Dr. Frank will address everything you need to do before coming to the surgery center. This is not a “set” procedure, meaning there are many variables based on the patient’s individual needs. The two of you will decide whether local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is the way to go. As discussed in the procedure section, this surgery may be performed using the open method through an incision at the columella between your nostrils, or closed with all the incisions made inside the nose. If you are augmenting your nose size, Dr. Frank will likely take cartilage or bone from your rib or possibly the hips, or he may use implant material. This can create another, albeit minor, recovery site.
After your rhinoplasty surgery, you’ll be in bed with your head raised to reduce bleeding and swelling. There will likely be internal dressings that will stay in your nose for one to seven days. Dr. Frank will also tape a splint to your nose for protection and support. Slight bleeding and drainage of mucus and old blood are common for a few days after the surgery.
You’ll need to avoid any strenuous activity for several weeks, so as not to raise the blood pressure to your face. You can’t blow your nose, and it’s best to take baths rather than showers while you still have bandages on your nose. Wear only clothes that button to avoid pulling clothes over your head and hitting your nose.