How old should I be to undergo rhinoplasty?
You need to be at least 18 years of age and emotionally mature to understand and make decisions regarding the changes you desire in your nose.
Will there be visible scars?
Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible scars, while open rhinoplasty scars are minimal and well-hidden.
What are cartilage grafts used in rhinoplasty?
Strips of cartilage are excised from septum as a part of septoplasty and are used to shape, strengthen or support the weak cartilage of the nose in rhinoplasty. It is also used to improve the airflow into the nose. Cartilage from the nasal septum is most commonly used as cartilage grafts, and it usually suffices provided the patient has not undergone any previous septoplasty. Other cartilage grafts used are ear cartilage or rib cartilage. Rib cartilage is a preferred site in cases where septal cartilage is unavailable or insufficient.
Will I have bruising ( black and blue under the eyes) after rhinoplasty and how long will it last?
Typically the bruising is seen after rhinoplasty if osteotomy is performed. The bruising is usually variable, with some people having a greater tendency to bruise and others less. Cold compresses are given immediately after surgery for a couple of days to reduce bruising. Keeping the head up after surgery also helps in reducing the swelling and bruising. It usually disappears in 7-10 days of surgery.
Will the recovery after rhinoplasty be painful?
Rhinoplasty is among the less painful procedures with patients grading the Pain as between 3 – 5/10). The pain can be comfortably managed with oral pain killers. If you are very sensitive to pain, we will always be available to assist you in making your post-operative period pain free.
How do I take care of my stitches at home?
You will be advised and taught to clean the inside of your nose using hydrogen peroxide on a cotton bud twice a day followed by bacitracin antibiotic ointment application over the suture line.
Will my scars be visible after rhinoplasty?
No, The rhinoplasty incision is planned such that the scar gets hidden underneath your nose. It is concealed inside the nostrils and on the underside of the nose.
How long do the results of rhinoplasty last?
The results of rhinoplasty are usually permanent. It can take upto one year for the residual swelling to disappear, and the final outcome will be evident. The nose continues to heal and improve throughout the healing process. A pleasing result can be obtained in nearly all cases.
Can I take a bath after rhinoplasty?
You can take a bath after rhinoplasty taking precautions to avoid getting your splint wet. You can take a normal shower after splint removal.
When can I start exercising post-surgery?
It is advisable to perform only light activities for 4 weeks after rhinoplasty. Avoid straining or lifting heavy weights for 4 weeks. Walking and light cardio can be started after external splint removal. You can resume your full exercise routine after 4 weeks with adequate precautions to avoid injury to the nose
When can I resume work after rhinoplasty?
Desk work or computer-based work can be resumed immediately within a couple of days of surgery if you are comfortable being seen with the nasal splint and some bruising. Any physical work can be resumed after splint removal i.e.about 1-2 weeks from surgery.
When can I travel by flight after rhinoplasty?
Any air travel is advised at least after 1 week post-surgery to allow the swelling to reduce so that there is no difficulty in clearing the ears during your flight.
Can I undergo other cosmetic procedures at the same time as rhinoplasty?
Usually, rhinoplasty is performed as a stand-alone procedure to avoid exceeding anaesthesia time. However, a chin implant or chin liposuction can be combined with it at the same time as these procedures add to the delicate aesthetic balance of the face without taking up too much operative time. In case of minor refinements, rhinoplasty can be combined with any cosmetic procedures of the face, breast or body.
If I want something further changed after rhinoplasty, is it safe to have another one?
Revision surgeries are usually performed to bring about improvement rather than achieve perfection. They are technically more challenging to perform and consistent results more difficult to achieve. Hence it is advisable to get it right the first time itself and discuss all the changes you desire in your nose with your plastic surgeon before the first surgery. However, minor refinements can be performed to improve the result. Any revision surgery is performed only after oedema subsides, which is about six to twelve months after the first surgery.
If I want something further changed after rhinoplasty, is it safe to have another one?
Revision surgeries are usually performed to bring about improvement rather than achieve perfection. They are technically more challenging to perform and consistent results more difficult to achieve. Hence it is advisable to get it right the first time itself and discuss all the changes you desire in your nose with your plastic surgeon before the first surgery. However, minor refinements can be performed to improve the result. Any revision surgery is performed only after oedema subsides, which is about six to twelve months after the first surgery.