Dr. Cerqueiro offers a complete choice of surgery for the refinement of the nose, as well as the restoration of nasal function with an emphasis in treating each nose individually.

Nose plastic surgery is performed in the hospital. Surgery may take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.

During surgery Dr. Cerqueiro will correct functional problems of your nose as well as the aesthetic appearance. Our philosophy is that the nose not only must look wonderful, but must work also, avoiding the common post-rhinoplasty functional problems.

Each individual rhinoplasty is different. The goals of the teenager seeking nasal improvement may be very different than that of the 40 year old seeking the same procedure. In particular, the nature of the skin envelope and anatomy is entirely different from patient to patient.

In order to reach the best possible result, Dr. Cerqueiro will spend considerable time with you to help you define the aesthetic goals of the surgery. Dr. Cerqueiro will use computer imaging to help visualise the proposed changes and above all to establish if your expectations can be met.

If used wrongly computer imaging has the potential risk of convincing you to undergo surgery without addressing your individual anatomy, as the computer does not consider your skin type and other individual factors. Dr. Cerqueiro will use the computer while explaining its possible limitations to you.

The aim of the consultation (with or without computer assistance) is for you and the surgeon to determine common and realistic objectives in the shape of the nose, even before surgery is contemplated.

Bleeding: Despite the fact that the nose is a very bloody organ serious bleeding is very rare. To reduce bleeding; sit up, put a gauze bit across the nose; don’t take aspirin; keep calm. Occasionally late bleeding can occur about 10 days after your operation. Infection is very rare. Antibiotics are only needed if you have a graft or an implant.

Infección: Very rare too. Antibiotics are needed only if in the rhinoplasty is used a graft or an implant.

Scarring: Scars heal very well on the nose. Marks from the stitches occasionally occur. Incisions on the inside of the nose take a minimum of nine months to soften and mature.

Numbness of the tip: More common with the open procedure. The sensation may not return back to normal.

‘Runny nose’ or ‘Rhinitis’: About 1 in 5 patients get a transient runny nose after surgery. This usually returns to normal but very occasionally drops are required to dry the nose.

Pain: This is not common. Mostly there is discomfort of a blocked nose, similar to a bad cold.

Altered breathing: Changes produced by rhinoplasty may interfere with the normal passage of air though the nose. As swelling disappears air passage improves. Occasionally secondary surgery may be required.

Long term healing: Subsequent alterations in nasal appearance may occur over several years. This may be from long term scar maturing, thinning of the skin due to sun damage or ageing.

Unhappy with the result: This is the main complication but fortunately rare. The preoperative discussions and morphing on the computer between doctor and patient are important in order to establish a common goal to achieve. Dr. Cerqueiro likes to discuss and show you what he will try to achieve and what the limitations are. Success depends upon achieving your expectations which should be balanced by at least two preoperative discussions.

Technical imperfection: Less than 1 in 20 operations require a small secondary adjustment usually under local anaesthetic.

Anaesthesia: As in all of our procedures, the anesthetist is a fully qualified specialist physician. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia. General anaesthesia is preferred by many surgeons and anaesthetists to ensure the maintenance of your airway and your safety. Occasionally IV sedation and regional anaesthesia may be considered preferable.

Convalescence: Your “down” time may vary according to the complexity of the operation and your goals. Bruising may also vary, but is almost totally gone by 10-12 days after surgery. If still present at that time, you may apply a light cover-up makeup to conceal any remnant of the discoloration.

You must avoid taking aspirin or aspirin containing medications two weeks before and after surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. We ask that you refrain from exercise for 3-4 weeks after surgery. Strenuous activities such as running should be avoided for at least 1 month after surgery.