Why rhinoplasty is done?
Rhinoplasty, or nose job, is a type of plastic surgery that helps change the size and shape of the nose. People have rhinoplasty surgery to improve the shape of the nose, which gives a good facial arrangement.
Some people undergo surgery to improve nasal and breathing functions. The nose is categorised into the upper and lower part. The upper part is the bone, and the lower part is the cartilage.
The surgery helps change skin, bone and cartilage. The surgeon will recommend changes and will develop a personal plan.
How to prepare for the surgery?
Like other surgeries, you have to prepare for the surgery. To know more about it, talk to your surgeon about the surgery and how it will work for you. Follow these points while preparing for the surgery.
Medical history
All kinds of surgeries will require medical history. It will enquire about nasal blockages, medicines taken for nasal blockage or any kind of surgery performed in your nose.
The surgeon will also ask for any bleeding disorder like haemophilia, and if you have the condition, you may not be eligible for the surgery.
Physical examination
Physical examination is important for the surgery. The facial features will be seen, and how changes will reflect in your face will also be analysed.
The strength of the cartilage and thickness of the skin will also be analysed before the surgery. A physical exam is important as it will determine how the surgery will affect your breathing.
Photographs
The photographs are important to analyse the before and after surgery. Photographs of the nose will be taken at different angles and will be compared before and after. The photographs will also help to focus on the goals of the surgery.
Discussion of expectation
Discuss with your surgeon about the expectations of the surgery. The surgeon will explain what the surgery can do and help you give an overview of the results.
Rhinoplasty surgery will focus on the nose, but looking at the overall proportion of the face is important to have good results. If you have a smaller chin, the surgeon will recommend you build up your chin. A smaller chin will give the illusion of a large nose. It will help build a better facial profile.
Different approaches to rhinoplasty
There are two different approaches to rhinoplasty surgery.
Open
Open rhinoplasty surgery is for major nose reshaping. The incision will be made to differentiate the skin of the nose from the cartilage and the nose. This will help the surgeon look at the anatomy of the nose properly.
Closed
Closed rhinoplasty surgery is a minor reshaping surgery. The incision will be made within the nose, and the skin of the nose will be separated from the cartilage and bone to reshape it.
Other types of rhinoplasty surgery are
Cosmetic rhinoplasty
This helps improve the appearance of the face and nose.
Functional rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty helps restore functions of the nose after a disease, traumatic injury or cancer treatment. It is also called as reconstructive surgery and helps correct congenital deviates and a deviated septum.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a cosmetic rhinoplasty. It uses fillers to fill irregularities and gaps in the nose temporarily. It can help correct a small nasal bump or lift a droopy nasal tip.
Secondary rhinoplasty
Secondary rhinoplasty is a kind of follow-up after the initial surgery. It helps correct or revise any problems after the first rhinoplasty surgery.
Procedure for the rhinoplasty surgery
You will meet the surgeon and get an initial consultation with your surgeon. You can also ask any doubts, and the healthcare professional will examine your face and then photographs will be taken to see the outcome later.
During the surgery
The surgery procedure
- The surgeon will make an incision on the inside of the nostril or on the base of the nostril, depending on the requirement.
- The skin covering the cartilage or the bone will be raised.
- The bone or the cartilage will be corrected by rearranging, and the skin covering will be replaced.
- Small stitches will be made to secure the skin in place.
The surgery may take 1-3 hours. After the surgery, you can go home on the same day. General anaesthesia, local anaesthesia or intravenous sedation will be given before the surgery. So, it is better to have someone drive you home after the surgery.
After the surgery
After the surgery, a small splint made of plastic will be given to wear for a week. This will reduce swelling and maintains the shape of the nose while healing. The splint should be worn for two weeks.
A cotton gauze will be placed inside the nose, and after 24-48 hours of surgery, the cotton gauze can be removed.
Swelling and bruising are common after the surgery around the eyes and nose. It will take weeks to resolve. In some cases, mild facial swelling will also be seen.
After the procedure, you might experience pain so the surgeon will administer a long-acting numbing agent. You will have minimal pain, and the pain will gradually reduce as days pass.
After 4-6 weeks of surgery, your nose will still be swollen. You will have a feeling of the nose being bigger than normal. Additionally, there might be colour changes or bruising around the skin of the nose.
After three months of surgery, swelling decreases gradually.
However, each person can heal in a different way. Some might see their results within 6 months, and others can take one year for the swelling to settle fully. You cannot see the results until the swelling settles completely.
Advantages and risks of rhinoplasty
The advantages of rhinoplasty surgery are
- Improves facial appearance.
- Helps change the size and shape of the nose.
- Improves breathing.
- Helps correct any structural abnormalities of the nose, like deviated sputum.
Risk of Rhinoplasty surgery
All surgical procedures will have a certain degree of risk. Potential complications include
- Pain
- Scarring
- Infections
- Additional surgery
- Alteration in the sense of smell
- Skin discolouration
- Poor wound healing
- Nosebleeds
- Hole in the nasal septum
- Unsatisfactory appearance
Results of rhinoplasty
The results of the rhinoplasty surgery will be visible as early as a week after surgery. Sometimes, to heal from the surgery it can take up to a year. Facial swelling is a sign of healing.
When should you consult your doctor?
After the rhinoplasty surgery, follow-ups are more important. Consult your health care professional if you have these symptoms.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Uncontrolled nose bleeds
- Severe pain
- Signs of infections
- Difficulty breathing
Conclusion
Rhinoplasty surgery is a type of cosmetic plastic surgery. It is opted for by people who want to correct their facial appearance or have difficulty breathing.
However, the surgery can help only to an extent, and it is important to have realistic expectations. So before opting for the surgery, talk to your surgeon.
