Rhinoplasty is derived from two Greek words ‘rhino/rhis meaning nose’ and ‘plassein/plasty meaning reshaping’ hence the term ‘Rhinoplasty’ applies to reshaping of the nose or nose job. Rhinoplasty is also one of the commonly performed cosmetic procedures. So if you are unhappy with the way your nose looks or are affected with certain medical conditions which require reshaping of the nose, then rhinoplasty could be the choice of treatment for you.
When is a rhinoplasty procedure indicated ?
Rhinoplasty is indicated primarily in two scenarios, one could be due to some diseases affecting the nose thereby deforming its shape and the other could be for pure cosmetic needs. To elaborate a rhinoplasty procedure is indicated for the below mentioned conditions.
- Congenital defect like cleft palate leading to deformities of nose
- Hereditary and familial conditions affecting the shape and size of the nose
- Obstructive/difficulty in breathing
- Trauma or injury to the nose
- To correct a large or a small nose/ reshaping of the nose
- To correct or reshape the tip of the nose
What are the contraindications of a rhinoplasty procedure ?
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure and hence it is advised to the patient to have realistic expectations. The procedure primarily helps in reshaping of the nose hence major changes if desired are difficult to achieve with a rhinoplasty procedure. A short list of the potential contra indications of a rhinoplasty are mentioned below.
- Unrealistic patient expectations
- Failed previous rhinoplasty procedures
- History of mental diseases (schizophrenia, epilepsy etc.)
- History of nasal cocaine consumption
How do you prepare for a rhinoplasty procedure ?
A rhinoplasty procedure is a cosmetic procedure which required skilled precision and expertise to analyse the details of the nose and where the corrections need to be made. Once you have identified a cosmetic surgeon it is essential to have a detailed conversation to decide if rhinoplasty is a suitable procedure for your needs.
The cosmetic surgeon will conduct a routine physical examination inclusive of clinical examination and examination of your overall health. The preoperative examination includes radiographs and photographs of your face and profile to help in determining the extent to which the nose can be reshaped. The surgeon might use a software to analyse your facial profile to see how your nose will look like after the rhinoplasty is performed. Apart from photographs a thorough discussion with your operating surgeon about your expectations from the procedures is much advised as the surgery will lead to a change in your overall facial appearance, and hence if any doubts or confusions regarding the treatment concern you, they should be discussed in detail with your operating surgeon.
Does a rhinoplasty procedure require administration of anaesthesia?
Yes, the rhinoplasty procedure is performed under the influence of anaesthesia. Most of the procedures are performed under local anaesthesia and mild sedation (your doctor will administer medicines to relax, calm and mildly sedate you during the procedure).
What are the types of rhinoplasty procedures?
Rhinoplasty is primarily categorised depending upon the surgical approach.
- Closed Rhinoplasty: This is the most common approach where the incisions are made inside the nostrils and are not visible postoperatively. This approach is also referred to as the Endonasal rhinoplasty.
- Open Rhinoplasty: This approach also resembles the closed approach, the difference in the incisions which are given at the base of the nostrils for additional exposure of the nasal tissue for correction. Scars are more visible after this approach.
Depending upon the desired increase and decrease in the size of the nose, rhinoplasty can be of two types.
- Reduction rhinoplasty procedure: As the name suggests, this procedure is used for patients who have a larger nose and want to get the size of the nose reduced. The approach used could be a closed or an open approach for reshaping of the nose.
- Augmentation rhinoplasty procedure: This procedure involves the enhancement of a smaller nose. The approach used could be closed or an open approach depending upon the desired results. Since this is an augmentation procedure, your operating surgeon might use a bone or a cartilage graft to augment the size of your nose. Ideally a graft from your own bone or cartilage is preferred as the risk of infections and graft rejection are lower. If an autograft cannot be obtained, the operating surgeon might use artificial graft material. Ask your operating surgeon about the artificial graft material if it is indicated for you.
What happens during a rhinoplasty procedure ?
After the administration and advent of anaesthesia the surgeon will give the desired incision depending upon the type of approach, either closed or open. Depending upon the desired shape, the bone and the cartilage could either be augmented or reduced. Once the reshaping is done the operating surgeon might place a cast, or a bandage to maintain the reformed shape of the nose. Occasionally dressings are also place inside the nostrils to help in healing of the surgical wound and control any bleeders postoperatively.
How long does a rhinoplasty procedure take?
A rhinoplasty procedure ideally takes about 2-3 hours, but can take longer depending upon the extent of reshaping required.
When is the patient discharged after a rhinoplasty procedure?
Rhinoplasty procedure is mostly done as an outpatient procedure; the patient is mostly discharged on the same day of the procedure. Sometimes, the doctor might ask the patient to stay in the hospital overnight in case of major rhinoplasty procedure.
What are the necessary precautions to be taken after a rhinoplasty procedure ?
Below mentioned precautions should be taken to reduce the complications and fasten the recovery after a rhinoplasty procedure.
- Do not make serious facial expressions to avoid any strain at the surgical site
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Avoid breathing heavily through the nose
- Avoid placing any foreign objects in the surgical area
- Avoid excessive contact of the surgical site with water, take bath instead of shower
- Gently brush your teeth
- Don’t wear clothes that have to be worn and removed via your head as it may harm the surgical site
- Avoid any strenuous exercise
What are the complications associated with a rhinoplasty procedure ?
Like any other surgical procedure, the complications can be related to the anaesthesia administered, such as nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. The complications related to the procedure itself could be bleeding, clot formation, infection, perforation of the nasal septum, unsatisfactory results in appearance of the nose after the surgery, difficulty in breathing and nasal blockage. In case of any of the above mentioned complications, consult your treating doctor immediately.
What are the benefits of a rhinoplasty procedure ?
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic enhancement procedure hence a successful procedure results in improvement in the aesthetic appearance thereby improving the confidence of the individual. In cases when rhinoplasty is performed for medical reasons they help restoring the normal functions of the nose.
How long is the recovery period after a rhinoplasty procedure ?
The recovery period varies from months to about a year or more depending on the extent and type of the surgical procedure.
Can a rhinoplasty procedure be repeated ?
Yes, a rhinoplasty procedure can be repeated after certain span of time in case if desired results are not attained with the previous procedure. Ask you consulting surgeon if you want to get a rhinoplasty procedure repeated.
What is the outcome of a rhinoplasty procedure ?
Rhinoplasty procedure primarily aims at the reshaping the form of the nose to improve the aesthetic appearance and functionality of the nose. The operating surgeons are practically the sculptors who help you in achieving the desired shape of your nose with the help of advanced evaluation and surgical techniques. A thorough discussion with your plastic surgeon is thereby one of the most important steps that determine the success rates of a rhinoplasty procedure. A skilled surgeon and a patient with realistic expectations greatly influence the success of a rhinoplasty procedure.
How to find cosmetic surgeons for rhinoplasty procedure ?
Now you can find cosmetic surgeons for rhinoplasty procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple cosmetic surgeons, cost estimates for rhinoplasty procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a cosmetic surgeon for rhinoplasty procedure.
Find and choose a cosmetic surgeon for rhinoplasty procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
