The rhinoplasty procedure may be performed in an outpatient surgical center.
Rhinoplasty may be performed using general anesthesia.
The procedure begins by separating the skin of the nose from its supporting network of bone and cartilage. This portion of the nose is sculpted to the patients desired shape and the skin is placed over the new framework of the nose. To finish the procedure, the incisions are then closed. The procedure may be performed through entirely internal incisions (endonasal) or including a small external incision (open approach).
A nose surgery or rhinoplasty can generally take between one to three hours depending on the individual case.
There are two types of incisions that can be made for rhinoplasty procedure. A closed or endonasal rhinoplasty confines the incisions to the inside of the nose. An open rhinoplasty involves additional small incisions that are made on the underside of the nose between the nostrils. Dr. Buckingham has extensive experience in nasal surgery that allows him to address each individual case from those requiring minimal refinement to those requiring more extensive work. He also performs revision rhinoplasty extensively.
The two different types of incisions made during nasal surgery can result in very fine scarring. In a closed rhinoplasty, the incision if confined to inside of nose and the scarring is not visible. In an open rhinoplasty, the scar is a very fine one on the underside of the nose between the nostrils, allowing it to be well concealed and it will fade with time.
There may be some aching in the head and nose after a rhinoplasty procedure. Dr. Buckingham has extensive experience with rhinoplasty and uses special techniques to minimize post-operative discomfort. Pain medication may be prescribed to alleviate any discomfort.
After the completion of the nasal surgery, a splint of soft foam and moldable aluminum will be applied to the nose. The splint and dressings are removed within about one week. The face will be slightly puffy, the nose may have a minor ache and you may have a possible dull headache. Some minor bleeding may also occur. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are minor in most cases and resolve within one week. The nose usually looks good within 2-3 weeks and will continue to improve after that. However, some amount of unnoticeable swelling can remain for as long as a year.
Recovery after rhinoplasty usually lasts one week after this time period most patients can return to work and resume regular social activities.
Light exercise can typically be resumed within two weeks after the rhinoplasty surgery. Strenuous exercise can be resumed after three weeks. Any activity that may strike the nose should be strictly avoided for six weeks.
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