What to Expect Before and After Nose Surgery

Whether you have already scheduled a consultation or are still considering rhinoplasty, there are some things you need to know about the process. Before a nose surgery, you should be prepared and know what to expect for your recovery period and results. Dr. Sadati can explain this during your consultation, but here are some of the basics.

What You Need to Know About Rhinoplasty

Before your rhinoplasty, you need to understand the basics of the procedure. Rhinoplasty candidates should be done growing, which occurs at about 15-16 in girls and 17-18 in boys. Not all teen patients are ready for a rhinoplasty, but Dr. Sadati can determine this during a consultation. Patients should also be generally healthy overall and non-smokers.

The goal of a rhinoplasty is to change the appearance of the nose by adjusting the shape, size, or projection. For example, a rhinoplasty can be performed to create smaller nostrils, remove a bump from the nasal bridge, or adjust the angle of the nose tip. Some patients also choose rhinoplasty to improve their breathing; this is known as a functional rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty.

Preparing for a Nose Job

Before a rhinoplasty, the first step is to have a thorough consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this consultation, you can review your options and expectations for the surgery, and your plastic surgeon will determine whether you are a suitable candidate. This will be achieved by examining your nose and reviewing your health history. You can also decide whether you feel comfortable with your plastic surgeon and ask questions about their education, certifications, and experience.

Once your rhinoplasty is scheduled, there are a few steps to take to prepare for the procedure. Dr. Sadati may request that you have a medical exam and lab work done to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. You may also need to adjust medications. If you are a smoker, you should stop prior to your surgery as smoking will slow the healing process. You can also purchase any necessary supplies for your recovery period and arrange for someone to drive you home from the procedure and care for you during the early stages of recovery.

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Recovery After Rhinoplasty

After your rhinoplasty, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and redness. Discomfort can be alleviated with prescription medication during the early stages of recovery. Some patients may require a splint to protect the nasal bones and cartilage as they heal. Generally, rhinoplasty requires about one to two weeks of downtime to rest and recover. Patients should also avoid strenuous activity including exercise for about two to three weeks after their surgery to avoid bleeding or other complications. It is also typically advised to avoid wearing glasses for about four to five weeks after rhinoplasty. A majority of swelling should dissipate within about a week to two weeks after your surgery. However, a small amount of residual swelling can persist for six months to up to a year, so final results from a rhinoplasty are not seen for some time after surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Sadati in Newport Beach, CA, call our office at (949) 506-3433 or contact us online.