Before, During, and After: A Journey to Your Perfect Nose with Rhinoplasty in Royal Oak, MI

Understanding rhinoplasty is key to determining if the procedure is right for you.

Rhinoplasty, also referred to as a 'nose job,' is recommended as often for medical purposes as it is for cosmetic ones. This procedure can be used to change the size and shape of the nose for aesthetic purposes as well as repairing a deviated septum and other abnormalities that can affect breathing.

It can even be used in reconstructive surgeries to help cancer survivors achieve a sense of normalcy again.

So, what should I know before undergoing rhinoplasty?

Before you make that big decision, it's essential to understand the prep, procedure, and aftercare that goes into it.

As specialists in cosmetic, reparative, and reconstructive rhinoplasty in Royal Oak, MI, we're passionate about helping our neighbors understand exactly what goes into a rhinoplasty. That's why we're going to take a closer look at the procedure itself -- along with what to do before and after its completion.

Let's get started!

Before the Procedure: Understanding the Road Ahead

Understanding rhinoplasty begins with understanding the preparation involved.

The process begins with a thorough medical exam and medical history to determine if the procedure is right for you and if you're a candidate to undergo it. Photographs will be taken from different angles, and computer software may be used to digitally alter the nose for a preview of what the surgery's final outcome may be.

Your doctor will also discuss your expectations and what rhinoplasty can and can't do. While the procedure can change both the appearance and functionality of the nose, it has its limits. Managing expectations is key before undergoing the procedure.

Among other instructions that patients will be given, patients will be instructed to discontinue the use of any medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen for two weeks before and after their procedure. These medications increase bleeding which can increase the likelihood of complications during the surgery.

During the Procedure: We Do the Work, You Stand to Benefit

Rhinoplasty begins with anesthesia. These can be intravenous or general and your doctor will discuss the best choice for you.

After anesthesia is administered, the procedure will begin. Incisions can either be hidden - made inside the nose - or open - made across the narrow strip of tissue separating the nostrils. The approach used will vary depending on which part of the nose is being altered.

Through these incisions, the skin that covers the nasal structures -- like bone and cartilage -- is gently raised. From there, the reshaping process beings.

To reshape the nose, cartilage may either be removed or added, depending on the desired outcome. Overly large noses will have cartilage removed, while reconstructive surgery will likely add cartilage through cartilage grafts. Cartilage from the septum, the partition in the center of the nose, is most often used. However, sometimes it may be necessary to use cartilage from the ear or even rib cartilage. This may be necessary if the septum is being reconstructed.

When the procedure is completed, the tissues are re-draped, and the incisions are closed.

After the Procedure: Ensuring a Successful Recovery Process

Post-surgery, patients are advised to sleep with their heads raised higher than their chest to reduce swelling and bleeding. Most patients will have splints and packing inside their noses to help the nose retain its new shape while it heals and prevents excessive bleeding and swelling. In addition, a small piece of gauze may be placed below the nostrils to absorb any blood or mucous drainage.

For several weeks after rhinoplasty surgery, patients are advised to take precautions to help limit the possibility of nasal irritation. These include, but are not limited to:

• No intense physical activity
• Bathing instead of showering when bandages are on the nose
• No blowing of the nose
• Sneeze and cough with the mouth open
• Avoid smiling or laughing
• Eat high-fiber foods to avoid constipation
• Brush teeth gently to avoid moving the upper lip
• Avoid clothing such as shirts and sweaters that need to be pulled over the head
• Use SPF30 sunscreen on the nose to avoid permanent discoloration of the skin

It's important that you follow your ENT doctor's aftercare instructions to a T, as it'll ensure your nose is properly supported during the recovery process. Don't worry -- The Rontal Clinic will be with you every step of the way, from the consultation to the surgery and beyond.

Making an Informed Decision with The Rontal Clinic

Are you ready to achieve the nose you've always dreamed of? Has a recent injury left you with a crooked nose? Are you having a hard time breathing properly? If you answered 'yes' to any of those questions, contact The Rontal Clinic right away.

As an experienced provider of rhinoplasty in Royal Oak, MI, we know that the first step to an excellent rhinoplasty outcome is our patients understanding the procedure. It's important to us that our patients are clear on what happens before, during, and after their surgery so they can decide if it's right for them.

Whether you have a deviated septum or you just feel self-conscious about the shape or size of your nose, we can help.

Schedule a consultation with us by calling (248) 737-4030, and let's talk about your particular needs and how we can help you.