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Our anaesthetic of choice
The Nose Clinic uses the computer controlled *WAND™ system, a safe and pain-free local anaesthetic or conscious sedation procedure that prevents the debilitating side-effects of general anaesthesia. This system of conscious sedation for rhinoplasty was pioneered and perfected by our specialist team, and is internationally accepted. This technique will enhance your comfort (most patients doze off during surgery), optimise your wellbeing (it's considerably less risky than general anaesthetic), and shorten your healing time (it causes less bruising and swelling).
Our surgical procedure
The Nose Clinic uses an 'open' or 'closed' approach, depending on your needs and the specific procedure. The 'closed' approach is ideal for simple procedures; surgery is executed through the nostrils - intra-nasally. The 'open' approach is appropriate for more complex procedures. Starting with a tiny incision (to conceal scarring) at the base of the columella (the pillar
between the nostrils), we partially lift the skin over the nose to obtain a clear view of the nose's inner architecture.
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We then pare and shape the concealed bone and cartilage to create the desired improvement. After surgery, the tiny incision on the columella is sutured, and the result is virtually undetectable. The procedure takes three to six hours, and the anaesthetist and specialist theatre sister assist the surgeon throughout.
Our post-operative care
Immediately after surgery, you will be taken to a quiet recovery room, and you will be discharged only when you are ready to go home. Subsequently, the Nose Clinic will assess your progress through regular consultations. Minor bruising and slight discoloration under the eyes will probably disappear within five to 10 days, and your nose may feel uncomfortable until we remove the tiny sutures on the six or seventh day. After this it may feel a little 'tight' as a result of the healing process.
Our approach to surgical dressing
During the immediate post-operative phase, we usually brace the nose and nasal bones with external splints and dressing, but we rarely need to use internal nasal splints and packing.
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If your nose requires packing and splints, we usually remove them within 24 hours.
Our results
The results of rhinoplasty far exceed the minor discomfort involved in the surgery and post-surgery healing. There may be swelling, particularly in the lower third of the nose, but this will be largely invisible and linked to minor local asymmetry in skin thickness. Although it may take up to 12 months to disappear fully, it will be almost unnoticeable. Some patients use makeup to conceal the initial swelling and discoloration around the eyes and nose, which takes about five to 10 days to clear. After this, we offer several post-operative consultations to monitor your progress, usually at three to six months and then again after 12 months. The costs of these consultations are included in the total fee.
The magic moment
Six or seven days after surgery, we remove the external splint and dressing, revealing the first glimpse of the result. This is a truly exciting moment for both the patient and the surgeon.
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Surgical dressing
Although we brace the nose and the nasal bones with external splints and dressing during the immediate post-operative phase, we rarely use internal nasal splints and packing. If your nose requires packing and splints, they are usually removed within 24 hours.
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Packing removal
Six or seven days after surgery, we remove the external splint and dressing, revealing the first glimpse of the result - an exciting moment for you and the surgeon.
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