Rhinoplasty
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
AMBULATORY CARE:
What you need to know about a rhinoplasty:
Rhinoplasty is surgery to repair or reshape your nose.
How to prepare for a rhinoplasty:
- Your surgeon will talk to you about how to prepare for surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your surgery. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
- Tell your surgeon about all your current medicines. Your surgeon will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for surgery, and when to stop. Your surgeon will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your surgery.
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have, including to anesthesia or medicines. You may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection.
- Your surgeon will tell you if you need any tests before your surgery, and when to have them.
What will happen during a rhinoplasty:
- You may receive general anesthesia to keep you asleep and pain free during surgery. You may instead receive local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain.
- Incisions may be made on your nose and around your nostrils (open procedure). You may instead have incisions inside your nose (closed procedure). You may also have incisions through your septum. The septum is the wall of tissue inside your nose that separates your nostrils.
- Your surgeon may file or shave the bone to straighten or reshape your nose. Your surgeon may need to break your nose bones to reshape your nose. Your surgeon may use your tissues or a graft to rebuild your nose.
- Any incisions will be closed with stitches. Gauze may be placed in your nose to help stop bleeding. You may have a temporary splint inside your nose. You may also have a splint put on the outside of your nose.
What will happen after a rhinoplasty:
Gauze may be placed below your nose to catch any blood or fluid that comes out. You may have an ice pack on your nose to help decrease swelling. Your nose may be covered with a bandage, surgical tape, or support device to prevent swelling and infection. You will have swelling, pain, and bruising for 2 to 3 weeks. You may have numbness for several weeks to months. It may take up to 1 year to see final results.
Risks of rhinoplasty:
You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. Your nose may not look the way you expected it to. You may have trouble breathing because of swelling in your nose. You may have skin irritation or a visible scar. You may have swelling or bruising around your eyes. You may have numbness in your nose, upper teeth, or gums. Blood may build up on your septum, or it may tear. The fluid around your brain may drain from your nose.
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:
- You have trouble breathing.
Seek care immediately if:
- Clear fluid comes out of your nose when you bend your head forward.
- Your heart is beating fast or has an irregular rhythm.
- You have severe pain.
- You have red streaks on the skin around your nose.
- Your nose or the roof of your mouth is pale or starting to turn black.
Call your surgeon if:
- Your splint is loose or comes off.
- You feel blood draining down your throat.
- You have a fever above 101°F (38°C).
- Your nose is red, swollen, and draining pus.
- You have a bad smell or taste in your mouth.
- You have a change in your vision.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
- NSAIDs , such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- Antibiotics help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
- Decongestants help reduce congestion and help you breathe more easily. These may be given as a nasal spray or pill.
- Steroids help reduce redness and swelling.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Do not blow your nose. The increase in pressure can cause your nose to bruise, swell, or bleed. Try not to sneeze. If you have to sneeze, keep your mouth open to decrease pressure in your nose.
- Elevate your head and upper back. Place extra pillows under your head, neck, and shoulders when you sleep in bed. Try not to bend your neck. Elevation will help decrease swelling.
- Apply ice. Do this for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for the first day. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover the bag with a towel before you apply it on your nose. Ice helps prevent tissue damage and decreases swelling and pain.
- Care for your surgery area as directed. Rinse your nose with saline 1 or 2 times a day, or as directed. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of warm distilled water. Nose rinses help remove crusts and prevent infection. Apply petroleum jelly to your nostrils after you rinse your nose. You may have gauze taped under your nostril openings. Change the gauze if it gets wet or dirty. If you have a splint, do not get it wet or try to remove it.
- Use a cool mist humidifier. A cool mist humidifier will increase air moisture in your home. This will help keep your nose and throat moist and prevent irritation.
- Avoid sun for 1 year. Sun exposure can discolor your nose or cause a sunburn. Use at least an SPF 30 sunscreen. Wear a hat to limit sun exposure on your nose.
Follow up with your surgeon as directed:
You will need to return to have the stitches, gauze packing, or splint removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
