May 12, 2013 | Blog
3 minute read
As with every cosmetic surgery procedure, rhinoplasty has benefits and risks that each patient should explore prior to undergoing surgery. Our practiced experts at Long Island’s Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery are happy to explain the rhinoplasty procedure, including what patients can expect in terms of recovery.
Our Long Island plastic surgeon, Stephen Greenberg, has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures and is well-practiced in creating a care and recovery plan individualized for each patient’s specific needs.
The Procedure
During rhinoplasty surgery, patients are given anesthesia for their comfort and safety. Small incisions are made either inside the nose or at its base where the nostril meets the skin of the face, leaving little to no scarring after the healing period.
Using advanced tools, Dr. Greenberg will sculpt or remove parts of the bone, cartilage, and tissue within the nose, dependent upon the patient’s desired result. He or she may also insert a synthetic implant or implant formed from a patient’s ear or other part of the nose. Implants add more structure or fullness to rebuild part of the nose.
At Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery in Long Island, rhinoplasty is completed in just a few hours, and usually is an outpatient surgery. Since rhinoplasty is done on a patient’s face, the recovery process is more obvious than some other procedures, but offers results that can drastically improve a patient’s appearance and confidence.
The Recovery Process
Because of the removal and reshaping of the cartilage, bone, and tissue beneath the skin, patients usually experience side effects after surgery, including:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Soreness or Tenderness
- Numbness
These symptoms are a natural part of the recovery process. A splint is placed over the patient’s nose to support the nose’s shape and prevent any tissue from rearranging after surgery. Dr. Greenberg may also “pack” the nose with gauze or other material to provide extra support to the nose and absorb the drainage of any fluid.
Patients should not participate in any activities involving even minor physical exertion for at least three days after the surgery. We advise that patient’s have someone stay with them to assist with any physical activities.
The nose splint and any other dressings are usually removed one week or more after surgery, although it will usually take an additional week to alleviate swelling, bruising, and soreness. Patients are advised to sit up as often as possible and refrain from any activity in which their noses are touched or manipulated in any way. Patients are often prescribed a pain medication to help with any discomfort after leaving our offices.
We recommend regular post-operative check-ups with patients to ensure that their rhinoplasties are healing properly. We encourage our patients at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery to contact us with any questions before or after surgery.
If you are considering a rhinoplasty, please contact us in Long Island today to set up a complimentary, confidential consultation at our state-of-the-art offices, where our expertly trained staff will educate you on the benefits, risks, and recovery related to rhinoplasty.