The nose is made up of a bony part - that is, the skull bones - and a cartilaginous part. As a central and prominent organ on our face with a main function for breathing and smelling, it is also an important aesthetic factor.
Rhinoplasty is designed to reshape the size and structure of the nose, and can be performed for aesthetic, medical or both reasons.
Who is Rhinoplasty surgery for?
During Rhinoplasty, many cosmetic changes can be made in the shape of the nose: changing the length of the nose, changing its width in relation to the face, correcting the profiled nose (profile), reshaping the width of the nostrils, creating a more symmetrical look.
Sometimes an even abnormal structure can lead to airway obstruction, which can manifest itself in, among other things, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Nasal alteration may help in some cases of this type, with or without concomitant nasal septal alignment (SMR) surgery.
Most often, the surgery is performed only after the complete development of the nasal structure is completed, which occurs around the ages of 14-16.
The course of the surgery
The initial incision can be made through the base of the nostrils ("open access") or from the nose ("closed access"). The methods of surgery vary considerably and depend to a large extent on the desired end result alongside the convenience considerations of the plastic surgeon.
For example, for the reduction of the nose, some of the nasal tissue is removed, including the cartilage and bone; In contrast, to enlarge the nose, "implants" will be taken from other parts of the body - for example, the cartilage of the ear or bone from the elbow - to "build" the nose.
The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia and lasts between an hour and a half to 3 hours.
Preparation before surgery
A medical evaluation with the plastic surgeon before the operation will allow you to better understand the course of the operation and coordinate your expectations regarding its results.
If the operation is performed under general anesthesia, an anesthesiologist must perform an evaluation before the operation. Patient should be in complete food fast mode as per the instructions of the medical staff.
Background illnesses, regular medications or any sensitivities should be reported to the physician.
Recovery after nose surgery
Typically, postoperative nasal dressing includes bandages to stop the bleeding inside the nose alongside a cast on it. A hospital supervised stay of a night or two is common practice. Patients can then be discharged back home with detailed instructions on how to continue the recovery process.
Difficulty breathing through the nose in the first week after surgery is common. There may be pain, swelling or redness around the area of surgery. Nasal blowing or strong sneezing should be avoided.
Return to physical activity should be done gradually and in accordance with the doctor's instructions.
Possible complications
After Rhinoplasty there may be a development of infection, discoloration or severe swelling in the area. There may be difficulty breathing that may improve over time. Additionally, there may be bleeding from the nose.
Occasionally there may be scarring in the area of surgery, a decrease in sensation or a change in the sense of smell. In rare cases, there may be a perforation of the nasal septum, which may require reoperation through surgery.
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