Rhinoplasty is the reconstruction of the nose to change its shape and/or size. This procedure can be undertaken in the following circumstances:

• after traumatic injury
• to alter an abnormality which has resulted in an undesired nose size or shape
• to make the nose smaller
• to remove any ‘bumps’

It is important to consider that Rhinoplasty not only changes the shape of the nose, but also the appearance of the whole face.

Your surgeon will recommend a treatment specifically designed to meet your needs and wishes.

Please note that there is a minimum age requirement of 16 years for this procedure.

TREATMENT PROTOCOL

1^st Consultation: Options Consultation

This is an informal consultation between you and Dr Silva to understand your objectives and discuss the options available to you along with the potential outcomes. It may be possible to provide a quote at this time.

2^nd Consultation: Surgical Consultation (£100)

You will meet the surgeon. The procedure will be discussed further and a treatment option chosen. The surgeon will discuss what you can expect before, during and after the operation and will also discuss what you must do pre- and post-operatively. You will be quoted a price for the procedure and the procedure date will be booked.

3^rd Consultation: Medical Examination (50% Deposit Payable)

Once you are happy to go ahead with the procedure you will attend for a full medical history and examination. All pre-operative forms will be completed and you will receive a pre and post procedure information leaflet. You will also be reviewed by an anaesthetist at this appointment.

4^th Consultation: Final Pre-operative Consultation (Remaining Balance is Payable)

This is the final pre-operative consultation on the day of the procedure. Written consent will be obtained and countersigned by the operating surgeon and your pre-operative photographs will be taken on this day.

Preparing for your Operation After you have booked your operation, it is important that you consider the following:

2 Weeks Before Operation

You must eat healthily and do a reasonable amount of routine exercises. During this period we recommend that you:

• avoid excessive alcohol intake
• refrain from smoking
• avoid herbal medicines/remedies
• avoid non-prescription medications such as Aspirin which may thin your blood

Other specific instructions relating to your medication will be discussed at your medical consultation.

The Day Before the Operation

Please ensure you follow the specific instructions given to you by the anaesthetist at the medical consultation.

You must not eat or drink for at least 6-8 hours prior to the start of the operation.

Should you feel unwell, develop flu-like symptoms, a cough or fever the day before the operation, please inform us at your earliest convenience as your procedure may need to be postponed.

Special Considerations

Please take note of the following considerations before you arrange your operation:

• The recovery post rhinoplasty is 10-14 days and so you will need at least 2 weeks of leave if you are working.
• You will be unable to drive post surgery so please make appropriate transport arrangements for the day of your operation.
• If you are a smoker, it is very important to refrain from smoking 4 weeks prior to surgery and for the 2-week post-operative period to improve wound healing and the look of the final scar.

Post-Op Care

After surgery, a plaster cast will be placed on the nose in the operating theatre, it is important that the cast is kept on for at least 7 days. You are likely to experience some discomfort following surgery, but this will subside as the period of recovery continues. Medication, as advised by your anaesthetist, can control any remaining pain or discomfort.

Drink plenty of water in the first 24-48 hours following your operation to replace fluid lost during the procedure.

Recovery

The length of your recovery will depend greatly on the procedure. Occasionally bruising can occur, but this doesn’t usually last longer than 2 weeks.

Take care when washing, around the surgical area and dry your hair well after showering. You should also avoid using any hair colours or perms for 2 months after surgery.

Post-op Appointments

After the procedure, you will have at least 3 follow-up appointments at 10, 30 and 90 days after the operation. The follow-up appointments are highly important and must be attended for wound management. Failing to follow the post-surgical guidelines and attend your appointments is likely to adversely affect the outcome of your surgery and may put your health at risk.

£20 booking fee applies to all first time appointments and is redeemable against any treatment.