Orange County Nose Surgery & Newport Beach Rhinoplasty Services

Rhinoplasty can be performed from the inside, with all incisions confined to the inside of the nose. This is often referred to as a “closed” or “invisible” rhinoplasty and results in no visible scarring. More complicated procedures may require an “open” approach in which a small incision is made across the columella, or the strip of skin located between the nostrils. While the open approach will result in a small scar, it is not visible in most cases.

Once the incisions have been made, Dr. Kapoor will separate the skin of the nose from the underlying framework of bone and cartilage. This framework will then be reshaped to achieve the desired result. Once the nose has been remodeled, the skin will then be re-draped over the new framework and sutured into place. After the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to the outside of the nose and cotton or soft plastic splints may be placed in the nostrils.

Patients can expect the face too look and feel puffy for the first twenty-four hours after surgery. During this time, the nose may ache and patients may also experience a mild headache. It’s recommended that patients remain in bed with the head elevated during their first day after surgery. Discomfort can be controlled with medication. If nasal packing was applied after surgery, it will be removed within a few days.

Some bleeding may occur for several days and stuffiness can occur for several weeks. Patients will need to avoid blowing the nose for at least a week to allow the tissues to heal. Swelling and bruising, particularly around the eyes, are common and may increase during the first two or three days after surgery. However, the majority of swelling and bruising will fade within about two weeks though some minor, unnoticeable swelling may remain for several months. Applying cold compresses can  help to minimize the swelling. Dressings, splints and sutures are removed after one to two weeks.

Most patients are moving around and feeling pretty good within about two days after surgery. Work or school may be resumed after about one week. Strenuous activities which increase the blood pressure should be avoided for about eight weeks. During this time, it’s also important to avoid sunburn, rubbing or hitting the nose, and washing the face or hair too vigorously.