What to Expect During Your Rhinoplasty Consultation and Surgery
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of your nose. Although some people opt for this procedure to combat breathing issues, a cosmetic
surgeon conducts the procedure to correct the aesthetic appearance of a person’s nose. However, before you schedule a consultation, you should understand what you
should expect during your first two visits — the consultation and your surgery.
Consultation
The first part of your rhinoplasty procedure is the consultation, which is when you meet with your cosmetic surgeon for the first time. During your consultation,
your surgeon will have you complete a full medical history report to ensure the procedure is safe for you. You’ll answer questions such as if you have a bleeding
disorder since this issue may cause complications during the procedure.
Plan a Course of Action
At your consultation, your surgeon will discuss the results you desire as well as why you want rhinoplasty.
Your practitioner will take pictures and help you figure out a solution that would work ideally based on your desires, usually using a computerized program that
alters the shape of your nose.
Conduct Testing
Additionally, at your consultation, your surgeon may request certain testing like blood work before you can have your surgical procedure. You’ll also receive a
physical examination of your nose to assess the strength of your cartilage. During the physical exam, your surgeon will assess your nose to ensure that rhinoplasty
won’t interfere with your normal breathing.
Choose an Anesthetic
You and your surgeon will also talk about which anesthetic is right for you. For instance, you’ll receive either a sedative and a local anesthetic or a general
anesthetic and a local anesthetic. Generally, you’ll receive a general anesthetic because this option allows the surgeon to keep your airways open with a breathing
tube that a surgeon uses along with a general anesthetic. Additionally, a heavy sedative reduces your gag reflex’s response.
Prepare You for Your Surgery Date
At the conclusion of your consultation, your surgeon will educate you on anything you need to do to prepare for your surgery, like how you’ll need a ride home
from the procedure. Additionally, your surgeon will inform you of any medications you need to avoid before your surgery. For instance, you shouldn’t take ibuprofen
or aspirin within two weeks of your surgery date.
If you smoke, your surgeon will explain to you the risk smoking poses on the healing process.
Above all, your consultation is a time for you to ask any questions you may have about your procedure.
Surgery
Your next appointment is your surgery day. You’ll receive your anesthetic first, so you’re not conscious during the procedure. The next part of the surgery varies
based on the changes you want to be made.
Make an Incision
Your surgeon will either make an incision between your nostrils or in your nose.
Correct the Problem
If your surgery requires the surgeon to add tissue, your practitioner may remove cartilage from inside of your nose. Your surgeon may need to remove cartilage
from another area of your body, such as your ribs.
No matter if your surgeon adds or removes cartilage, your surgeon will smooth and contour to create the desired look without any bumps.
If your surgery required an incision, your surgeon will complete the process by stitching the area.
Visit the Recovery Room
Once your surgery is complete, you’ll go to a recovery room until you wake from the anesthesia. At this stage, the staff will monitor you to make sure you come
out of the anesthesia safely.
Return Home
In most cases, you’ll return home the same as your procedure. However, you may need to stay overnight if you experience any issues.
Generally, rhinoplasty is a rather safe procedure. The process may vary slightly because not all corrections require the same process, but you benefit from a
surgery that the surgeon tailors to your needs.
Schedule a consultation to correct imperfections with your nose by contacting Jaibaji Plastic Surgery,
serving Coronado, Hillcrest, and the surrounding San Diego, CA, areas, today.