When you book your appointment to discuss a rhinoplasty, you will be sent a Patient Information Form. Completing this and returning it prior to your appointment will streamline your appointment.
You should expect to spend about an hour with Dr Gavin Sandercoe. During this time he will take a thorough history and examination. Your main points of concern, and the quality & thickness of overlying tissue, will help plan which is the most appropriate surgical technique for you. Digital photographs are taken to assist with planning and explaining any asymmetries or limitations. Dr Sandercoe will then analyse your digital photographs to help provide you with a logical structural plan.
Dr Gavin Sandercoe is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with training and experience in many techniques of rhinoplasty. He does not favour one particular technique – instead, he will help you understand which procedure will best suit your nose and your recovery needs.
Dr Gavin Sandercoe will discuss what you wish to achieve from your procedure. The risks and expectations of the procedure are then discussed and you are given a take home information package to review before your second consultation.
You are offered a second consultation free of charge to give you the opportunity to ask more questions that may have arisen after reading your information package, and to confirm your aims and choices.
Dr Gavin Sandercoe only performs rhinoplasty in accredited hospitals and day surgeries, ensuring that your safety is paramount. Prior to your operation, you will have planning marks drawn on you and a digital photograph taken.
You are put to sleep by a specialist anaesthetist (general anaesthetic), and pain relief and antibiotics are given through a drip before the operation is started.
The procedure begins with addressing any airway or breathing issues. Any incisions required are made, and your nose is reshaped beginning from the top and working the way down to the tip. Cartilage grafts, if required, are usually taken from the nasal septum. Your nose is then closed up and splints are applied to the lining and exterior of your nose to hold the bones and cartilages in place whilst they heal.
Most rhinoplasty procedures are performed as an inpatient procedure, so you should expect to stay overnight in hospital. Many patients feel well enough to leave the morning after the operation, but there is no rush to get home if you do not feel up to it.
