Rhinoplasty

Descriptión

The surgery of nose and nostrils includes two big groups of surgical procedures:

• The functional surgery whose goal is the correction of the symptomatology of the patient: nasal airway obstruction, headaches, snoring, etc.
• Cosmetic surgery whose principal goal is the improvement of the aesthetic appearance.

On a great number of occasions, both circumstances concur in the same patient. Nowadays, nasal surgery is seen in a comprehensive way, where the surgeon treats as one the problems of the patient, both functional and aesthetic, in the same surgery act.

 

DETAILS

Surgical time: from 2 to 3 hours.

Anaesthesia: general.

Hospitalisation: 1 day.

Postoperative Care: nasal packing for 48 h. Removal of the stitches from 7 to 8 days. Back to work activity from 9 to 10 days.

 

Actual Techniques

Today there are many innovative techniques that contribute to the development and perfection of this surgery.

We have two techniques that represent important advantages for the patient as well as surgeon:

Endoscopic Nasal Surgery: Using fine endoscopes connected to TV microcameras, the surgeon penetrates the nose and paranasal sinuses, that previously were not possible to pierce or their visualisation meant an aggressive entrance, particularly in the sinusitis cases.

The advantages of this technique are:

• Better visualisation of the damage.
• Intervention through a natural path (nostrils).
• Better results with no need of injuries, stitches or scars.
• Possibility of recording the intervention.
• Shorter hospital stay.

Radiofrequency

Radiofrequency is a minimally invasive surgical option that can reduce tissue volume in a precise, targeted manner. This technique uses radiofrequency to create lesions within the submucosal tissue of the turbinate, reducing tissue volume with minimal impact on surrounding tissues. Radiofrequency turbinate reduction differs fundamentally from traditional laser methods by using low-power radiofrequency energy to provide a relatively quick and painless procedure. It doesn’t take longer than 5 minutes and it is performed under local anaesthesia.

PROCESS

Day 1

• Arrival in clinic.
• Consultation with the plastic surgeon: Diagnostic confirmation and indication for surgery (30 min.).
• Preoperative test: blood test, X-ray and EKG.
• Consultation with anaesthesiologist.

• Back to hotel.

 

Day 2

• Admission to the clinic in the morning and nothing to eat for six hours before admission time. No other drinks or foodstuffs to be taken.
• Surgery approx. 9.00 h.
• Stay in the clinic in a single room with a bed for a companion.

Day 3

• Removal of nasal packing.
• Discharge from hospital after the surgeon's assessment.
• Transfer to hotel.

Day 4

• Visit the clinic for wound care and drains removal.

Days 5 to 8

• The patient stays at the hotel and can do all the activities recommended by the doctor.

Day 9

• Removal of stitches.
• Ready to go/fly back home.

 

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of anaesthesia is the most highly recommended?

Depending on the type of surgery, a local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia.

Is it painful?

It is not a painful procedure. For the first 24 hours the nasal packing will be annoying as it shall be necessary to breathe through the mouth which is uncomfortable, especially when eating. There will also be different degrees of swelling and bruising, that usually peak two days after the surgical procedure.

What are the risks?

No major complications if rhinoplasty plastic surgeon's instructions are followed. The presence of bleeding or hematoma larger than usual are rare but possible complications.

How long is the hospitalisation?

Depending on the type of anaesthesia, patients can be discharged the same day of surgery or spend a night in the clinic.

How many days are needed to return to a normal life?

The discomfort and swelling usually disappear a week after surgery to coincide with the removal of the splint and can return to normal life. However, for physical exercise or sports, it is advisable to wait at least a month.

What precautions should I take?

You should avoid sunbathing and direct sources of heat (i.e. saunas) for at least one month because of its tendency to cause inflammation and take extreme care when washing your face or wearing makeup.

How long until the final results are seen?

The result of the intervention can generally be seen when the splint is removed. It is not for a month, when the swelling has almost completely disappeared, that you will then see the final result.