RHINOPLASTY & SEPTOPLASTY

General Information

DEFINITION--Reconstruction of the nose (rhinoplasty) and removal of deformities of the septum (septoplasty).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Nose, including nasal cartilage and bone and mucous membrane of the septum.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Opening of blocked nasal passages.
• Improved appearance.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity; smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Recent or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleeping pills; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Plastic and reconstructive surgeon or ear, nose and throat specialist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of facial bones.
• After surgery: Blood studies.

ANESTHESIA--Local or general anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The nostril is held open with a speculum.
• An incision is made in the nose. The bone or cartilage is fractured, trimmed and molded into the desired shape.
• The mucous membrane is closed with fine sutures, which usually can be removed about 10 days after surgery. Bandages are applied.
• For some procedures, petroleum-jelly-coated packing gauze or plastic splints are used to hold the septum in place during healing (up to a week).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection (rare).
• Discomfort and pain caused by gauze packing.
• Recurrence of airway obstruction.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 weeks for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES

• Apply ice packs to the nose to relieve discomfort. Do this for 10 to 20 minutes at a time 4 to 8 times a day during the first 2 days after surgery.
• Beginning 2 days after surgery, use an electric heating pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain.
• Don't blow the nose forcefully for 1 month. Don't blow it at all in the first week.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 weeks after surgery. > Resume driving 1 week after returning home.

DIET--Eat a well--balanced diet to promote healing.

Call Your Doctor If

Any of the following occurs:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding in the surgical area.
• Signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• New, unexplained symptoms. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.