Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that involves reshaping of the nose. It can be done for therapeutic purposes, like fixing congenital deformities of the nose or enhancing breathing. It can also be done to improve the shape of the nose either by changing its shape, reducing its size or making it larger. The origin of rhinoplasty goes back in ancient history. The first reported Rhinoplasty was in 800 BC.
Deciding to Undergo the Operation
It’s crucial to determine if you are suitable for Rhinoplasty beforehand, before deciding to do the surgery. You have to be thirteen years of age or older, have a complete facial growth, and be physically healthy. Also, consultation sessions should be done between our plastic surgeons and you. During these sessions, the doctor discusses with you about your expectations of the operation outcomes, any known medical conditions, and whether you smoke or not. In addition, prior physical examinations of the nose and laboratory tests are important.
Things to do before the Surgery
Certain measures should be taken before the surgery in order to ensure that the operation goes smoothly. For example, it may be important to stop taking some medicines like Aspirin and Ibuprofen, since these medications can increase bleeding. Also, you should stop smoking at least two weeks before and after the surgery, since smoking can slow the afterward healing process and cause infection.
Anesthesia During the Surgery
Usually, a general anesthesia is applied during Rhinoplasty. However, sometimes a local anesthesia is applied. Local anesthesia has fewer side effects, but not all patients are comfortable with the sound of the surgeon breaking their bones.
The Operation Steps
The operation starts by making a small internal or external cut in the nose in order to reach the bone and cartilage. If the goal of the surgery is to make the nose smaller, then some of the bones and cartilages are removed. If the goal is to add volume to the nose, then filler is inserted to the nose. After that, the incisions are usually closed using dissolvable stiches and a splint is applied on the nose to prevent bones from healing in the wrong way and it also reduces swelling. Although this is a general method, we should tailor the surgery to individual needs.
What May Happen after the Surgery?
After the surgery, the general anesthesia may take time to wear off, which will affect your ability to coordinate. That’s why you must not drive for 24 hours after the surgery. Also, it’s common that you will feel that your nose is blocked and breaths from the mouth. Your face may also be swollen due to the incision. The swelling can lessen with cold compresses. In addition, if you feel any pain, the doctor could prescribe some painkillers.
What to do after the Surgery?
The bandages are removed after about a week. During that time, you should be aware of some measures that would speed recovery and prevent any unwanted complications. The patient is advised to sleep on his back while keeping his head in a raised position using an extra pillow, avoid doing excessive exercises, and be careful not to block the sneeze or blow his nose for a week. Also, it’s important to keep the splint on the nose dry. Dusty places should be avoided to prevent infection.
What Results to Expect from Rhinoplasty?
It’s important to keep in mind that rhinoplasty results are not instant. A week should elapse before the splint can be removed and it takes almost one month for the swelling to subside. Even after that time, a little inflammation will remain and it may take months to completely disappear. You will notice that the nose is changing slowly till it reaches the desired new shape.