The A to Z of Rhinoplasty

The path to a better version of your own nose

A bump on the bridge of the nose, and old injury, a facial profile that doesn’t feel right. The reasons for rhinoplasty, sometimes referred to as a ‘nose job’ or nose re-shaping, are varied. One thing you can expect from this surgical procedure is an enhanced version of yourself and a lasting confidence boost.

Dr. Karl Schwarz gives us a breakdown of the rhinoplasty experience at Clinique K, including how to prepare, what happens on surgery day and what to expect post-op. 

Choosing your new nose
During a rhinoplasty consultation, Dr. Schwarz speaks with each patient in order to fully understand expectations. An image is taken of the patients face with a 3D camera called a Vectra, which Dr. Schwarz manipulates based on what the patient wants and what is surgically possible. “The Vectra technology image allows patients to see an approximation of the result,” he explains. “They really enjoy this process because it gives them a clear visual of what’s possible”.

He adds, “It’s not realistic to pick a nose out of a catalog or say “I want Kim Kardashian’s nose”. When it comes to rhinoplasty, we strive to give our patients an improved version of their own nose. It’s still very much their nose. It’s not different – it’s better

The weeks leading up to your rhinoplasty
If a patient is in good health, there is not much that needs to be done in preparation. Smokers should stop smoking four weeks prior to the date of surgery. Blood thinners, aspirin or herbal medications should be stopped in the weeks prior. And lastly, alcohol consumption should also be stopped 2 weeks before surgery.

The big day: Your comfort is our priority
Upon arrival at Clinique K, a nurse will greet you and review your health history. You will then change into a comfortable robe and relax in the private pre-op room where you can listen to the music of your choice. After meeting your anaesthetist, you will be taken into the operating room where Dr. Schwarz, a nurse and a surgical assistant will be waiting to review the plan for your rhinoplasty surgery.

Pain management is high priority for the surgical team. “The type of anesthesia we use for a rhinoplasty is a “twilight anesthesia”, explains Dr. Schwarz. “We administer a cocktail of medications through an IV and the patient drifts off into a very deep sleep. Their nose is numbed as well, so most of the time patients don’t remember anything and by the time they wake up, they’re in the recovery room.”

A nurse will tend to your every need in Clinique K’s comfortable recovery room. “Thanks to our experienced recovery room nurse, patients can go home in as little as an hour or two.”

Exiting the clinic is discreet: patients are taken down to the indoor parking in a wheelchair where they can be picked up by friends or family.

Post-op and follow-up: see the enhanced you in about 2 weeks
The first rhinoplasty surgery follow-up appointment takes place approximately 48 to 72 hours after surgery to remove nasal stents (the small plugs inside the nostril). One week after surgery, the splint on the bridge of the nose is removed. “There will be some swelling and bruising, but at this point you can get an idea of what the result is going to be” explains Dr. Schwarz. “At the two-week mark, you can really get an idea of the result. Much of the swelling will have gone down.”

For those who wish to keep their rhinoplasty surgery under wraps, plan on staying close to home for approximately two weeks. For the 4 weeks after your nose reshaping, avoid sports, exercise, wearing glasses, blowing your nose, etc. The surgical team provides each patient with detailed instructions regarding post-op do’s and don’ts following surgery and is always available to answer questions.

Interested in rhinoplasty surgery? Schedule a consultation with the Clinique K team today.