6 Things You Need to Know Before Considering a Nose Job Overseas

May 13, 2016 | 2. Blog

Rhinoplasty surgery is one of the most technically difficult cosmetic surgery procedures that there is. Before undergoing surgery, it is important that you understand the recovery process and limitations you may experience after having a Rhinoplasty. Due to the technicality of this procedure, we only offer highly experienced Rhinoplasty specialist Surgeons who have the advanced skills and expertise to produce a superior outcome.

1. What is Rhinoplasty?

A Rhinoplasty is the surgical term for Nose Correction surgery or more commonly a ‘Nose Job’. The surgical procedure involves an experienced Plastic Surgeon reshaping the nose for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. This procedure is popular with both men and women as it can improve the shape, size and appearance of your nose. Making these changes can result in an overall change in the definition of your face. To achieve this, your Surgeon may reshape your nose to be smaller or more refined, removing a hump from the bridge, altering the tip, lowering the dorsum or bridge of the nose or reducing your nostril flare (alar reduction).

Rhinoplasty can also assist with breathing for people with congenital abnormalities or suffered trauma to the nose. Your Surgeon may recommend performing either Open or Closed Rhinoplasty – See here for more information.

2. What to Expect Straight After Surgery

Swelling and Bruising – Your entire face will feel puffy and your eyes can end up black and bruised like you have gone a few rounds with Mike Tyson. You can expect significant swelling for several days post surgery. The severity will vary and some patients will have more bruising and swelling than others. If you have surgery in Bangkok laser showers are available post surgery at our clinic next to AETAS Hotel and AETAS Residence to assist with reducing the swelling and bruising. You can book this while you are there if you would like one.

Bandages – Typically, you will have a splint and your nose will be bandaged with both nostrils blocked. This will be removed by your surgeon after several days. Each Rhinoplasty client is different so some may have internal splints and some only external. Pain medication will be administered by your doctor as required to ensure you aren’t in a significant amount of discomfort.

Nasal Congestion – You will be congested and have quite severe nasal stuffiness which can make eating quite unpleasant. Smoothies and soups are a great option during this time to avoid any unnecessary frustration or pain. Ensure that any food you do eat IS NOT SPICY. Congestion will improve once the split in the nose has been removed. It is very important you do not blow your nose or sniff too much during this time and continue with regular saline solution washes as recommended by your Surgeon. Rhinoplasty after care is very specific, so make sure you write down exactly what you need to do to ensure best results.

Loss of Sensation – Numbness in the tip of the nose to the upper lip and mouth after rhinoplasty is common as the procedure can disrupt the nerves closest to your nose. You may also experience numbness in your cheeks and forehead however this normally returns after the swelling subsides.

Pain and Discomfort – Each patient will experience a different level of pain and discomfort post surgery. Typically a mild to moderate level of pain may be present, however, this can be controlled with pain medication prescribed by your Surgeon. Keeping your head elevated and using ice packs around the area can assist with relieving pain and discomfort.

3. Recovery

Everyone heals at different rates and it is important to be patient during your recovery period and know your limitations. Rhinoplasty surgery takes the longest to heal. Usually you heal around 80% in the first 6-8 months and final refinements become visible from 12 months onwards, so you need to be patient and continue with your manipulation and pressing exercises recommended by your Surgeon post surgery – they do make a huge difference to your outcome!

Listed below are the most important things you will need to avoid doing during your recovery period.

Blow your nose for at least 6 weeks
Resume Exercising before 2 weeks
Go swimming for at least 4 weeks – Strictly NO DIVING
Wear sunglasses until at least 6 weeks post surgery
Expose your nose to the sun unprotected for at least 6 months
Drink alcohol or smoke for at least 4 weeks post surgery (If possible do not resume smoking at all!!)
Exercise immediately post surgery – Generally, you can resume your usual exercise routine around 2 – 4 weeks after surgery. Don’t do anything that might increase nasal swelling so avoid having your head lower than your heart.

4. Recovering Back Home in Australia

Depending on the nature of your surgery, some will be more capable than others of returning to their work routine within 1-2 week of returning home from Thailand.

During this time it is important to not push yourself and avoid any strenuous activities that may cause pain or damage your nose. You will be required to stay in Thailand for a minimum of 10 nights.

5. Rhinoplasty Results

It will take a minimum of 12 months for the swelling to go down and to see the true results of Rhinoplasty surgery. After 6-8 months the swelling will be less noticeable and during this time you will notice the most changes in the appearance of your nose. It will become more defined and swelling will continue to decrease. Some people have more bruising than others and this can generally last up to 2 weeks. In some cases where complex surgery is required, it can be up to 24 months to see final results. Patience is key with a Rhinoplasty!

It is a good idea to take progress images of your nose each month to monitor your recovery and watch the changes appearing in your nose. You can view some of our past client Rhinoplasty results on our website and you will see the progressive changes occurring in their face and nose post surgery.

6. Which Surgeon in Thailand specialises in Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Dr. Montien Lueprapai is Thailand’s most sought after Surgeon for Nose correction surgery (Rhinoplasty). This incredibly talented Surgeon has performed hundreds of surgeries and produced remarkable results for our clients. He is known for his knowledge and high class skills as well as his kind and caring nature towards his patients.

Dr. Montien’s background in Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, focused primarily on Rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction, which has gained him the experience and status of a world class Surgeon. He has spent years studying and training in the field of Plastic Surgery in America and Thailand and continues to advance his already impressive skills whenever the opportunity arises.

He is commonly known for completing the outstanding results for our client Rhiannon Langley in 2015. Rhiannon shared her entire surgical experience in Thailand via a series of video blogs… Her results will astonish you!!

For further information about Rhinoplasty watch Rhiannon Langley’s Vlogs with her Day to Day experience –>