What You Need to Know Before Rhinoplasty: 8 Important Things

Published at 27 October 2024

Before rhinoplasty, you must clearly define the shape of the nose you are looking for, know the full details of the operation, and be aware of the stages of recovery post operation. (1) For a smart decision and a successful cosmetic experience, discover what things you should know before rhinoplasty!

1.Know that you will not get a perfect result

Rhinoplasty depends on improving the appearance of the nose to a very great extent, not achieving perfection or ideality. Surgery can change the shape of your nose, or its deviation, make it small and straight, and more suitable for your facial features, but it will not give you a completely new nose. (3)

It is important to know that rhinoplasty makes your nose much more beautiful and gets rid of its defects, but it can never be perfect.

2.Clearly define your expectations

It is necessary to discuss with the surgeon the goals and results that you are looking for from the operation. Are you looking for a very small and lifted nose, or do you want to remove defects while maintaining the natural shape of the nose? Explain to the doctor clearly what you do not like about the shape of your nose, and what your desires are. This allows the surgeon to evaluate these goals throughout the surgical procedure and provide realistic and appropriate expectations for your facial shape and features. (2)

3.Request before and after pictures of plastic surgery

After your consultation with your plastic surgeon, you can ask to see before and after pictures of previous patients so you can see what results you can expect. (2)

4.Understand the full details of the procedure from your doctor

Understanding the details of the operation plays a crucial role in improving the recovery process, and although the recovery period is generally similar for most individuals after rhinoplasty, some details may differ depending on the case, the amount of changes that the doctor will make in the operation, and the protocol that the doctor follows, so, it is considered necessary to ask your doctor all the questions that raise your concerns about the operation in order to be psychologically prepared, and to arrange well for the operation and the recovery phase after it, such as: (2) (5)

How do I prepare for the operation?
Will I go home on the same day of the operation?
How much swelling to expect? How long can it last?
What side effects are expected?
How much sick leave do I need?
How long does a nasal bandage last, and when will it be removed?

5.Understand the stages of swelling in your nose after surgery

In the first month after rhinoplasty, you will notice that your nose is large and perhaps even larger than its previous size, but rest assured and do not worry, this is just swelling, and it will begin to disappear gradually. After 3 months of the operation, up to 90% of the swelling will have disappeared, and the remaining percentage will disappear gradually during the remaining months until a full year of the operation is completed. (4)

6.Ask for a sick leave to allow you to recover after the procedure

It is very important that you allocate enough time to recover after the operation, so it is preferable to request a sick leave that lasts for one to two weeks as directed by the doctor. This period is considered crucial to allow the body to recover properly and limit any impact on the final results of the plastic surgery. (7)

It will be difficult for you to do your work if you suffer from annoying symptoms, especially in the first week, such as: pain (mild to moderate), runny mucus and old blood from the nose, and severe nasal congestion. Other reasons that require a sick leave are: (4)(6)

Your doctor will place a small plastic stent inside your nose to reduce swelling and maintain your new nose shape while it heals. He removes it in the clinic after one to two weeks.
The doctor places a bandage covering the outer surface of the nose, which he removes in the clinic after one to two weeks.
The doctor can place a cotton pad inside the nostrils to absorb blood and mucus secretions in the nose and remove it after 24-48 hours.
You will notice swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes that begin to disappear after the third day of the operation, and it may take a period of one to two weeks until it disappears completely.

7.Do not judge the shape of your nose until a year after the operation

The final results of rhinoplasty do not appear until a full year has passed. During this period, you must adhere to patience and follow the important instructions for recovery. You will notice that the remaining swelling and edema gradually disappear, and the skin around the nose shrinks to adapt to the shape of the new nose. (7)

8.Talk to the people who have undergone the same procedure

Talking with the people who have undergone rhinoplasty can be helpful to understand their personal experiences and share tips about the recovery period and how to deal with any challenges you may face. These people can provide you with details about what to expect from the process and how to handle difficult times.

Prepare for your rhinoplasty journey with confidence and safety! Book your appointment in the Plastic Surgery Clinic at Al-Ahli Hospital. We offer you a unique and specialized rhinoplasty experience using the latest technologies and at the hands of the most skilled doctors. We provide you with important guidance and support before and after the operation.

References:

7.10 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Nose Job

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