What to Expect
Here is a short guide on what to expect before, during and after closed rhinoplasty.
Before The Procedure
- Patients are told to stop taking medications that can thin their blood for 2 weeks including aspirin and ibuprofen. It is also better for patients to tell their doctor of any medication or supplement they have been consuming, so doctors will know if they are an ideal candidate.
- Patients should stop smoking 2 weeks before the procedure (smoking can delay the recover process). Patients are advised to quit smoking before the surgery.
- Patients are to stay from rays of sun for 2 weeks
- Avoid eating or drinking anything 6 hours before the procedure
- Every item needed for recovery should be bought before the procedure
During The Procedure
- General or local anesthesia is used. Sedations are also used. Most doctors prefer general anesthesia because there could be blood in the throat during the procedure and it could cause harm if the patient is unconscious.
- Incisions are made on nasal membrane in different locations to touch various parts of the nose. Doctors separate the skin from the cartilage.
- The shape of the nose is changed and refined. The process of changing shape starts by adding cartilage, shaving or adding bone. Addition of bone requires a bone graft. Closed rhinoplasty mostly last for 1-2 hours.
Immediately After the Procedure
- Swelling around the nose, cheeks and eyes are present. However, they are less compared to the open rhinoplasty
- Facial bruising
- Casts are placed over the nose
1-2 Weeks after the Procedure
- Swelling and bruising are still present
- Casts are still placed over the nose
- Patients are advised not to blow the nose for 2 weeks
- The inside of the nose is to be kept moist by nasal spray
- Only gentle or regular diet should be consumed.
3 Weeks after Treatment and Beyond
- Patients should avoid stressful physical activities for 3 weeks
- Avoid rays from sun for over 6 weeks