PRE-EXAMINATION

Before deciding on a rhinoplasty, you must meet with our surgeon for a pre-examination. During this meeting, you will discuss your expectations, and the surgeon will evaluate what will yield the best results for you. You will also receive a thorough overview of your options, and the risks associated with each surgical option. The surgeon will ask about your health to ensure you are suitable for surgery.

Based on your expectations and the surgeon’s recommendations, you will plan your surgery together. 



You are welcome to bring another person to the consultation, as there is a lot of information to consider.

According to the law, you must have a 7-day reflection period after the consultation before you can give your final consent to cosmetic surgery.



EXPECTATIONS

At Caolín, the surgery is tailored to your individual features and desires. During nose surgery, the nasal bones are reshaped or cut, and cartilage tissue is removed. If necessary, additional bone or cartilage may be added and secured with sutures. After the surgery, your nose will be fixed with a cast and bandages.

There are several different techniques used in nose surgery, so the size and placement of scars can vary.
Our surgeon will assess which technique is best suited for you.

It is important to be aware that the results of cosmetic surgery are not permanent. The natural aging process and the rate of body aging are influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle factors such as smoking, sun exposure, and weight changes.

Additionally, it is important to understand that surgery always carries a risk of complications, and the result may not always match your or the surgeon’s expectations completely.

If you are significantly overweight or underweight, there is an increased risk of complications with anesthesia and wound healing. If your BMI is over 30, we may not be able to offer you surgery.

PREPARATION

Before the surgery, you must:

Stop taking medication containing acetylsalicylic acid such as Magnyl, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Treo one week before the surgery.

Avoid natural medicines, especially fish oil, ginger, and vitamin D, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Stop all natural medicines three weeks before the surgery.

Any blood-thinning medication may need to be paused. This will be discussed with the surgeon during the pre-consultation.

Smoking must be paused least 4 weeks before and 6 weeks after the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the cosmetic outcome, increase the risk of infection, and is generally bad for your health. We often choose not to offer surgery to active smokers.

It is a good idea to shop and prepare meals before the surgery, so you can focus on your recovery afterward.

On the day of the surgery, you should take a shower with thorough cleansing of your body and hair. Avoid using body lotion or other products on the area to be operated on. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably a zip-up blouse, loose fitting pants, and flat shoes. Remove all jewelry and any piercings and leave them at home.



ANESTHESIA

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. You must fast for 6 hours before the surgery (no eating, chewing gum, smoking, or similar). You may drink clear fluids like water and sugary drinks in small amounts until 2 hours before the surgery; do not drink milk, juice, etc.

It is crucial to adhere to the fasting rules, as anesthesia can be dangerous if you are not fasting, and the surgery is canceled, if you are not fasting.



SURGERY

On the day of surgery, you will arrive at the clinic at the scheduled time, where our receptionist will greet you. You will be shown to your room, change into a surgical gown, and an IV will be inserted. The anesthesiologist will discuss anesthesia with you, and finally, you will meet with the surgeon to ensure you feel comfortable and well-informed. The surgeon will also mark the area to be operated on.

The surgery lasts about 3 hours, but the duration depends on the technique chosen.
To reduce the risk of infection, you will be given antibiotics during the surgery.
The method of surgery depends on what needs to be done. Incisions may be made inside the nostrils so that no visible scars remain, or they may be hidden in the natural folds where the nostrils meet the cheek, or a V-shaped incision may be made in the nasal septum that separates the nostrils.


AFTER SURGERY

After the surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room, where a nurse will monitor you
You will receive something to drink and eat and pain reliefers if needed. You will stay overnight and will be ready for discharge around 8 a.m. the following day.

Before you go home, the plastic surgeon and nurse will review the post-operative precautions with you and answer any questions you may have to ensure you feel comfortable. You should arrange for someone to pick you up, as you will not be able to drive yourself.

THE DAYS AFTER SURGERY

Since the surgery was performed under general anesthesia, you will be tired and sluggish on the first day, and you may experience nausea and dizziness. We recommend having an adult at your side for the first 24 hours.

Take it easy for the first 24 hours to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling.
Also, avoid bending forward. This will help reduce swelling and bleeding.



PAIN

It is important to take the prescribed medication. The medication will reduce pain, but you should expect some discomfort during the first 3-4 days.


You will be prescribed Paracetamol tablets and Ibuprofen tablets to be taken together 4 times a day. Additionally, you will receive a stronger painkiller, a synthetic morphine tablet, which you can take if you experience severe pain.

The nurse will thoroughly review the medication with you before you leave, and you will also receive written material describing everything.



ACTIVITY

For the first 2 weeks after surgery, you should avoid bending forward. You should also avoid lifting heavy objects and activities that raise your heart rate and blood pressure.

Sports can be resumed after 3 weeks. Contact sports, where there is a risk of injury to the nose, should not be resumed until 6 weeks after surgery.



WORK

You can likely return to sedentary work after one week. For physically demanding work, you should wait at least 3 weeks.

You should expect some bruising and swelling in the area for at least 1-2 weeks after surgery. Keep this in mind for any upcoming events where appearance matters.



SLEEPING POSITION

You should sleep on your back with your head elevated. Use extra pillows for the first few days.



BATHING

You can take a shower 24 hours after surgery, but avoid direct water on the bandage, as it should not get wet.



CREAMS AND MAKEUP

You should not apply cream or makeup to the operated area until the wounds are fully healed.



NOSEBLEEDS

Very rarely, a nosebleed can occur after surgery, which may require a second surgery to stop the bleeding. This will not affect the final result but may cause increased swelling and bruising during recovery.


In case of a nosebleed in the days following surgery, please contact us.



BANDAGES

Most patients will have a splint on their nose after surgery, which will be removed after one week. You will then have to tape your nose with adhesive strips for an additional week.



BLOWING YOUR NOSE

You should not blow your nose during the first week after surgery.



GLASSES

If your nasal bone was altered, you should not wear glasses for 2 weeks after the surgery.



CONTACT WITH THE CLINIC

You will be given a phone number upon discharge so you can contact the clinic 24 hours a day in case of an urgent need.
You can also expect a call from a nurse the day after your surgery to ensure you are doing well and to answer any questions.



FOLLOW-UP

7 days after the surgery, you will have a follow-up with the nurse. The dressings will be removed, and the wounds will be inspected.

We will discuss how to manage the scars, any residual pain, etc. You will be offered a follow-up appointment with the plastic surgeon 3-6 months after the surgery. If you encounter any issues before then, you are always welcome to contact us.

COMPLICATIONS

Infection: Infections are very rare. Symptoms usually appear after 3-5 days and include redness, warmth, swelling, throbbing pain, and possibly fever. If an infection occurs, you will be treated with antibiotics.

Hematoma/Blood Accumulation: This most commonly occurs within the first 24 hours after surgery but is very rare. In a few cases, it may require another surgery, but it usually does not affect the result.

Abscess: This can occur within the first week after surgery. In rare cases, it may require a second surgery.

Bruising and Swelling of the Cheeks, Nose, and Eye Area: This is completely normal. Bruising and swelling around the nose will subside within 7-30 days.
Swelling in the nose itself may last for months. In rare cases, permanent darkening around the eyes may occur.

Reduced Sensation: There may be numbness or altered sensation in the operated area. This usually resolves within 6-9 months but can be permanent for some individuals.

Reduced Sense of Smell: You may experience a reduced sense of smell after surgery. This will almost always resolve as the nose heals.

Unsightly Scarring: Scars can vary significantly from person to person. Most scars will fade to white over time, but some people are prone to forming red and thick scars, also known as hypertrophic scarring. This process can take several years.

Tissue Death: This means that parts of the skin lose their blood supply and die. If this occurs, it will require surgical removal or waiting for the body to heal the area from the inside. The surgeon will assess this. Patients who are overweight or smoking have a higher risk.