RHINOPLASTY ­ NOSE SURGERY:

• ANAESTHETIC - GENERAL
• STAY IN HOSPITAL ­ 1 DAY AND 1 NIGHT
• RECUPERATION ­ 7 DAYS to 10 DAYS

The results of your dissatisfaction could range from a nose that is un-centred or unsymmetrical, an unwanted bump/lump on the nose, an unacceptable size and/or width, nostrils that flare out too far or perhaps you consider the end of your nose (tip) to be too thick, too pointed or too hooked in shape. These conditions could also have resulted in breathing problems that can be corrected with surgery.

Once you have identified your own particular source of dissatisfaction with your nose it can be conveyed to your surgeon and he or she can then set about devising the best method to correct your problem. Once this method has been arrived at your surgeon will discuss your forthcoming Rhinplasty procedure with you in detail and outline what you can expect as a result of the procedure. You will also be encouraged to ask as many questions as you like prior to surgery.

It must also be stated that those best suited to nose surgery are men and women (and youngsters whose noses have stopped growing) who are in good health and are looking to improve the appearance of their nose rather than those who have set unrealistic goals for an unrealistic outcome. It is after all not in your best interests to have a nose that would look perfect on someone else’s face but does in no way blend with or compliment your particular face.

YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

HOW WILL I CHOOSE THE RIGHT SURGEON FOR MY PROCEDURE?

Although all South Africa’s leading cosmetic surgeons are highly trained and experienced in all cosmetic /plastic surgery procedures they naturally have individual, specialist areas of interest and expertise.

Once Surgical Attractions has assessed your particular desires and aspirations concerning the outcome of your procedure we will marry them to the surgeon best suited to your special needs. The surgeon’s CV details will then be sent to you for your perusal and acceptance.

HOW WILL MY SURGEON ASSESS MY PARTICULAR SURGICAL REQUIREMENTS?

When you complete the Medical History section of the General Enquiry Form you will be asked to submit it together with a clear and reasonably close-up digital photograph (in colour) of the area of your body requiring surgery.

Once your recommended surgeon has assessed your particular requirements along with your medical history and digital photo, Surgical Attractions will arrange an obligation free teleconference between the two of you.

At this stage your surgeon will not only be in possession of all the facts relating to your particular case but also be in a position to recommend the exact method to be employed to achieve the results you desire. Your surgeon will also be available at this point to answer any questions you may have as regards your surgery and the outcome.

You will be encouraged at all times prior to your surgery to continue getting to know your surgeon by asking as many questions as you like.

On arrival in South Africa Surgical Attractions will arrange a personal meeting between you and your surgeon. Once again the method of surgery and the desired outcome will be discussed along with any other questions you may have. If at this point you decide not to go ahead with the procedure your decision will be respected.

HOW WILL THE RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE BE PERFORMED?

Incisions are made within the nostril area of the nose. The outer skin is then pulled back to reveal the structure (skeleton) of the nose which is made up of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and modified in accordance with the requirements of the procedure, as is the tissue portion.

Once this part of the procedure is complete the remaining skin and soft tissue are draped over the newly formed structure (skeleton) to complete the desired new architecture and look of your nose.

The original incisions are then inconspicuously closed. In order to hold the newly shaped nose in place, a splint (also known as a shield) is generally worn by the patient for up to two weeks following surgery.

If Tip only Rhinoplasty is required the procedure can be done under local anaesthetic which would require only a day in hospital. Your surgeon will however suggest the best alternative for your particular requirements.

WILL I HAVE SCARS?

As incisions are mostly made on the inside of your nose scars in this area will not be noticeable. If your nose has to be made smaller or narrower at the base this could result in additional skin having to be removed from this area. Incisions however will be inconspicuously placed at a point where the base of your nose meets your cheeks.

SHOULD I TAKE ANY PRECAUTIONS PRIOR TO SURGERY?

If you are a smoker you will be asked to stop smoking prior to surgery in order to prevent unnecessary complications.

Arnica tablets, Vitamin E in large doses, analgesics like Aspirin and even some anti-inflammatory drugs should not be taken prior to surgery as they can promote bleeding during the procedure.

Your surgeon however will give you personal advice in this regard.

HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER THE RHINOPLASTY SURGERY?

Any discomfort you may feel immediately after the procedure or during your recuperation will be countered by specially prescribed medication. If extensive internal nose work has been necessary i.e. to rectify breathing abnormalities your surgeon may insert temporary plugs in your nose until the bleeding has been halted.

In order to support your newly shaped nose during the initial healing process a splint (also known as a shield) is generally worn by the patient for up to two weeks following surgery.

This protective device will prevent your nose from getting knocked while you sleep and protect it from any other bumps it may accidentally receive during daylight hours. Stitches and nose plugs (if any) are generally removed within the first week after surgery.

HOW WILL I LOOK AFTER THE SURGERY?

Noticeable bruising, swelling and discolouration of the eyes, nose and cheeks must be expected for a few days following this procedure. Bruising and discolouration usually disappear within the first week after surgery and can be helped along by sleeping with you head raised instead of flat.

If any discolouration persists for a longer period it can easily be camouflaged by the application of make-up. General swelling usually disappears a couple of weeks after surgery but swelling in the tip area can be experienced up to nine months following surgery. It must be stated however that these are generalisations and that the rate of recovery will obviously differ from patient to patient.

HOW SOON BEFORE MY LIFE’S BACK TO NORMAL?

As in the case with all surgery it would be advisable for you to take it easy after a Rhinoplasty procedure. In fact to avoid making your nose vulnerable in any way to accidental knocks or bumps, during the early stages of your recuperation, movement should be kept to a minimum.

The longer you can prevent your nose from being exposed to direct sunlight the better. When you do eventually expose it be sure to wear good sun protection of some sort.

Generally speaking you should be able to resume your normal lifestyle, including resumption of work (provided the work isn’t of a strenuous nature) a week to ten days following surgery. Other activities including exercise routines can generally be resumed after three weeks. But always be aware of the procedure you have undergone and as a result be careful not to expose your nose to any potential abuse.

The internal healing process associated with Rhinoplasty is generally not short. In fact it may well be that you will only fully appreciate the outcome of your surgery a year after the event.

RISKS

As with everything else in life there are also risks involved in surgical procedures. No matter how good the Surgeon performing the Surgery may be, complications can arise. Therefore before proceeding with any surgery of any kind please discuss all your concerns with your surgeon and ask as many questions as you like so that you are in a position to make an informed decision.