Rhinoplasty, Nose Job, Nose Reshape Reshaping, Procedure
 

Rhinoplasty - The Day of Surgery

On the day of your rhinoplasty, you will spend an estimated four to six hours at Dr Chan't rooms. This includes pre-operative preparation and post-operative recovery at the surgery. Approximately an hour of this time will be spent in theatre.

Before arriving for your surgery, you should make a note of the following points:

  • We recommend that you have toast and a cup of tea for breakfast.
  • Wear comfortable clothing something warm that is easy to get in and out of. A warm jumper that zips up the front and loose fitting trousers is best.
  • Please don't wear any makeup or jewellery.

Before surgery, preoperative photos will be taken.


TWILIGHT SEDATION

Dr Chan prefers a method called Twilight Sedation using a Consultant Anaesthetist who specialises in Twilight Sedation. With this type of sedation, patients require less time to recover from surgery and experience fewer side effects such as swelling and bruising. Twilight Sedation is best described as being in a very deep sleep but still in control of your reflexes. This means that you are breathing on your own throughout the procedure.

In Australia, both twilight sedation and general anaesthetic, administered by consultant anaesthetists, are of a world - class standard.

Our Consultant Anaesthetists and surgeon prefer twilight anaesthesia because of the inherent safety and suitability of twilight anaesthesia for cosmetic surgery.

After the surgery, you will spend an estimated two hours in a recovery area. Here you will be given pain relief if required. You are kept here until the anaesthetist is satisfied you are fit to be discharged.

COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

  • What is Twilight anaesthesia?

Twilight anaesthetic is a combination of

1. Intravenous sedation to cause a sleepy state.

2. Local anaesthesia to remove pain at surgery.

Twilight anaesthesia should be approached with adequate preparation whereby on the morning of surgery you are already calm and relaxed, comfortable and confident.

The intravenous sedation is administered by a specialist anaesthetist who is assisted by a trained anaesthetic nurse. The term "twilight" refers to a "dream-like state" somewhere between being awake and being asleep. You may have a period of vague awareness. The anaesthetist can in verbal contact with you . Amnesia is not essential, however most patients have no recollection. Intravenous medication is administered along the way according to your needs to keep you at the optimum level of sedation.

  • Will I be in any pain?

Before surgery commences and whilst you are asleep, you will be given local anaesthetic which will numb the area and you should NOT be in any pain or uncomfortable. You are not paralysed and can respond if need be. The anaesthetist will be by your side, to be in touch with you, for the entire operation to ensure your comfort and safety.

  • Will I be able to hear people talking?

You may have vague memories of hearing conversations.

  • How else will my memory be affected?

Most people don't remember anything about the operation. Sometimes, you don't even remember how you got home. However, your memory will be back to normal by the following day.

  • Is twilight anaesthetic safe?

Yes. Twilight anaesthesia is very safe. It is widely accepted to be much safer than general anaesthesia.

  • I have been sick after a general anaesthetic before. Will I be sick after this anaesthetic?

Please indicate this in your medical history. There is a possibility that you may also be sick after this anaesthetic although the likelihood is much less. The anaesthetist will discuss this with you. We will administer anti-nausea medication which will help to prevent this.

  • How will I feel after the anaesthetic?

You will feel very relaxed and drowsy for a few hours afterwards. You should sleep off the effects when you get home. You may feel clear and confident but under no circumstances should you engage in activities like driving as your coordination is temporarily impaired.

  • Can I eat afterwards?

Yes. You can eat and drink as soon as you feel like it. Try small portions for a start. It is particularly important to keep up your fluid intake to stay well hydrated.

  • What if I have any other concerns?

Please include a full disclosure of your concerns regarding any anaesthetic experiences, during your consultation. Indicate this on your medical history form. Your anaesthetist will see you prior to your operation and will discuss this with you if they have not been dealt with already.

 

After surgery care

After the surgery, you will spend an estimated two hours in a recovery area. Here you will be given pain relief if required. You are kept here until the nurses are satisfied you are fit to be discharged.
When you leave the room, your support person will be given:

  • Prescription for antibiotics and pain killers, and instructionson dosage
  • Dr Chan't mobile number to call if you have any concerns
  • Disposable bolsters (gauze)
  • Details of the date and time of your first post-operative appointment

You'll spend your first night after surgery at home in familiar surroundings. Here are some tips on what you can expect and how to adjust your environment to ensure you achieve the results you anticipated.
  • You will have a splint on your nose. This mustnt be removed and should be kept dry until you return for your post-operative visit. A course of antibiotics and pain medication will be prescribed to you.
  • You will have a small, disposable gauze pack under your nose. Iit isn’t unusual for your nose to ooze a little for at least 24-48 hours after surgery, the gauze should be kept in place until the bleeding ceases.
  • On your first night, you should sleep on your back with your head elevated (2-3 pillows). For the first two days you can place ice packs over your eyes to help reduce swelling.Always keep your splint dry.
  • Continue to sleep on your back with your head elevated for the first week after surgery. This will help to reduce any swelling.
  • You may have stitches under your nose and this area should be kept clean and dry.

  • Don't drive for three days after your surgery. It is also recommended that you avoid signing any legal documents in this time.
  • A visit will be scheduled 7-10 days after surgery. After your first post-operative visit you can/should start to ease back into a normal working, social and exercise regime.
  • Avoid exercise for up to three weeks after surgery. When you are able to exercise again, you should aim to work slowly back into your regular exercise routine.
  • You can wear prescription glasses and sunglasses once your splint has been removed. Contact lenses may be worn one week after your operation.