AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies.

What is Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty surgery, also known as nose reshaping surgery or a “nose job,” is a procedure to improve the nose’s size, shape, and symmetry. When performed by a skilled facial plastic surgeon such as Nicolette Picerno, MD, or Christopher Cote, MD, this procedure can be a life-enhancing and rewarding one.

The rhinoplasty procedure is highly individualized, so no two procedures will be exactly the same. A plastic surgeon can reshape nasal structures to achieve one or more of the following:

• Straighten a crooked nose
• Reduce the length of the nasal tip
• Smooth bumps on the bridge of the nose
• Refine a bulbous tip
• Narrow a nose that is too wide
• Restore symmetry to the nose
• And more

What to Expect Following Rhinoplasty Surgery

If you are considering a rhinoplasty at our practice, the first step will be a consultation appointment with one of our facial plastic surgeons. This is an opportunity for you and your surgeon to discuss your concerns regarding the appearance of your nose, your medical history, and what you can expect regarding outcomes. It is also a time to discuss what you can expect during the recovery process. Read on to learn more about the recovery process in detail.

Immediately After Surgery

Rhinoplasty surgery is performed in a surgery center under general anesthesia. Patients will wake up from anesthesia with a splint or cast covering the nose. At our practice, we do not place packing in the nose, though sutures may be present inside of the nose depending on the surgical technique used. Fatigue, nasal pressure, and congestion may occur for the first few days. You will be seen by your surgeon for a follow-up visit one week after surgery to remove the cast and any sutures.

Managing Discomfort

As with any surgical procedure, there may be some discomfort following a rhinoplasty procedure. There are a variety of options to help with pain relief. Most patients can benefit from a combination of Celebrex and Tylenol, which is highly effective and comparable to most narcotic regimens. Some patients may require Tramadol, though the need for narcotic pain medications is not usually necessary.

Swelling and Bruising

Following rhinoplasty surgery, patients may experience a significant amount of swelling in the first week. There may also be visible bruising over the cheeks and eyes. Once the nose cast is removed, swelling may continue, and a feeling of nasal congestion may occur.

By the second week, the swelling will improve significantly, and most people can cover up with makeup.

Following the first month of healing, swelling significantly decreases, and benefits are more noticeable. Most swelling at this point is present on the tip and the lower part of the nose, however, swelling varies from person to person. For those with consistent swelling, an injection of an anti-inflammatory steroid may be helpful.

Temporary Nasal Congestion and Breathing Issues

Following rhinoplasty, patients should expect to experience some nasal congestion. Some may also experience temporary bloody mucus. Our team will provide you with instructions on how to use saline rinses regularly to provide relief. Most patients can benefit from saline rinses for at least one month, which helps to clear up congestion.

However, some signs of possible complications to watch for include a severe increase in swelling and discomfort and foul or unusual nasal drainage. If you are experiencing any of these concerns, please contact our practice right away.

Returning to Activities

During the first week following a rhinoplasty procedure, patients should rest to allow the body to heal. This involves light walking, though intense strenuous activities such as cardio and weighting should be avoided for at least two weeks. We advise patients to avoid activities that could injure the nose, such as contact sports, for at least six to eight weeks. Most people can return to work after one week, depending on the nature of their profession.

Long Term Outcomes

Overall, the outcomes of a rhinoplasty procedure depend on the experience of the surgeon performing the procedure, how well the individual patient heals, and whether or not the patient has realistic expectations. Individuals with reasonable expectations who understand that healing following this procedure may take some time are most often thrilled with their results.

With over 40 years of combined experience, the surgeons at FacesFirst have performed many rhinoplasties with far below-average complication rates. Patients can feel confident in their decision to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure at our practice near Denver, CO.

Schedule a Consultation

For more information regarding rhinoplasty surgery, please contact AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies. We are proud to offer three convenient locations in Lone Tree, Castle Rock, and Denver. Our physicians are dedicated to providing top-notch care to patients in the Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Castle Pines areas.