Nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is a surgical intervention performed to improve the appearance and functionality of the nose.
Nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is a surgical intervention performed to improve the appearance and functionality of the nose. With nasal operations lasting an average of 2 hours, the nose can be provided with a more aesthetic appearance, while at the same time, breathing problems can be solved. The operations performed to solve breathing problems rather than the aesthetic appearance of the nose are called deviation surgery, also known as septoplasty.
Patients may prefer nose surgery for the first time, or they may prefer revision nose surgery if they are not satisfied with the result of the previous nose surgery. Revision nose surgeries are much more complicated operations than primary surgeries.
Although it varies from patient to patient, nose surgeries, which take an average of 1.5-2 hours, are performed under general anaesthesia. After anaesthesia, cartilage and bone tissues are intervened with the help of incisions opened in the patient's nasal area, and the nose is shaped in line with the targeted image.
After the tissues removed from the area and the new shape given to the area, excess skin tissue is organised if necessary. The operation ends with the placement of bandages and tampons to protect the nose.
Before rhinoplasty, some of the things to be considered / done are as follows;
Aspirin and other blood thinners, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamin pills, slimming pills should be discontinued 10 days before the surgery and should not be used for 10 days after the surgery because they will cause bleeding during and after the surgery.
Herbal teas (green tea, tea with lemon, etc.) should not be used 1 week before and 1 week after surgical intervention, as they may increase the risk of bleeding.
Smoking and hookah adversely affect wound healing. Therefore, it is recommended to quit smoking as early as possible before surgery and not to use for 10 days after surgery.
Alcohol use should be stopped one week before the operation.
FIRST 24 HOURS
Immediately after the nose operation, the patient is escorted to his/her room to rest. The patient is kept under observation in the hospital overnight. During this period, regular checks are carried out by the doctor and health personnel. The patient can return home/hotel the day after the operation.
FIRST 1 WEEK
It is quite normal to observe swelling and bruising in the nasal area in the first few days after the operation. How this process will pass may vary from patient to patient due to physiological differences. The patient should avoid physical activities that will tire him/herself in this process and spend his/her time resting. Ice application can be performed in accordance with the doctor's recommendation. At the end of the first week, the patient visits the doctor for bandage and tampon purchase. With the 7th day, the healing process is largely completed.
DAY 10 - 14.
At the end of the 10th day, patients living abroad/out of town can return home. The patient is now recovered enough to continue work and daily life, but should avoid heavy physical activities and protect the nasal area from impacts. After the patient returns home, controls are continued at certain intervals. These controls can be carried out with visuals to be sent online / via Whatsapp. The patient is in constant contact with health counsellors. If needed, the doctor can recommend massage, cream or medication.
1-3 MONTHS
In the first three months after the operation, recovery continues rapidly. It can be observed that the existing edema and swelling in the nose decreases, but the final result has not yet been achieved. The patient can start light exercises, but should continue to avoid heavy sports, blows to the nose and harmful substances such as smoking and alcohol. Care should be taken to avoid direct contact with sun rays, and the use of sunglasses can be started with the approval of the doctor.
3-6 MONTHS
At the end of the 6th postoperative month, the nose is getting closer to its final appearance. Oedema and swelling have decreased to a great extent. Online controls continue in this process. The doctor's recommendations should continue to be followed and prohibitions should be avoided.
6 MONTHS - 1 YEAR
The 1st year after rhinoplasty surgery is considered as the period when the nose takes its final form. The swelling and oedema in the nose have subsided and the healing of the nasal tissues is largely complete. However, it is useful to know that complete healing varies from patient to patient. For example, in patients with thick skin, the final appearance of the nose may take a longer time than in patients with thin skin. At the end of the first year, online / face-to-face controls continue to be performed, the nose should be protected from impacts.