Nose surgery – or rhinoplasty – can create a more attractive, balanced appearance by improving the proportion of the nose in relation to the other features of the face.
The nose may be reduced or increased in size, have a hump removed or the shape of tip or bridge changed.
Nose surgery, performed to correct impaired breathing caused by structural abnormalities, previous trauma or functional problems is called septoplasty.
How is a rhinoplasty procedure performed?
Rhinoplasty is typically performed either using an open or closed procedure depending on the requirements of each patient.
It is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under general anaesthetic or a local anaesthetic with sedation.
An open rhinoplasty involves making an incision at the base of the columella, which is the strip of tissue and skin that separates the nostrils. The surgeon then lifts the nasal skin carefully back in order to rebuild and reconstruct the cartilage and other tissues inside the nose.
Closed rhinoplasty involves incisions being made inside the nostrils. It is considered to be less invasive than the open technique and the main advantage of the closed rhinoplasty technique is that there is no visible scarring after surgery.
Typical timeline for a rhinoplasty procedure:
- Open rhinoplasty surgery is a one to four hour procedure. Closed rhinoplasty is less invasive and generally takes less time.
- There will be post –op swelling and bruising. You will have a splint in place. Breathing will remain difficult as you may have packs insitu for a while postop. Sleep upright on pillows for as long as you can.
- Splint is generally on for one week. Bruising usually lasts for a one to two weeks, however swelling of the nose can last anywhere from weeks to months. Most swelling subsides in few weeks but the final result will not be revealed for a few months.
- You will need at least two weeks off work to make a full recovery.
- The procedure is generally not too painful.
- Regular check – ups will occur following the procedure
Surgery is not an exact science, and results cannot always be anticipated. Despite the best efforts of a good surgeon, complications may still occur.
Revision rhinoplasty, which is also referred to as secondary rhinoplasty, is surgery that involves making corrections to previous nose surgery. It is necessary for approximately five to 12 percent of those who undergo rhinoplasty, with some only requiring minor changes and others requiring major modifications.
Revision rhinoplasty is considered to be one of the most difficult forms of cosmetic surgery to perform because it requires correcting mistakes, dealing with scarred tissues while facing the same obstacles that led to undesirable results after the first surgery.
There are many reasons patients may require revision rhinoplasty. Usually it is because a result of original surgery has not held up or been maintained such as correction of a crooked deviated septum which gradually recurs over time due to the nature of cartilage retaining a skin memory and wanting to return to its original position or because newer techniques – which are being pioneered all the time could offer a better result.