Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is surgical operation done to reshape the nose. It can make the nose bigger or smaller, change the angle of the nose, alter the tip of the nose or correct bumps, dents or other defects in the nose.

During rhinoplasty, the doctor makes incisions to access the bones and cartilage that support the nose. The incisions are normally made inside the nose so that they are not visible after the surgery. Depending on the result you want, some bones and cartilage may be taken out or tissue may be added. After the doctor has repositioned and reshaped the bone and cartilage, the skin and tissue is draped back over the structure of the nose. A bandage is placed outside the nose to support the new shape of the nose as it heals.

Rhinoplasty may be performed using general or local anesthesia. It is normally done as an outpatient procedure but sometimes requires a one-night stay in the hospital. Doctors who do rhinoplasties usually have training in either plastic surgery, otolaryngology or both.

What To Expect

The splint and bandaging around your nose will be taken out in about a week. Your face will feel swollen and the area around your eyes and nose will be bruised and swollen for several days. Cold compresses can help reduce the swelling and pain. Your doctor may also recommend pain medicine. It takes about 10 to 14 days before most of the swelling and bruising reduces.

You may need to keep your head elevated and relatively still for the first few days after the surgical operation. It may be several weeks before you can return to strenuous activities.

Why It Is Done

Rhinoplasty can change the size, shape and angle of your nose and bring it into better proportion with your face.

Rhinoplasty may also correct structural problems with the nose that cause chronic congestion and breathing issues.

How Well It Works

The results of rhinoplasty may be minor or major, depending on what kind of correction you want. It is important that you and your doctor agree on the goals of the surgery. If your expectations are realistic and your doctor shares them, he or she will be able to give you the results you want.

The results of rhinoplasty are permanent, although subsequent injury or other factors can change the appearance of the nose. This surgery should only be performed on a fully developed nose. Complete development has usually occurred at the age of 15 or 16 in females and age 17 or 18 in males. If surgery is done before this time, continued development of the nose can change the surgical results and possibly lead to complications.

Risks of rhinoplasy

Expect temporary swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose after the surgery. Other problems that may occur include:

  Bleeding.

  Injury or holes to your septum.

  Skin problems like breakdown of skin tissue and irritation from the tape and bandaging.

  Infection. Preventive antibiotics may be given after surgical operation to reduce the risk of infection.

  Severe nasal blockage as a result of swelling inside the nose.

  Complications of anesthesia.

What To Think About

If you choose to have local anesthesia, expect to hear the sounds of your doctor working on the bones and cartilage of your nose.

The nose can have a huge impact on your self-image and appearance. If you're not happy with your nose, rhinoplasty is a reasonable option to consider. Like most cosmetic surgeries, you are more likely to be happy with the outcome of rhinoplasty if you have a clear and realistic expectations about what the surgical procedure can achieve and if you share these with your doctor.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is for patient general knowledge only and should not be used during any medical emergency, diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Duplication for personal and commercial use must be authorized in writing by Surjen.com.