Rhinoplasty
Preoperative Phase with Dr. Tolga Aksan
Consultation and Evaluation:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: Dr. Aksan reviews the patient’s medical history, including any nasal obstructions, previous surgeries, and current medications.
- Discussion of Aesthetic and Functional Goals: Dr. Aksan discusses the patient’s goals for reshaping the nose, addressing both aesthetic concerns and functional issues like breathing difficulties.
- Physical Assessment and Imaging: Examination of the internal and external structure of the nose. Imaging technology may be used to visualize the expected outcomes.
Preoperative Tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): To check for anemia, infection, and other blood-related issues.
- Coagulation Profile: Including PT (Prothrombin Time) and aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time) to assess blood clotting.
- Electrolyte Panel: To check the balance of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in your body.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine: To assess kidney function.
- Liver Function Tests: To evaluate the health of your liver.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: To check for diabetes or pre-diabetes conditions.
- Lipid Profile: To assess cholesterol levels.
- Urine Analysis: To detect any urinary tract infections or kidney issues.
- Pregnancy Test (if applicable): To rule out pregnancy before the surgery.
- EKG (Electrocardiogram): Especially for patients over 40 years or with cardiac risk factors, to check heart function.
- Chest X-Ray: To evaluate lung health and rule out respiratory issues.
- Hemoglobin A1C: For patients with diabetes, to assess blood sugar control over the last three months.
- HIV and Hepatitis Panel: Depending on the clinic’s policy and patient’s risk factors.
- COVID-19 Test: Depending on current health guidelines and policies.
Planning and Marking:
- Dr. Aksan may mark the nose to outline the planned changes. Computer imaging can be used to show the expected results.
Surgical Procedure by Dr. Tolga Aksan
Anesthesia:
- Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Incision:
- Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scars.
- Open Rhinoplasty: An additional small incision is made across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils) for more extensive restructuring.
Reshaping the Nose:
- Size Alterations: Reduction or augmentation of the nasal structures using cartilage grafts, often taken from the septum.
- Refining the Nasal Tip: Reshaping and refining the tip for better definition.
- Straightening and Removing Humps: Correcting deviations and removing humps on the nasal bridge.
- Improving Nasal Function: Addressing any internal obstructions to improve breathing.
Closing the Incisions:
- Incisions are meticulously closed. If an open technique is used, the incision on the columella is carefully sutured to minimize scarring.
Postoperative Care by Dr. Tolga Aksan's Team
Immediate Recovery:
- Patients spend time in the recovery area, with monitoring of vital signs. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common.
Postoperative Instructions:
- Care instructions for the nasal area, pain management, and activities to avoid.
- Nasal splint or packing is often used to support the new shape during the initial healing.
Follow-up Visits:
- Scheduled with Dr. Aksan to remove any splints or sutures and to monitor the healing process.
Long-Term Care and Results:
- Final results may take up to a year to fully manifest as the swelling subsides and the nasal tissues settle.
- Regular check-ups may be recommended to ensure optimal healing.
Key Considerations
- Customization: Each rhinoplasty is tailored to the patient’s unique facial structure and aesthetic goals.
- Recovery Expectations: Initial recovery may take a few weeks, with restrictions on certain activities to ensure proper healing.
- Risks and Safety: Dr. Aksan discusses potential risks such as bleeding, infection, or the need for revision surgery.
Dr. Aksan’s expertise in rhinoplasty ensures that each procedure is carefully planned and executed, with a focus on achieving natural-looking results while improving nasal function. He provides comprehensive care throughout the entire process, from initial consultation to postoperative follow-ups.
