The purpose or aim of nasal cosmetic surgery is to extol your grace and hide or correct any defect. If you’re expecting a miraculous transformation from the aesthetic surgery, you’ll be disappointed.  

Aesthetic surgery is a mixture of art & science, and it is not an exact science because numerous factors are involved (skin types, scar characteristics, hormonal factors, etc.) over which the surgeon does not have an exact control. 

The results of nasal surgery can be more predictable in some cases than in others depending on the thickness and shape of the bones and cartilage, facial angles, age, etc. Every nose has a special & different combination of anatomic factors that will have an influence on the results of the surgery.

No two noses are the same. Therefore, no two surgery results will ever be exactly the same.  

The nose is one of the most important elements of facial balance and sometimes an alteration in its size & shape must be accompanied by other suitable changes to facial structure in order to obtain good results. The other changes are often done to the tip of chin or the jawbone a changing another susceptible factor. 

During the consultation, your structure will be evaluated and you’ll receive the appropriate recommendations. 

Now let’s answer the most frequent questions regarding rhinoplasty: 

Are there any complications after a nasal surgery?

Yes, although complications normally are not serious. The most common is nose bleeding after surgery. This can be annoying, but rarely is it serious and generally amendable with conventional treatment.

There are almost never infections. But if they do occur, they can be treated with antibiotics.

Occasionally a second operation, called a “retouch”, can be done in order to correct small failures from the first surgery. You must remember that is better to be conservative & not aggressive with surgery.

Why are photographs so important before surgery?

Photographs are perhaps the most important document for evaluating your facial details. The surgeon consciously examines them as they reveal each detail of your face. They also help to evaluate your facial structure in its entirety. 

As I said before, no two noses are the same. That’s why you shouldn’t be misled by another person’s before and after pictures of surgery. Your photographs will be kept into your clinical history and no one else will see them.

Are there going to be external scars?

Nasal surgery is done with incisions or cuts inside the nostrils where they are invisible. Occasionally, small incisions can be made on the base of nasal holes to reduce their size. If it’s necessary in your case, we will explain it to you in detail.

How long does the surgery lasts?

It will last as long as necessary in order to be perfect, but the average time is not longer than one hour. If chin surgery is requested at the same time, it will last about an additional 10 or 15 minutes.

How long do I have to remain in clinic?

Generally, not more than 4 hours after surgery. Meanwhile, my trusted personnel will make you feel comfortable.

When are the stitches removed?

If there are external stitches, as with nostril size reduction, they will be removed after 4 days. If there is no reduction of nostril size, stitches are internal and they dislodge by themselves.

What happens during the post-op stage?

You must always remember that before seeing the results you must go through a stage in which you’ll look swollen or with small purple areas. This stage lasts about 7 to 10 days. You’ll need some time to identify with your new look and about 6 to 8 months must pass in order to see the definitive results. 

The key to a fast recovery is to collaborate, which means following exactly what the physician advises.

Recommendations:

• Do not eat hot, spicy foods - for example: hot chili pepper (ajì)

• Do not touch your nose without a reason.

• Do not make wry faces or grimaces that force your features or disfigure them.

• Do not chew gum if the chin has been operated on.

• Do not drink liquor until consulting your physician.

• Do not smoke cigarettes until your physician allows you.

• Do not look at yourself constantly in the mirror.

Remember that confidence and faith in your doctor will allow you to get an ideal evolution after the procedure.

If you have any other questions, make sure your surgeon answers them.

Often, the well-meaning friends are not the most adequate information source. Find out everything that you need to know. A well-informed patient is a happy patient.