PLANNING YOUR SURGERY

Good communication between you and Dr. Reddy is essential. In your initial free and private consultation, Dr. Reddy will ask what you'd like your nose to look like, evaluate the structure of your nose and face, and discuss the possibilities with you. Dr. Reddy, a West Palm Beach Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) expert, will also explain the factors that can influence the procedure and the results. These factors include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and your expectations.

Dr. Reddy will also explain the techniques and anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the risks and costs involved, and any options you may have.

Be sure to tell Dr. Reddy if you've had any previous nose surgery or an injury to your nose, even if it was many years ago. You should also inform Dr. Reddy if you have any allergies or breathing difficulties; if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or recreational drugs; and if you smoke.

Don't hesitate to ask Dr. Reddy any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SURGERY

Dr. Reddy will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, and washing your face. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly.

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA

Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and on what you and Dr. Reddy prefer.

With local anesthesia, you'll usually be lightly sedated, and your nose and the surrounding area will be numbed; you'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. With general anesthesia, you'll sleep through the operation.

AFTER YOUR SURGERY

After surgery-particularly during the first twenty-four hours-your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day.

You'll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. In any case, you'll feel a lot better than you look. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so. (Some subtle swelling-unnoticeable to anyone but you and your surgeon-will remain for several months.)

A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Dr. Reddy will probably ask you not to blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal.

If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you'll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one or, occasionally, two weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

Most rhinoplasty (nose surgery) patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you're entirely up to speed.

Dr, Reddy will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. They're likely to include these suggestions: Avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, bending, sexual relations-any activity that increases your blood pressure) for two to three weeks. Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned, for eight weeks. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics.

You can wear contact lenses as soon as you feel like it, but glasses are another story. Once the splint is off, they'll have to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for another six to seven weeks, until your nose is completely healed.

Dr. Reddy will schedule frequent follow-up visits in the months after surgery, to check on the progress of your healing. If you have any unusual symptoms between visits, or any questions about what you can and can't do, don't hesitate to call Dr. Reddy.

YOUR NEW LOOK

In the days following surgery, when your face is bruised and swollen, it's easy to forget that you will be looking better. In fact, many patients feel depressed for a while after plastic surgery-it's quite normal and understandable.

Rest assured that this stage will pass. Day by day, your nose will begin to look better and your spirits will improve. Within a week or two, you'll no longer look as if you've just had surgery.

Still, healing is a slow and gradual process. Some subtle swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip. The final results of rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or more.

In the meantime, you might experience some unexpected reactions from family and friends. They may say they don't see a major difference in your nose. Or they may act resentful, especially if you've changed something they view as a family or ethnic trait. If that happens, try to keep in mind why you decided to have this surgery in the first place. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.

Again, Dr. Reddy, a West Palm Beach Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) expert, will be able to review the rhinoplasty and/or septoplasty procedure(s) in detail and provide the associated fees during your free and private consultation. During your free and private consultation, Dr. Reddy's staff can review financing options including interest free financing and financing for those with less than perfect credit.