Lake Norman Oral & Facial Surgery • Dr. Raymond J. Haigney II • 9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
9727 Northcross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078 • (704) 987-3132
Are Nose Jobs Dangerous?
Rhinoplasty huntersville north carolina is surgery used to change the shape of your nose. It is often completed to improve appearances, fix a birth defect or help patients breathe better.
The upper portion of the nose is bone, while the lower portion is made of cartilage. Rhinoplasty is able to modify the bone, cartilage, skin or all three. It is important to review your options with a surgeon and discuss whether rhinoplasty is a good option for you.
When planning rhinoplasty, your surgeon will evaluate your other facial features. This includes the skin on your nose and your desired results. If you are a candidate for surgery, the surgeon will develop a customized plan. Depending on your specific case, a portion or all of a rhinoplasty may be covered by your health insurance.
Rhinoplasty is able to modify the size, shape or proportions of your nose. It is sometimes used to repair deformities from an injury, correct a birth defect or improve breathing challenges.
Risks
As with any major surgery, undergoing rhinoplasty takes on the following risks:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Other potential risks which are specific to rhinoplasty include the following:
- Difficulty in breathing through your nose
- Permanent numbness in and around your nose
- Potential for an uneven-looking nose
- Persistent pain, discoloration or swelling
- Scarring
- A hole in the septum
- Additional surgery
It is important to discuss the risks and how they may apply to you with your doctor.
Following the surgery, it is important to rest with your head elevated higher than your chest. This helps to reduce the bleeding and swelling. Your nose may be congested as a result of the swelling or due to the splints which are placed inside your nose.
In most scenarios, the internal dressings will remain in place for a day to a week after surgery. Your doctor will also attach a splint to your nose which provides added protection and support. The splint will usually be in place for about a week.
Minor bleeding and mucus or blood drainage are common for a few days after the surgery. This can also occur after you remove the dressing. Your doctor may also place a "drip pad" under your nose. This is a small piece of gauze which helps to absorb drainage. Your doctor will advise on the process and frequency for changing the gauze. Avoid placing the drip pad tightly against your nose.
To further reduce your risk of bleeding and swelling, your doctor may encourage you to follow addition precautions for several weeks after surgery. These additional precautions may include the following:
- Avoid strenuous activities like aerobics and jogging
- Take baths instead of showers to avoid getting your nose wet
- Do not blow your nose. Gently wipe it as needed
- Eat foods which are high in fiber to avoid constipation
- Avoid extreme facial expressions
- Gently brush your teeth to limit the movement of your upper lip
- Wear clothes that fasten in the front and don’t need to be pulled over your head.
It’s also important to avoid resting eyeglasses or sunglasses on your nose for at least four weeks following the surgery. This helps to prevent putting unnecessary pressure on your nose.
Use SPF 30 sunscreen when you are outside. This is especially important on your nose. Excessive sun exposure can cause permanent discoloration on your nose.
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