Many people aren’t born with perfect features. They may feel that their noses are not well proportioned in respect to the size or shape of their faces. These small irregularities can be corrected with cosmetic surgery. Rhinoplasty is the surgical procedure that can sculpture your nose into a more flattering shape to better suit your facial structures.
Dr. Steven Warnock is located in Draper, UT and offers cosmetic surgery procedures to help you get the look you want. If you are unhappy with the look or shape of your nose, we can help you get the results you’re after. Contact Dr. Warnock’s office today to schedule your appointment.
Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
If you are considering a change in your appearance, you will first want to consult with a qualified surgeon – like Dr. Warnock – to determine what alterations will produce the best results. This visit is a good time to discuss your expectations for the surgery. He will ask questions about your general health and if you have any medical conditions that might affect surgery. He will also discuss the surgical procedure, how long recovery will take and what you will have to do to speed your recovery.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Dr. Warnock will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for your rhinoplasty procedure. Generally, patients are advised to:
- Stop smoking several weeks before surgery. Smoking has a detrimental effect on healing and can affect your body’s ability to recover from surgery.
- Avoid certain types of medications, both before and after your surgery. These can include over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin. These drugs can affect blood clotting and can cause a problem during surgery.
- Have someone with you on the day of your procedure and a few days afterward. The anesthesia can cause memory problems and slowed reaction times. Having someone with you will prevent accidents or other problems after surgery.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Either a local or general anesthetic will be used, depending on the extent of the surgery required. A variety of techniques may be used during your surgery to suit the types of alterations that must be made. The surgeon may make an incision inside the nose or on the outside of the nose at the base. Bone and cartilage may be removed or added, as needed for the best results. The surgeon may take cartilage or bone from other parts of the body to augment nasal tissues. After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored closely to ensure that no problems have arisen.
After Care
Your physician will provide specific post-surgical instructions that you should follow precisely when you get home. Generally, instructions include:
- Lie in bed with your head raised higher than your chest to reduce swelling and bleeding.
- Keep the “drip pad” or nasal pack in place as your doctor recommends.
- Avoid strenuous activities such as jogging or exercising for several weeks after surgery as your doctor advises.
- Avoid blowing your nose.
- Eat fruits and vegetables to avoid constipation, which can cause straining and pressure on the surgical wound
- Brush teeth very gently while healing
- Wear sunscreen when you go outdoors.