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RHINOPLASTY

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Countless cosmetic surgical procedures have been done successfully by skillful experienced surgeons. However, all surgeries carry some uncertainty and risk. Since it is a combination of art and science, possible complications may sometimes occur despite careful pre-operative analysis and meticulous attention to surgical details. Most complications are relatively minor and can be corrected by minimal touch ups. In very rare cases, more serious and uncorrectable complications occur.

It is important to have a candid discussion with your surgeon regarding your goals, expectations and potential complications. Clarify the possible risks of a complication prior to undergoing the procedure.

Possible complications are infection, unfavorable scarring, asymmetry, contour irregularities, wound healing problems, and fluid or blood collection.

Recovery

Most patients fear that the post-operative experience after rhinoplasty is painful. This is not true! Almost all patients are pleasantly surprised with their level of comfort. You will be provided pain medication and other suggestions to minimize your soreness. Most patients report a mild burning sensation inside the nostrils, from healing incisions. If the bones of your nose need to be reset, then you may experience mild mid-facial soreness by the second or third day.

After rhinoplasty, small gauze wicks in each nostril are inserted for a day. The wicks cause temporary nasal obstruction but upon removal the following day the nasal airways open. A small plastic cast is also placed on the nose after surgery. It is removed after 6-7 days. If the procedure was done with the “open” technique, the sutures are removed at this visit.

Mild drainage from the nose for two to three days will be present. Swelling and bruising under and/or around the may also occur but resolve after 7 to 10 days.

One of the biggest challenges for patients after rhinoplasty is waiting for the nasal swelling to resolve. While swelling of the top of your nose will last about two weeks, the swelling of the tip of your nose will require months to resolve. This can be quite frustrating for patients who are anxious to see the “final result”, but swelling is absolutely unavoidable after rhinoplasty. Be patient and try not to get too pre-occupied with the appearance of the tip too early.

BENEFITS OF RHINOPLASTY

A great majority of rhinoplasty patients benefit from the procedure not only aesthetically, but psychologically as well. The most significant is the dramatic enhancement of self confidence. Feelings of inferiority, awkwardness and anxiety are often replaced by pleasure and boost on self-esteem.

The positive psychological benefits derived from the procedure can be attributed to the popular saying, “LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD”. While it is true that beauty lies within, we cannot underrate the importance of outer look especially nowadays when professional and personal competitions are very stiff.

Apart from aesthetic and psychological benefits, rhinoplasty also improves breathing for those who have nasal obstructions.

Below is a short list of aesthetic and medical benefits of rhinoplasty:

o    Contours the nose and makes it proportionate with the rest of the face o    Augments flat noseo    Narrows nostrils that flareso    Corrects droopy nasal tips, bumps or irregularitieso    Defines and sharpens the nasal tipo    Corrects a deviated or crooked noseo    Makes long and wide noses smaller and thinnero    Corrects nasal length (if too long or too short)o    Improves breathing

Details of nasal improvement are thoroughly discussed to the patient during a consultation.

THE PROCEDURE

It is often said that a surgeon has three chances to evaluate a nasal patient; the first two are the consultation and the immediate pre-operative checkup. However, it is during the procedure that the most important treatment decisions are made. By directly examining your nasal anatomy, Dr. Lansangan determines the changes necessary to creating a better nasal shape – one that fits your overall facial structure, your chin position, your cheeks and eyes, and your forehead shape. Anatomic blockages to your breathing can also be corrected.

It is advised that you arrive about two hours prior to the start of your procedure. The procedure itself will take approximately two to four hours, depending on the technique used. You will stay in our recovery room one to two hours, and then you will be able to return home. You will need a companion to accompany you when leaving our surgery center.

COMPUTER IMAGING TO ENHANCE POST-OPERATIVE RESULT

Dr. Lansangan recognizes the importance of understanding what the patient wants. During the course of the initial consultation, he translates into a computer image the improvements that the patient desires while incorporating his surgical and artistic skills as a plastic surgeon. The imaging result is shown to the patient for approval. It is made clear that though this is not a guarantee, it certainly brings post-operative outcome very close to the shared imaging goal.

Some rhinoplasty patients don’t know in particular the changes they really want to do. The only thing they are certain of is they dislike their nose. Dr. Lansangan understands this and takes time to help the patient identify the things she dislikes about her nose. After the discussion and thorough assessment, he presents the aesthetic plan, and ensures that it is a shared goal for surgery.

During a consultation, bringing a picture of someone with a particular nasal characteristic that the patient like can help convey her wishes. However, that look cannot be exactly duplicated. Much of the considerations shall be given on her existing nasal anatomy and facial features. The surgeon’s main task for aesthetic nasal enhancement is to create a nose that is proportionate and in harmony with the rest of the face.

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