Before Surgery

Clinical photos are an essential part of your consultation. Those are used as part of your medical records and used for simulations of desired outcomes. The photoshop simulations are a good tool for communication and not a guarantee of results.

In complex cases with previous trauma or previous surgery we would arrange for a Cone Beam CTscan. If you are fit and well no other tests are required.

It is very normal to feel apprehensive at the thought of being put to sleep. We have worked with the same anaesthetic team for twenty years and we can guarantee that safety is their priority. We trust them even with our own children when they needed surgery. For most people, general anaesthesia is a very pleasant experience, and the modern drugs have fewer side effects.

No surgery is without risks. First, get ready emotionally as this isn’t just a physical but also an emotional journey that many patients can underestimate. Manage your expectations as surgery aims at improving the appearance and not at perfection. It is important that you take time to think which style of nose you wish and to be open and honest with us during the consultation.

The risk of infection is low under 1% and you will have prophylactic antibiotics. Bleeding occurs for the first few days, numbness, nasal congestion, altered sense of smell, persistent swelling and change over time, residual deviations/asymmetries, scar, pigment, redness, irregularities and sometimes the need for non-surgical treatment in the post-surgery phase.

The risk of needing a secondary procedure is between 4-8% depending on the complexity of the original surgery. It is important you understand risk as sometimes undesirable healing can lead to unsatisfactory outcome.

Skin conditioning to manage oiliness, inflammation, rosacea etc. We can recommend topical and systemic skin management.

If you suffer with any nasal allergies, it is worthwhile keeping them under control before, during and after surgery. Antihistaminic tablets a week before and a week after surgery are useful.

Aim for a low salt diet with plenty of antioxidants and proteins.

Stop any aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflamatories (neurofen, ibuprofen etc), supplements, vitamins, fish oils, garlic and arnica at least one week prior to surgery.

Discontinue all herbal supplements and herbal teas such as ginseng, echinacea one week before surgery. Discontinue omega 3 fish oils and ginger one week before surgery.

Plan and arrange for help at home during your recovery time.

Inform work you will be off for two weeks.

Do not proceed with surgery unless you are certain you understand all the risks and benefits.

Discontinue all medications which may affect clotting such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, neurofen…)

Discontinue all herbal supplements and herbal teas such as ginseng, echinacea and other herbal supplements. Avoid high doses of Vitamin E and avoid omega 3 fish oils, garlic and ginger.

Avoid all forms of nicotine/ alcohol consumption and sun exposure.

The hospital pre-assessment team will get in touch.

In preparation for the after surgery, you may buy the following:

1. Cooling Pads – prior to cast removal to be placed in the fridge (not freezer) and used daily during your recovery time to reduce puffiness and reduce discomfort. Click link cooling pads
2. Gel face mask – for use after cast removal for the purpose of aiding with lymphatic drainage. Click link gel face mask
3. Clinisept plus – procedure aftercare to facilitate the cleaning of the nostrils as required. Click link antiseptic spray
4. Gelositin spray – to moist the inside of the nose to prevent crustiness and dryness.   Click link Sesame seed oil spray
5. Octenisan face wash. Click link Octenisan

One week before surgery, you should discontinue all herbal supplements and herbal teas such as ginseng, echinacea and other herbal supplements. Avoid high doses of Vitamin E and avoid omega 3 fish oils, garlic, and ginger. Avoid arnica.

Use Octenisan antiseptic wash for pre-surgery face cleaning.

No make-up and wash your nose and face thoroughly. Remove any nail varnish.