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Frequently Asked Questions
RHINOPLASTY (Nasal reshaping)
- DOES RHINOPLASTY LEAVE SCARS?
Some noses enable us to conceal the scars within the nasal cavity. In this case, there will be no visible scars. In other cases, however, there will be external scars but barely visible, as a consequence of incisions made in the midline strut or nostrils of the nose. Such external scars (barely visible) are required in order to obtain a better result in the final form or due to nasal physiology.
- MAY I CHOOSE THE SHAPE OF MY FUTURE NOSE, IF I WISH SO?
No. There is an aesthetic balance between the nose and the face, and the surgeon must be careful with it in order to preserve natural facial features. Each case should be studied in details, so that the nose will have the best form possible according to the facial requirements. If your choice coincides with the type of planned nose, obviously your wish will come true. Surgeon and patient must agree with the possible result to be obtained after surgery.
- WILL I REACH THE DEFINITE RESULT REGARDING SHAPE AND FUNCTION IMMEDIATELY?
No. Nose post-surgery has different phases. In the first phase, (immediately after removing the splint, around the 7th day), despite various aesthetic imperfections are reshaped in comparison to the original nose, there will be swelling which will decrease within time and tend to be normal around the 6th month. Some patients may reach the definite result before and others, later. The occurrence of transitional swelling for a longer period than the one expected normally does not interfere in the final result.
- WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO MY BREATHING AFTER SURGERY?
Rhinoplasty also aims at improving the patient's breathing conditions when such conditions are precarious in the original nose. Although the patient may experience some stuffiness in the mediate period of post-surgery (some weeks) this is due to the fact that there is also a swelling inside your nose, and that the movement of the breathing valve is affected in this period in view of the change in elasticity of the nostrils. Over time, such problems tend to be corrected. Breathing problems may be related to the septum that, in some cases, may be corrected in the same operation. When septum correction requires additional cares, rhinoplasty should be performed in another occasion, after septum is corrected.
- I HAVE CONSTANT "RUNNING NOSE". WILL THIS PLASTIC SURGERY CORRECT THIS PROBLEM?
Experience has shown us that, in some cases, after Rhinoplasty, chronic symptoms that had disturbed patients for many years were minimized or even disappeared. It is important to clarify that breathing functions will have to be preserved after nose surgery.
- HOW LONG DOES THE OBTAINED RESULT LAST?
Rhinoplasty results last for a long time. After some years, as in any part of the body, some morphologic changes may occur in the nasal region.
- IS RHINOPLASTY CONSIDERED AS A SMALL OR MEDIUM SURGERY? WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS?
Rarely a rhinoplasty may cause serious complications. However, as in any surgical procedure, occasionally there may be some problems during its evolution. Fortunately, such problems may be corrected further by means of surgical review, in order to achieve the desired results.
Possible problems should not be confused with intermediary cicatrization phases which the nose undergoes until it reaches the definite results.
Any questions regarding possible post-surgery complications will be clarified by the surgeon who will provide you with all proper information.
- WHAT TYPE OF ANESTHESIA WILL I TAKE IN THIS SURGERY?
Either local or general anesthesia or combined ones will be used. The surgeon and the patient will choose the best one for each case.
- HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?
Normally, from 1 or 2 hours. Depending on the case, this duration may be extended. However, surgery duration should not be confused with the time in which a patient stays in the Surgery Room, since that includes the period for anesthetic preparation and post-surgery recovery. Your doctor will inform you on the total duration of the surgery.
- HOW LONG WILL I NEED TO STAY IN HOSPITAL?
It may vary from half a day up to one day. Everything will depend on the anesthesia used and recovery of the patient in the immediate post-surgery period. Your doctor will determine the inpatient stay period for your comfort and safety.
- ARE BANDAGES NECESSARY? HOW MANY?
After the sculpture procedure, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape for nearly 7 to 8 days, after which this splint is removed in the doctor's office. In some cases, nasal packs are used from 24 up to 72 hours. If septum is corrected simultaneously, this period may be extended and the packs changed.
- I HAVE HEARD THAT THE NOSE BLEEDS IN THE FIRST DAYS. IS THAT TRUE?
A little bleeding is common in the first 48 hours. This, however, should not be a concern since a protection dressing is placed there exactly to hold the bleeding. This additional bandage may be changed at home, whenever necessary.
- IS THERE ANY POST-SURGERY PAIN?
Rarely. Rhinoplasty has a very comfortable post-surgery recovery. If any pain occurs, it will be easily lessened by painkillers, prescribed by your doctor.
- IS THIS SURGERY DANGEROUS?
Rarely a nose surgery may give rise to serious complications. This is due to the fact that each patient should be carefully prepared for the surgical procedure, in addition to analyzing the convenience of combining this surgery with another. The danger involved in not higher or lower than the one involved in a plane or car trip, or simply street crossing.
- IN WHAT POSITION SHOULD I SLEEP IN THE FIRST DAYS?
Stay in bed with your head slightly elevated (pillow). Keep your face up, whenever possible.
- MAY I SUNBATHE?
Normally, after the 3rd day from the surgery, there is no inconvenient to expose yourself to sunlight. If there are bruises on the face (those typical stains of blood infiltration), sunscreen SPF 30 must be used on the face and exposure to daily sunlight must be avoided. However, long exposures (beaches, sunbaths) should be avoided up to 30-45 days.
- WHAT IS POST-SURGERY EVOLUTION LIKE?
You should bear in mind that until the final result is obtained there will be different cicatrization phases, which are typical of this type of surgery. Swelling, bruises, breathing difficulties in the first days are common to all patients; obviously, the intensity of such problems may vary from patient to patient. But don't panic. Within time, your body will be in charge of dissipating all small intermediary problems which inevitably will call other people's attention, who will probably say: "Isn't there anything wrong happening?" It is evident that any concern should be transmitted to the doctor. We will provide you with all clarifications for your tranquility. Some patients get extremely anxious as soon as the splints are removed (7th day). In rare cases, slight anxiety occurs in view of the temporary aspect caused by swellings and bruises. All of this is transitory and normally it reflects the desire of reaching the final result as soon as possible. But remember that no nose surgery results should be analyzed before the 6th month after surgery.
- FINALLY, IS THE RESULT REALLY WORTHY?
Obviously. Normally patients are very pleased with rhinoplasty. Remember what was said above: each case must be analyzed in the first appointment, individually, when all questions should be asked and clarified. Once patient and doctor opt to perform the surgery, this means that the result is worthwhile. Otherwise, the operation should be refused. This message has been elaborated with the purpose of providing you with information on rhinoplasty. By checking the website of Brazilian Plastic Surgery Society (SBCP) on the Net, you will be able to obtain additional clarification.
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