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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – It’s important for any rhinoplasty patient to understand that rhinoplasty improves the aesthetic or functional qualities of a nose. There is no guarantee that a surgery will lead to the patient’s idea of the perfect nose. Results depend on many factors including the healing process, quality of the cartilage, and thickness of the skin. Patients must work with their plastic surgeon to make sure everything goes smoothly.
The Importance of a Thorough Consultation
Ideally, the patient fills out forms prior to the consultation. If this is a revision rhinoplasty, prior operative reports are also important to have on hand.
The doctor spends time discussing the patient’s issues with the look or function of his or her nose. The use of nasal spray that mixes phenylepherine and lidocaine helps numb the patient’s nose for the examination. Using a speculum, the nostrils are opened to offer a full view into the nostrils. A nasal endoscope with a fiber-optic camera is used to view the back of the nose and the larynx. For patients with breathing issues a full ear, nose, and throat examination is completed.
Finally, the plastic surgeon creates a digital image of the patient with the new nose. Again, there is no way to know if the digital image will be an exact match after the nose heals, but it gives the patient a good idea of what the rhinoplasty changes. Patients should look at this image as a goal for surgery and not a guarantee of the end result. Generally, this consultation takes between 90 and 120 minutes.
Pre-Surgical Instructions
A rhinoplasty patient must follow the doctor’s pre-surgery instructions. Smoking cessation is essential. Smoking affects the healing process because blood vessels constrict. Patients need to quit smoking at least one month prior to the surgery. They also must stop smoking for at least a month following the rhinoplasty.
It’s also imperative for patients to avoid medications that inhibit blood clotting. Anyone undergoing a rhinoplasty needs to stop using aspirin, ibuprofen, and vitamin E for two weeks prior to the surgery. Herbal supplements like garlic, gingko, ginseng, and St. John’s Wort also need to be avoided for two weeks.
On the night before the surgery, doctors ask patients to wash their hair and face using an antibacterial soap. They will repeat this antibacterial wash again before heading to the plastic surgeon’s office.
Healing After a Rhinoplasty
Following rhinoplasty, rest is important. Patients must follow their plastic surgeon’s orders for satisfactory healing. This includes leaving the splint alone until the follow-up appointment, usually a week after the procedure. During this appointment, sutures are removed. Bruising decreases after a week or two. Saline spray helps keep the nasal passage moist. Patients will return to their normal routine after 10 days or so.
Dr. Stuart H. Bentkover is a board certified facial plastic surgeon with offices in Worcester, and Stoneham, Massachusetts. He is considered by many to be the best in Boston rhinoplasty.
Dr. Bentkover also provides procedures such as, neck lift, eyelid surgery and facelift in Boston. When you’re ready to alter the aesthetic qualities of your nose or correct breathing difficulties, call (508) 363-6500 in Worcester or (617) 247-0033 in Stoneham to schedule a consultation. If you prefer, complete the online form at Bentkover Facial Plastic Surgery and Laser Center.
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