What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a kind of nose surgery that is done to change the nose shape for appearance and breath improvement. Rhinoplasty can change all parts of the nose including bone, cartilage, and skin. The part of change is identified by the surgeon who can recognize it’s appropriate. This portion can be one of the above-mentioned parts or all three of them. If rhinoplasty is done to correct breathing problems, it has a medical reason. However, if it is done to change nose shape and appearance, it has cosmetic reasons. If there is a cosmetic reason behind rhinoplasty, you should wait for your nasal bone to get fully grown. For medical reasons, it can be done at a younger age.
Factors that your surgeon considers to decide about portion are facial features, nose skin and also what you like. Thus, rhinoplasty can change nose size, shape, symmetry, hump, depression on the bridge, enlarge or droopy tip, wide or large nostrils or proportions. It can be done for injury deformities, birth defects or breathing difficulties. It can be completed as either an open or closed procedure which depends on what you decide on with the surgeon. The farmer will put a very fine scare across columella and the latter may not result in any external incision. Closed rhinoplasty might not be an option for everybody.
How is Rhinoplasty Different from Septoplasty?
Septoplasty refers to a surgical procedure that concerns the functional cases within the nose. Functional concerns include deviated septum and correcting a crooked. Deviated septum may be congenital or the result of the previous nasal injury. When you have suffered physical trauma that impacts your breathability, or difficulty breathing, you may be a candidate for a septoplasty to put right deviated septum and improve your ability to breath. As rhinoplasty, septoplasty can also be performed as close or open rhinoplasty and the option depends on the complexity of septal deviation. In closed septoplasty, a small incision is made in the inner lining to provide access to the cartilage and septum bone. Then, depending on the cases, parts of the septum may be removed, repositioned and trimmed or reconstructed with grafts.
That you decide to have rhinoplasty and septoplasty depends on your problem. Sometimes your surgeon may recognize to do both types of nose surgery on your nose. As an example, if you have an obvious crooked nose and also a deviated septum which impacts your breath, you may be candidate to have septoplasty and rhinoplasty to correct both functional and aesthetic concerns.
How Is Rhinoplasty Done?
It has different techniques depending on the desired results. It is performed under general anesthesia and may be integrated with another form for cosmetic surgery such as brow lift, facelift or liposuction. The typical one usually takes between 30 minutes to 3 hours. As mentioned above it can be done as open or close nose surgery depending on the changes being made on the nose. In open rhinoplasty, the incisions are made in the bit of skin among the two nostrils to allow the skin to be peeled back then so that the nose structure is revealed and can be operated on. This is a method that is used in major rhinoplasty procedures. After the surgery, a small scar (around 4_ mm) is visible underneath the septum. It is seen only from certain angels and most people may not notice it.
In close rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions within the nostrils. It has the same applies as an open one but does not leave any visible scars. This method is the option for those who do not want to have a scare on the show. It results in less bruising and swelling and the procedure is quicker.
If the surgeon wants to widen the nose structure, he/she uses surgical hammer and chisel to break the bones and restructure them. This process is very precise and can achieve the exact desire. In every technique, the surgeon does his best to make the scares inconspicuous as much as possible. When restructuring or reshaping has been done, the surgeon suture the incisions. You may have packing on your nose to reduce swelling and bleeding and also to hold the new shape. It may be the most uncomfortable recovery process. Also, a gauze with dressing can be put in place which wraps around the ears to collect any drips of the flood
Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
A good candidate for this nose surgery is the one who has specific goals and knows exactly what want to change on the face. Good candidates have reasonable expectations and consulate about them with the surgeon.
Age is a very important factor. You can do it only when you are sure your growth is over to assure that your nose won’t change any more. That’s why doctors do not perform the rhinoplasty on people younger than 15 or 16. You must also be physically healthy and shouldn’t have any preexisting medical conditions that can make complications during or after the procedure. Smoking increases the risk of poor healing, so the best candidate is nonsmoker individuals.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty
If you are a candidate for rhinoplasty, you must consulate with an experienced surgeon and talk about the reason for your decision. Keeping in mind that successful plastic surgery on the nose is a very important issue and requires a skilled surgeon who has a keen understanding of cosmetic and functional components of the nose. Rhinoplasty can improve your facial beauty. This is good, but not at the cost of your ability to smell or breathe! Your surgeon will ask the following questions that you must be prepared to answer them:
• Are you looking for improvement in a specific area?
• Is there a nose you would like to resemble?
• What are the details that bother you about your nose?
• Do you have any breathing obstructions that need to be considered?
• Is it for cosmetic reasons or just repairing a past injury or primary rhinoplasty?
Clear answers to these questions will help your surgeon to start a great rhinoplasty plan. Your unique needs identify whether the rhinoplasty is going to be performed with a closed or open technique.
After your surgeon decides about your rhinoplasty and its procedure method, you will be asked to get a lab test and take certain medications or even adjust your current medicines 2 weeks before nose surgery. You must stop smoking and avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen as they interfere with the body’s normal blood clotting. Also, you must avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements since they increase bleeding. Remember that 2 weeks before rhinoplasty you also must not drink alcohol as it delays healing and increases bruising. Remember to drink enough water to nourish and hydrate your body.
After surgery, the surgeon and his personal monitor your return to wakefulness. You may leave the clinic or hospital the next day. However, you might stay overnight if you have another health issue. You must stay in bed with your head raised higher than your chest to reduce swelling and bleeding. Resting time may take one to seven days, depending on the procedure and area of the nose surgery, to reduce bleeding and swelling. If you have absorbable stitches, it means that they won’t require the removal and will dissolve. If they are not absorbable, you should visit your surgeon after a week to take them out. You mustn’t stay alone the first night since memory lapses and slow reaction time are some common effects of medication prescribed for rhinoplasty.
In most cases, after the surgery, the internal dressing remains in the area for one to seven days. Also, your surgeon tapes a splint to your nose for support and protection which usually remains in place for about 7 days.
If you experience slight bleeding, old blood, and drainage of mucus, do not worry. They are common a few days after the nose surgery and after removing the dressing. The surgeon may place a ‘‘drip pad’’ under your nose to absorb drainage. Drip pad is a small piece of gauze that is held in place with tape. Remember not to place it against your nose.
Depending on the type of surgery you may be asked to follow the following precautions for several weeks to lower the bleeding and swelling:
- Avoid strenuous activities. They can be aerobics and jogging.
- Eat higher fiber food to avoid constipation. Fruits and vegetables are full of fiber.
- While you have bandages on your nose take a bath Instead of showers.
- Avoid excessive facial expressions, such as laughing and smiling.
- Wear front fasten close so that you do not have to pull over your head.
- Remember that your nose is located upper your lips, so brush your teeth gently. Your upper lip movement should be limited.
- For at least four weeks, do not rest sunglasses or eyeglasses on your nose to prevent pressure on it.
- Too much sun may lead to permanent irregular discoloration in nose skin, thus use SPF 30 sunscreen when going out.
Black and blue discoloration of eyelids and some temporary swelling can happen for two or three weeks. One way to resolve swelling is to limit sodium in your diet. Also, do not put ice, cold packs or anything else on your nose. Most of the swelling is gone in a year, but it is difficult to say when the final result is obtained.
Rhinoplasty Side Effect
There are also several potential short term side effects due to rhinoplasty. However, since it is a highly individualized procedure, side effects vary among patients. Learning about the side effects will help you to make your important decision more confidently and feel more comfortable about the result.
Swelling
You may feel swelling around your eyes and nose. It is usually more noticeable in the first days following surgery and largely subside after about 2 weeks. However, some minor swelling may exist for more than six months or one year.
Bruising
Bruising is another rhinoplasty side effect that varies depending on the surgery and patient sensitivity. Bruising is not a serious complication, but if anything seems abnormal, you must visit your physician. His/ her advice on any measures besides rest and time is necessary for your recovery.
Pain
rhinoplasty is one of the most powerful ways to improve your appearance, but because it contains extensive changes in nasal bone and cartilage patients may feel pain or discomfort. Fortunately, this discomfort is usually minor and over the counter analgesics manage this pain. For those that are particularly sensitive to pain, stronger pain medication is prescribed.
Rhinoplasty also may have some long term risks. If multiple revision surgeries are done, there is a risk of nerve damage. Another long term complication is unsatisfactory nasal appearance. The result of the surgery is not always what the individual desires. This mostly happens for those who have unrealistic expectations. Even though Runny nose is a temporary condition, in some cases, it lasts for a long time.
Rhinoplasty Risks
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries, but it has the same potential risks of other surgeries. Maintaining your overall health should be more important than aesthetic goals. Before rhinoplasty, you should consult with your surgeon about possible and potential risks and side effects to ensure a healthy outcome. Some potential risks that are common for all surgeries include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
- Hematoma
- Some risk that is specific to rhinoplasty include:
- Nosebleed
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Bursting of small blood vessels
- Scaring at nose base
- Permanent nerve damage
- Skin discoloration
- Unsatisfactory nasal appearance
- Under or over correction that entails revision rhinoplasty.
Qualification of Rhinoplasty Surgeon
Experience is a very important point. Try to find a surgeon who has done lots of rhinoplasties. You can look for photos before and after to know their work quality. Preferably, your surgeon must have a board-certified plastic surgeon. They must have dedicated good experience in particular plastic surgery. Not all plastic surgeons work on all body areas. When they are specialized in the nose, they have seen different nasal ethnicities, shapes, desires, and outcomes.
Having a background in otolaryngology is also important and gives expertise to doctors that the patient wants. These doctors specifically study intricate structures of the face. The nose is not just a physical feature of the face but a key part of the respiratory system. Your septum goes as far back as your throat and having a nose specialist means that your surgeon can cosmetically enhance the nose and along that correct your septal deviation, sinus issues, and breathing impairment, since he knows how internal changes may affect the exterior appearance.at last, you should feel that your surgeon is committed to giving you exceptional care with consultation and asking to the point questions and explaining thoroughly the plan and expected outcome. Your doctor should inform you of realistic options. He/she must also be available throughout the recovery and healing process
What are Rhinoplasty Advantages and Disadvantages?
If you have realistic expectations and know the potential benefits outweigh the possible risks, you might be a good candidate for this surgery. Like any type of surgical procedure, it has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
1. Balance
Your nose may have distracted features upon your face and create an imbalance between the nose and face. Some famous people such as Barak Obama or Candeliza Rice may never think of a nose job as their nose features is familiar with their general public, but some other everyday individual people might want to do it to have a balanced face.
2. improved Nasal airflow
Some structures inside the nose may contribute to nasal airway obstruction and breathing difficulty. Accidents, trauma from sports or alterations may lead to nasal deviation. This structure contains a wall that separates the right and left of your nose. If your nose septum is crooked, one or both sides of your nasal airway can be blocked. A septoplasty is usually done along with rhinoplasty to straighten the nose and crooked septum by improving both the appearance and airflow.
3.Confidence and self-image
In cases that people suffer from self-image and self-esteem problems, a correct rhinoplasty can make positive changes to the appearance and increase confidence.
Disadvantages
However, this surgery is not without problems. Disadvantages include:
1. Thick skin
The nasal skin is thick and it makes the result of surgery to be seen, particularly in those who desire more refined or defined nasal tip. In these cases, tip plasty or finesse rhinoplasty might sculpt your nasal tip cartilage, but if your overlying skin is thick, it will be difficult to witness the results of a nose operation.
3. Limitation
All individuals can’t change the nose shape in every type they desire. The degree of reshaping and manipulating depends on everybody’s overall anatomy.
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Rhinoplasty Cost
The cost of this surgery has fallen in recent years, but it is still expensive and can range from 5000 dollars to 10000 dollars depending on the kind of surgery. The reason is that it is a very complex procedure that is time extensive. Also, there may be some supplement costs, since it is very individualized and is performed on the specific needs of the patient. The insurance covers only functional rhinoplasty surgery