Rhinoplasty is a nose reshaping procedure. People resort to rhinoplasty for reasons such as straightening the nose after an accident or injury, relieving breathing problems, or dissatisfaction with the look of their nose.
The procedure can shrink or enlarge your nose, change the shape of the tip of the nose, change the nasal hump and philtrum, or widen or narrow your nostrils. It can also correct deformities and respiratory problems, whether congenital or not.
If the reason for rhinoplasty is not health problems but aesthetic concerns, it would be better to wait for the nasal bone to grow completely. However, if surgery is preferred due to health problems such as shortness of breath, it can be performed at a younger age.
Who Is A Good Rhinoplasty Candidate?
Anyone who is unhappy with their nose's shape or how it changes as they age, has a physical post-traumatic abnormality, and has reasonable expectations, that is, who wants to improve their appearance rather than seem ideal, can benefit from rhinoplasty.
The most crucial thing is for the patient to discuss his or her desires with the physician. The process is started once the patient's expectations are met with what surgery can achieve. The procedure's goal is to create a nose that is both elegant and proportional to the rest of the face. A nose shape that appeals to one person may be unappealing to another.
The Risks of Rhinoplasty
In all surgeries, there are some risks, such as infection and bleeding. Breathing difficulties, nosebleeds, scars, and an unsymmetrical nose are among dangers of rhinoplasty surgery. You should have this treatment done in a reputable location so that you do not have any regrets afterward.
What should I do in the days leading up to the surgery?
Before undergoing rhinoplasty, the patient should consider the following:
- Before having rhinoplasty, the patient should consult with the surgeon to see if he or she is a good candidate. It's important to talk about why he wants the operation and what he expects to come out of it.
- The patient should arrive at the hospital on an empty stomach and not eat anything for at least six hours before to the procedure.
- Patients should quit smoking 15 days before the surgery. Nicotine causes blood arteries to tighten, delaying the delivery of oxygen and blood to the healing tissues. To get through the post-operative healing phase faster, it may be advantageous to quit smoking.
- Smoking after surgery can have a negative impact on the healing process.
- It is advised that the patient wears comfortable attire, such as wide-necked shirts or button-down shirts that do not touch the patient's nose when on or off.
- The patient should inform the surgeon whether or not she is on her period.
- If the patient has already had rhinoplasty, they should tell the surgeon.
- The procedure may be hindered by the flu, a cold, or other ailments. Because such respiratory disorders can cause complications during anesthesia, surgery should be postponed until the patient has recovered completely.
- Anticoagulants (aspirin, warfarin, etc.) and multivitamins containing vitamin E 10 should be discontinued prior to surgery. These medications cause the patient to bleed more because they slow the blood clotting process.
How Is A Rhinoplasty Performed?
Under local or general anesthesia, a rhinoplasty treatment takes about 1-2 hours. Closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty are the two methods for rhinoplasty.
Closed rhinoplasty is sufficient in cases where there is only minor deformity in the nose (for example, a slight hump). Open rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is required if the general shape of the nose needs to be altered in order to affect the tip of the nose. An incision is performed under the nose, in the middle of the nostrils, in the area known as the columella, to separate the skin, ligament, and bone in open rhinoplasty.
The most significant benefit of open rhinoplasty is that the surgeon has a better view of the nose and greater room for surgery. However, the recovery time will be greater compared to closed rhinoplasty because swelling and bruises will take longer to heal.
The surgeon makes incisions between or inside the nostrils while the patient is under the effect of anesthetic. The skin is separated from the cartilage or bone before the nose is reshaped.
Extra cartilage can be extracted from the depths of the ear or nose if extra cartilage is required for the new nose. If more is required, an implant or a bone graft (adding bone to the nose's bone) may be used.
Following the procedure, a plaster will be applied to your nose to keep the new shape. Stuffs or soft surgical polymers may be used to keep the septum -the bone within your nose that separates the two nostrils- straight while it heals.
What Is The Recovery Period Like?
- A plastic or metal splint may be placed on your nose to maintain the new shape of the nose while it heals after surgery.
- Medications used for surgery may have side effects such as memory loss, impaired judgment and slow response time. It may be helpful to have a companion with you on the day of the surgery.
- In the first 24 hours after surgery, your face may swell, you may feel discomfort in your nose or you may feel slightly dizzy, all of which can be relieved with medication.
- Bleeding may occur a few days after the operation. The drip pad, which is taped just under the nose, can therefore become dirty. The doctor will explain to you how often and how to change the drip pad.
- Try to keep your head upright and upright in bed for the first 24 hours after surgery, only get up to go to the toilet.
- Swelling and bruises around the eyes may become more evident after 2-3 days. In rare cases, this may take six months and mild swelling may last even longer. Applying cold compresses to reduce discoloration and swelling will help relieve discomfort.
- Most swelling and bruising will go away in a week or two and are barely noticeable. In about 1-3 months, there will be no more swelling or bruising.
- You may have a slight runny nose for the first few days after the surgery or you may feel like your nose is stuffy for the first few weeks.
- The surgeon will ask you not to blow your nose for a week or more, as the applied force can affect the healing of tissues. If inserted, the tampons will be removed after a few days and you will breathe much easier. After 1-2 weeks, all bandages and plasters will be removed.
- Actions to avoid for a few more weeks, apart from blowing your nose, are as follows:
Swimming, running, or high-impact sports activities
Excessive chewing and hard brushing, as the jaw muscles also affect the nose
Using too many gestures
Exposure to sunlight
Care after rhinoplasty is very important. You should definitely follow your doctor's advice.
When Will I Be Able to Return to My Regular Life?
Most patients can walk after rhinoplasty in 1-2 days and return to work or school as long as they are not physically challenged. For 2-3 weeks, avoid all strenuous activities such as running, swimming, gymnastics, sexual intercourse, and any other activity that may raise your blood pressure.
For the next 8 weeks, you should protect your nose from physical trauma, avoid rubbing it, and keep it out of the sun. When washing your face or applying makeup, use caution and gentleness.
Care Following Nose Aesthetics
You must be patient and cautious during the recovery period. Correct post-operative care is just as important as the surgery itself.
Please carry out all of the steps outlined below. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your surgeon.
1- Because of the tampons inside, you may be unable to breathe through your nose. You must breathe through your mouth until the object is removed. Your surgeon will determine when they must be removed.
2- It is critical to drink enough fluids. If you have a dry mouth, sipping fruit juice, water, or soft drinks can help. Please do not use a straw. Consume soft, easily chewable foods. To keep your lips from drying out, apply a moisturizing lipstick or cream.
3- Only take medications that have been prescribed by your surgeon. Aspirin, warfarin, and other anticoagulants should not be used.
4- If you have bandages or tampons, elevate your head with two pillows while sleeping or resting. Keep your head up as much as possible during the day to maintain normal blood circulation and to reduce any swelling or bruising that may occur following surgery.
5- A slightly runny nose with a pinkish hue is normal. Contact your surgeon if there is a lot of bleeding.
6- Your nose will be plastered after the operation. This will assist your nose in maintaining its new shape. The cast should not be touched or moved because it will be removed by the surgeon in a week.
7- If necessary, the small pad under the nose can be replaced. It can be discarded if there is no bleeding.
8- Do not touch your nostrils, do not blow your nose, and do not try to blow your nose. Keep your hands away from your nose at all times. Always keep your nose safe from physical harm. Put on button-down shirts. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight.
9- Brush your teeth gently with a soft toothbrush. Avoid puckering your lips and move your upper lip as little as possible.
10- For the first two weeks after surgery, avoid bending, heavy lifting, exercise, and strenuous activities.
11- For a month, avoid direct sunlight.
12- After the bandages are removed, you may notice some swelling or discoloration. Your nose tip may appear swollen and too steep at first, but this will improve over time.
13- You may experience numbness at the tip of your nose or upper lip for a few weeks.
14- After removing the tampons, clean your nose with a cotton swab and water 2-3 times per day. Avoid inserting the cotton swab too deeply into the nostrils.
15- Even after the tampons are removed, your nose may be stuffy. This is a normal part of the healing process. For a week, refrain from blowing your nose. If you need to sneeze, cough, or blow your nose, do so gently with your mouth open and your nostrils open. Use no nasal sprays or drops.
16- The sedative drugs used during the surgery may cause you to be sleepy during and after the procedure. You will begin to feel better after a day or two. You might have difficulty sleeping. Your surgeon may be able to prescribe you a medication to alleviate this issue.
18- If the surgeon approves, you can use make-up to conceal the discolorations and return to work after the bandages and plasters are removed.
19- Attend all of your post-operative appointments. The surgeon will be able to better track your recovery if you do this. To assess progress, the surgeon may request post-operative photographs of your nose. Check-ups are usually scheduled one week, one month, three months, or six months after surgery.
20. Try not to wear glasses for at least two months after the procedure. Glasses are only permitted to be worn while the cast is in place. Following the removal of the plaster, the glasses should be taped to the temples or forehead. The surgeon will show you how to do this.
FAQ
Will I have scars after rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty can be done either closed or open. The method to be used is determined by the problems in the nose and the desired outcome. Incisions are made on the lower part of the nose in the open technique, while incisions are made from the inside in the closed technique. As a result, while scarring is possible in open operations, it is not possible in closed operations.
Is there a minimum age for rhinoplasty surgery?
The nose must have completed its development before undergoing rhinoplasty surgery. There is no maximum age. This procedure is not performed on women under the age of 17 and on men under the age of 18.
How long does a rhinoplasty take?
It takes between 1-2 hours and 4 hours, depending on the technique.
Can rhinoplasty help with breathing issues?
Breathing problems during sleep, which have a negative impact on quality of life, are caused by nasal deformities or enlargement of the nasal concha. Breathing problems are eliminated as the structure of the nose wings is corrected with rhinoplasty.
Is rhinoplasty surgery uncomfortable?
Rhinoplasty was once a very painful procedure. However, with today's technology, the post-operative period is very comfortable. Slight pain may occur in the first few days following surgery, but it is treatable with pain relievers.
What factors influence the cost of rhinoplasty surgery?
The cost of the surgery varies depending on the technique used, the hospital chosen, the problems in the nose, and the materials used.
Will the aesthetic disorder reoccur after rhinoplasty surgery?
It is very important to follow the doctor's recommendations after rhinoplasty surgery. There is a possibility of reoccurrence of aesthetic disorders in patients who do not follow the doctor's instructions. However, if you do not neglect your post-operative care and follow the recommendations, this possibility will disappear.
