Preservation Rhinoplasty

Dr. Rad’s highest priorities are your safety and comfort. A board-certified anesthesiologist will use a light general anesthesia which is very safe for healthy patients. You will remember nothing about the procedure, you will not feel any pain during the procedure, and you will wake up gently in the recovery room.

Dr. Rad uses the following technique while performing a preservation rhinoplasty:

1. The average duration of surgery is 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the complexity and desire goal of surgery

2. Although Dr. Rad is able to perform open or closed rhinoplasty, his preferred method is closed as this is minimally invasive and avoids external scars across the columella

5. Once the desired nasal shape is achieved then Dr. Rad checks symmetry, shape, and contour to be sure that your new nose balances beautifully with your facial features.

6. Then he closes the incisions and places internal and external nasal splints to support the underlying structures

Recovery is a process of tissue healing and feeling back to normal that requires time. The length of time depends on which facial areas are treated, the complexity of surgery, and individual healing factors. The key principle of surgery that Dr. Rad always adheres to is minimizing surgery to achieve best results, thus minimizing healing and recovery time. Since each case is different, Dr. Rad will guide you through the recovery process with comprehensive information based on your unique situation.

Immediately after surgery, someone must drive you home from the surgical facility and stay with you for at least 24 hours. Recovery is approximately 7-10 days when swelling and bruising under the eyes can be visible by others. However, recovery is not exceedingly painful and discomfort is mild and controlled by pain medicine.

Care post-surgery is important for both your recovery and results whether at your home or at a hotel. For your safety, as you’ll be somewhat sleepy, you will need a responsible adult to stay with you for at least the first night. If you’re interested in having an experienced private duty nurse, we can help facilitate this care.

Once home or in a hotel, you will mostly rest, although you should be able to perform “activities of daily living,” meaning being up and about and doing basic self care. Since your nose will be wrapped, you’ll defer showering until your first post-op appointment with Dr. Rad 1-2 days after surgery.

Since nausea is not uncommon after anesthesia, no matter how light the anesthesia given, nausea prevention is essential and straightforward by taking an anti-nausea medicine such as Zofran (Ondansetron). Nausea side effects typically wear off in 24-48 hours. Other side effects of anesthesia include feeling a bit groggy or “out of it”, but this is relatively mild and wears off quickly. Dr. Rad recommends not planning important work-related activities or phone calls as you will not feel your sharpest.

Drinking liquids is most important to maintain hydration. Dr. Rad recommends Gatorade, or Drip Drop and Liquid IV electrolyte replacement powders mixed in water. If neck lift has been done then patients often feel some neck tightness that is normal, common and temporary. You will have a 1-week post-operative check-up to make sure everything is going well. You and Dr. Rad will talk about what to expect during the next 6 weeks.

During the first week following your preservation rhinoplasty procedure, you should take it easy at home and rest. You may return to work from home if you feel comfortable doing so, and most patients feel recovered enough by day 3 or 4. However, keep in mind that you will have visible evidence of having had surgery and so staying off video teleconference may be best. Your voice will sound somewhat “nasal-y” during the week after surgery because your nose will have splints which congest the nasal passages. This is normal and temporary. 

Some drainage from the nostrils is expected and you should keep the nostril rims clear of dried blood. Use nasal saline as needed.

Normal return to work following a preservation rhinoplasty procedure can occur in around 7-10 days. Your ability to return to work sooner will depend on the specifics of your job, so it is best to discuss this with Dr. Rad.

Patients can resume light exercise 2 weeks after, and ramp up to unrestricted activity 4 to 6 weeks after preservation rhinoplasty surgery. You can start light chores and light housework a few days after surgical treatment. Light outdoor walking may be possible, depending on your recovery. No heavy lifting or intense physical exercise for 4-6 weeks.

Your vision for your results will emerge through detailed consultation with Dr. Rad, meticulous examination of your anatomy, and careful pre-surgical planning. While Dr. Rad’s surgical approach is unique for each patient, the goal of naturalness remains constant.

Over the course of 2-6 weeks post surgery, results will continue to develop with long-term recovery experienced around 6 to 12 months after the procedure. By this point, the majority of swelling and bruising should have resolved, and you should start seeing the full results of your preservation rhinoplasty. However, it’s important to note that individual healing rates can vary, and it may take several months for all swelling to completely dissipate and the final outcome to be evident.