Common Steps for a Rhinoplasty Procedure

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. In 2020, it was ranked at number one spot by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans have nose reshaping surgery in order to achieve cosmetic or functional goals. If you have been thinking about having a nose job in order to address a personal problem, it is important you take the time to learn what this treatment entails. This blog post highlights the common 7 steps that are followed during nose reshaping surgery in The Woodlands. 

Step 1 – Hospital Visit 

About a day before your surgery, you are encouraged to take adequate water. Patients are also required to fast (avoid eating anything) a certain number of hours before the scheduled time for the procedure. Cosmetics and makeup should be avoided because they could cause irritations during surgery. You also need to wash your face on the morning of the surgery before visiting the hospital for the actual procedure. 

Step 2 – Anesthesia Administration 

Once you visit our hospital at Revel You, Dr. Wu’s team should prep you for the surgery. An anesthesiologist will then administer medication to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the procedure. The choice of anesthesia should have been previously discussed with the surgeon. Patients may have intravenous sedation that only numbs a specific area along with a local anesthetic. In some cases, general anesthesia (which is more invasive and puts the patient in deep sleep) may be used. 

Step 3 – Incision Creation

Once the patient has been sedated, the next step is to create incisions. Plastic surgeons may use either the open or closed technique when making incisions. An open incision is created across the tissue strip that separates the nostrils. This is a more invasive technique that enables the surgeon to achieve significant restructuring. A closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, entails incisions that are hidden inside the nose and utilized when making smaller adjustments in the shape and structure. Once the appropriate incisions are created, the skin covering the bone and nasal cartilage is raised to allow access to the underlying structure. 

Step 4 – Monitoring of Vitals

Plastic surgeons monitor vitals such as blood pressure and breathing rate throughout the procedure. This is important to make sure that your body is handling the surgery appropriately. This is a continuous process that may be extended for half a minute or even an hour after the surgery is completed. 

Step 5 – Surgical Reshaping 

Now that incisions have been made and the patient is safely being monitored, it’s time to reshape the nasal structure in line with the goals of the surgery. The specific approach used will be influenced by the specific issue being addressed. For instance, a large nose may be corrected by removing some of the cartilage or bone. In cases where the issue being corrected is a deviated septum, surgeons will need to straighten and reduce protrusions in the nose in order to alleviate breathing. 

Step 6 – Closure of Incisions 

Once the restructuring has been completed according to the treatment plan, the surgeon will focus on closing the incisions. Tiny stitches are usually used to do this. Secondary incisions may be placed inside the crease of the nostril in order to change their size. Splints are typically applied on the operated-on nose to keep everything in place during healing, as well as protect from accidents and trauma. Once the closure of incisions has been completed, you’ll be transferred to a recovery area where your vitals will continue to be monitored. You should then be allowed to go home to continue with recovery there. You’ll need to have arranged for someone to pick you up from the hospital and drive you home. In some cases, patients may need to stay for a night or two (in rare cases) before they are allowed to go home. 

Step 7 – Recovery 

Following your nose reshaping procedure in The Woodlands Tx, it is likely that you’ll experience bruising, swelling, and some bleeding over the first few days. A light headache is also likely. Your surgeon should have prescribed pain medication to alleviate discomfort, and antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. You’ll be asked to avoid wearing glasses throughout the healing period. This is important so as to prevent indentations in the structure of the nose. Other specific after-care instructions will be provided to you in order to ensure a smooth and prompt healing process.