RHINOPLASTY – YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED!

Rhinoplasty Dubai | 28 February 202

What is rhinoplasty surgery?

Rhinoplasty surgery, commonly known as a nose job, is an operation to reshape the nose. It is one of the most common plastic surgeries.

What can Rhinoplasty do for me?

A rhinoplasty can:

– increase or reduce the size of the nose;

– remove the hump;

– change the shape of the tip of the nose, the bridge of the nose and the nostrils;

– change the angle between the nose and the upper lip; and

– straighten the septum (the part inside the nose that separates the nostrils) with a procedure called septoplasty.

There are limits to how much a nose can be altered. The final result will depend on the size of your nose, the condition of your skin and your age. The most important thing is that you communicate clearly with your surgeon about what you want and he will then guide you as to what is possible. You should bear in mind that surgery alone would not solve any emotional or social problems you may think are caused by your nose or your appearance in general.

Why have Rhinoplasty surgery?

Many people are self-conscious about the shape of their nose and have rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons (that is, to improve the appearance of their nose). If this is the case, the aim of the operation would be to make your nose look right for you and to make you less self-conscious about it. So it is very important that you are clear in your mind what you dislike about your nose, and that you can explain this to Dr. Sajjadi. He will then be able to tell you what is surgically possible and what is not. Most people who dislike their nose have concerns about the bridge and or the tip.

Rhinoplasty is most commonly carried out to:

– alter the hump at the bridge of the nose;

– reshape the tip of the nose;

– change the length or width of the nose;

– change the width of the nostrils.

Other patients may choose to have rhinoplasty because of an injury to the nose, if the nose has been broken or bent by some kind of accident. Others may have breathing problems relating to the nasal airways and will choose to have septoplasty along with rhinoplasty.

In both of these cases, rhinoplasty would be considered to be reconstructive, whereas for the majority of nose operations the surgery is classed as cosmetic. Septoplasty can sometimes be carried out at the same time as the work to improve the appearance of the nose.

What will happen before my operation?

You will meet Dr. Sajjadi to talk about why you want surgery and what you want. Dr. Sajjadi will make a note of any illnesses you have or have had in the past. They will also make a record of any medication you are on, including herbal remedies and medicines that are not prescribed by your doctor. Dr. Sajjadi will examine your nose, and may take some photographs for your medical records. Dr. Sajjadi will ask you to sign a consent form for taking, storing and using the photographs. Dr. Sajjadi will measure your height and weight to make sure that it is safe to do an operation. If you are overweight, pregnant or breast feeding, your surgeon may suggest delaying your operation.

Simulations will be made on the computer so together you can see the changes. It is important to know that this by no means guarantees similar results, but it is very useful to communicate your concerns and for the surgeon to be able to make a road map of the operation. 

How is Rhinoplasty Dubai surgery performed?

Rhinoplasty Dubai to change the shape of the nose is performed either from inside the nostrils (called closed rhinoplasty) or by making a small cut between the nostrils and lifting the skin (this is called open rhinoplasty). The precise nature of the operation will depend on the area of the nose that is being treated. The scar is inconspicuous. 

Changing the bridge of the nose

If the bridge of the nose is being operated on, the surgeon removes the bone and cartilage that is causing the ‘hump’. The nose may then be broken so the remaining pieces of bone can be moved closer together to narrow the nose.

Rhinoplasty Dubai – Changing the tip of the nose

If the tip of the nose is being operated on, the cartilage that makes up the support under the tip needs to be partly removed or reshaped. 

Changing the length of the nose

Dr. Sajjadi will adjust, straighten, lengthen or reduce the septum, to help achieve an angle of the tip and reduce the overall length of the nose. Adjusting the cartilage at the tip of the nose can also reduce or increase the length of the nose.

Changing the width of the nose

Dr. Sajjadi can reduce the width of the nose, to make it narrower, by breaking the bone and repositioning it and reducing your nostrils.

Rhinoplasty Dubai – Increasing the bridge or tip of the nose

Dr. Sajjadi can use bone or cartilage to change the contour of a ‘flat’ bridge or tip. This is called additional rhinoplasty or augmentation rhinoplasty. The bone or cartilage used can be taken from the nose (the nasal bone or the septum), or from other places such as the rib, or ears.

Changing the septum

If your nose has been flattened by an injury, the septum could be buckled, making breathing difficult. This is corrected at the same time.

How much bruising and swelling should I expect? What can I do for it?

It is not unusual to have swelling and perhaps bruising, depending on the type of surgery. It may take about 7-10 days for bruising to resolve. Swelling may not fully resolve for several weeks. Elevating your head when sleeping/resting, applying ice, and use of over-the-counter or herbal medications and supplements may assist in the relief of these symptoms.

When may I blow my nose?

You should not blow your nose for at least one week after surgery or as directed by Dr. Sajjadi in order to promote healing and limit trauma to nasal structures.

How much nasal drainage will I have?

You should expect some nasal drainage for the first few days. If you experience bleeding or drainage that does not resolve, you should contact your surgeon.

When may I resume sports?

Contact sports may not be permitted for several weeks/months. Any sports that involve the risk of injury, trauma, or strenuous activity should not be resumed until cleared by Dr. Sajjadi.

Rhinoplasty Dubai – When should I expect nasal fullness/congestion to subside?

Congestion may take weeks to fully resolve. This will improve as swelling decreases.

When may I return to work/ school?

You should discuss when to return to work with your surgeon. You should limit heavy lifting and exposure to dusty/smoky environments.

What are the complications that may occur after rhinoplasty?

There will be scars from the surgery. These will usually be red at first, then purple, and then fade to become paler over 12 to 18 months. Occasionally, scars may become wider, thicker, red or painful, and you may need to have surgery to correct them. If bone, cartilage or skin has been taken from another part of the body, this will leave a scar which may be noticeable.

Heavy bleeding is unusual but possible, and you may need another operation to stop the bleeding, which can delay healing or affect the result. Any bleeding usually happens immediately after, or soon after, surgery. Before the surgery Dr. Sajjadi will discuss any medicines that increase your risk of bleeding, and it is important to control high blood pressure.

If you get an infection of the wound you may need antibiotics or another operation. This can affect the final result of the surgery. It is important that you do not have a cough, cold or sore throat at the time of your operation. If you have any doubts, you should contact Dr. Sajjadi.

After the Rhinoplasty Dubai operation, there will be some swelling and bruising of the face, particularly around the eyes. This can take time to settle. Once the swelling has settled, you will find that your nose feels stiff and numb. The numbness usually disappears over the next few months, but the stiffness may be permanent. There may be long-term pain, but this is uncommon. The final result may not be achieved for 12 to 18 months after the surgery.

Extrusion is where deep stitches poke out through the skin. These can easily be removed. If an implant or piece of bone or cartilage has been used, in rare cases this can poke out through the skin months or years later, particularly after an injury.

After the surgery, most patients will get some alteration in the sensation on their nose, most commonly numbness of the tip of the nose or of the top lip or teeth. Loss of sensation, though rare, may be permanent.

Asymmetry is where the nose is not symmetrical. Damage to deeper structures Although rare, the surgery can damage deeper structures, including nerves, blood vessels, tear ducts and the lining of the skull. This damage may be temporary or permanent.

In rare cases, a hole develops in the septum, either during the surgery or as a result of a collection of blood. If this happens, you may need another operation to repair the hole. Sometimes it is impossible to repair the hole.

During the first week after the operation it is quite common to have some difficulty breathing through the nose. This problem usually disappears as the swelling goes down, but it can be permanent.

After rhinoplasty dubai, some patients’ sense of smell (and sometimes their sense of taste) changes. This change can be permanent.

Sometimes, Rhinoplasty Dubaipatients are not satisfied with the result of their rhinoplasty. This may be to do with the look or feel of the nose, or the shape of it not meeting expectations. It is very important that you talk to Dr. Sajjadi, before you have the surgery, about the size and shape you want, and whether this can be safely achieved with a good outcome.

The appearance of your nose will change as a result of ageing, sun exposure or other circumstances not related to your surgery. You may need further surgery or other treatments to maintain the results of the rhinoplasty.

Rarely, allergic reactions to tape, stitches or solutions have been reported. If you have an allergic reaction you may need extra treatment.

How likely am I to need additional nasal surgery?

A low percentage of patients have additional surgery or procedures, but this varies greatly, and you should have this conversation with Dr. Sajjadi.

How can I help my operation be a success?

Be as healthy as possible. It is important to keep your weight steady with a good diet and regular exercise. If you smoke, stopping at least six to eight weeks before the operation will help to reduce the risk of complications. Do not worry about removing hair near where cuts will be made, but do wash your face during the 24 hours before your operation to make sure that the area is as clean as possible.

What can I expect after the operation?

Rhinoplasty surgery is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic (so you would be asleep). The operation usually takes about two to  four hours. You might be given antibiotics to keep the wound clean. Your nose will feel tight and sore. Simple painkillers should be enough to keep you comfortable. If your nose was broken as part of the surgery, there will be noticeable bruising around the eyes for about seven to 10 days, with yellowing around the eyes for 10 to 20 days.

Stitches inside your nose will dissolve on their own. You may have stitches on the outside of your nose. These would have to be removed, usually after seven to ten days after the surgery.

You may have a little bleeding from your nose for the first day or two after your operation. Tab this away gently with gauze or a clean handkerchief. Avoid any activities where you might knock your nose. Activities that increase the blood flow in your face (such as bending down, straining, lifting or having a hot bath) may increase the chance of bleeding. Sleeping with extra pillows to keep your head propped up will help reduce swelling.

Do not blow your nose, and try your best not to sneeze through your nose. If you are going to sneeze, cough it out. Once the dressings have been removed from your nostrils, you can clear your nose by sniffing into the back of your throat. Unless you are told otherwise, it is better to leave any crusts in your nostrils until you have your post-operative review.

You will be out of bed on the same day as your surgery, and doing light activities after two weeks. You should be able to swim after four weeks, although you should avoid strenuous exercise for six weeks. Most patients take at least two weeks off work after the operation, depending on their job. Do not lift heavy things for several weeks, and avoid sex for at least two weeks. With all activities, start gently.

It can take several months for the swelling to settle, and many months for the final result to appear. Most patients are pleased with the final result, but some find their new nose difficult to get used to. This may happen to you.

What are the aftercare instructions for Rhinoplasty?

To protect your nose, and get the best result, look after yourself.

Avoid vigorous activities after your operation. Protect your wounds as you are told to. Putting on weight or becoming pregnant will affect the results. Maintain a healthy weight and level of exercise.

Bleeding after surgery can cause swelling, a change in colour, and pain. The signs of an infection are pain, redness, swelling and pus in the wound, and you may also have a temperature. A blood clot in the leg can cause swelling and pain in the calf. If the clot goes to the lung, you might be breathless or have pain in your chest. If the wound is not healing well, it may be sore and weep.

In the very early stages of healing and these are some of the things you may experience over the next 2-3 months. It may take some time to become acquainted with your new nose so please don’t worry. You may have different emotions – be very happy or feel shocked, tearful and very emotional, both reactions are very normal at this stage.

After Rhinoplasty Dubai you can expect:

– Congestion/difficulty breathing.

– Dissolvable stiches that may be visible and will drop out of the nose.

– To feel irregularities or notice asymmetries. This happens during the healing process.

– Tingling, a woody sensation and numbness around the tip of the nose.

– To be very aware of your nose!

After Rhinoplasty Dubai try to avoid:

– Having any facials or beauty treatments for up to 6 weeks.

– Letting anyone else inject your nose with fillers.

– Undertake strenuous ‘red faced’ exercise for 3-4 weeks to minimise swelling in the skin.

– Any contact sports for 6 weeks, as your nose will still be very vulnerable.

– Flying for 10-12 days following surgery.

Rhinoplasty Dubai General FAQs

Infection

This is very uncommon. If you feel unwell, hot, or the treated area appears red, with sensations of burning or there is any discharge Dr. Sajjadi would urge you to contact the clinic for advice and/or urgent treatment.

Pain

You will experience discomfort over the first few days following surgery however the degree of pain does vary from person to person. However, rhinoplasty in general is not a painful operation. Painkillers can be prescribed and taken home with you and manages any discomfort well.

Work / Sport / Leisure Activities

It is recommended that you take 2 weeks off from work if you don’t what anyone to know you have had rhinoplasty. If you have a sedentary job 1 week is acceptable. If you have an active hobby or leisure interest, please seek advice from Dr. Sajjadi as to when you will be able to return to it following surgery.

Children

If you have young children or babies, please ensure that the area is not touched or disturbed for at least 2 weeks. Your tissues, cartilage and very often bone have been agitated and require a period of time to heal and re-set without disturbance. It is recommended that you organise help with caring for young children during the first week of recovery.

Bathing

Wounds must be kept completely dry for the first week. After your post-operative check usually at around 7 days’ post op, you will be advised that you can shower and wash as usual – you will also be provided specific guidance about how to cleanse the treated areas.

Sun Bathing

Do not sit out in strong sun for the first 4 weeks after surgery if you have had an open rhinoplasty. Once you have fully recovered and your scars are matured you may completely expose your face when in the sun but shielding them as much as you can following your treatment will only improve your final scarring results

Diet

Ensure that you maintain a healthy nutritious diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, as this is important for wound healing and bowels. As you are inactive constipation may become an issue, to help prevent this or to ease symptoms have a fibre rich diet. Pineapple juice has shown to help reduce the swelling.

Flying

If possible, avoid flying for the first six weeks – usual medical guidelines dictate 2 weeks for short haul flights and a full 6 weeks for long haul. Following surgery, you must ideally wear flight socks and take low dose aspirin before flying.

Dorsal hump reduction and tip refinement