Making a Difference: Rhinoplasty Experts
Introduction
We understand that patients have questions about their surgery throughout the process and no matter how much detail we include in this brochure, it will not compare to the level of advice you can receive from a private consultation with a specialist cosmetic surgeon. This brochure is simply an introduction; we would always advise that you take the time to sit down with a specialist cosmetic surgeon to fully discuss a procedure, along with any associated benefits or risks.
Who is suitable for Rhinoplasty Surgery?
- Men and women who are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their nose
- If there is a bump on the bridge of the nose
- If the nasal tip droops
- If the tip of the nose is thickened and enlarged
- If the nostrils are excessively wide
- If the nose is off centre or asymmetrical
- The nose continues to grow until the age of about 16 years. Therefore, most surgeons recommend postponing surgery until at least this age.
What to think about at this stage?
It is important that before you see the surgeon, you consider what you are trying to achieve from your surgery. In many ways, this is of particular importance with Rhinoplasty, where patients may have been self-conscious about their nose for many years. The nose, being the most central prominent feature of the face, can produce all manner of emotions for the patient.
The aim of nose reshaping surgery is to make the nose more acceptable in the eyes of the patient. Therefore, before you see the surgeon, you must be absolutely certain regarding what it is about your nose that concerns you. It is only when the surgeon knows exactly what you wish to achieve that he is able to determine whether it is technically possible.
Rhinoplasty is a facial cosmetic procedure, usually performed to enhance the appearance of the nose. During rhinoplasty, the nasal cartilages and bones are modified, or tissue is added, to improve the visual appeal of the nose. Rhinoplasty is also frequently performed to repair nasal fractures. When rhinoplasty is used to repair nasal fractures, the goal is to restore pre-injury appearance of the nose.
There are two basic types of Reduction Rhinoplasty, Open and Closed. In addition, the internal septum that separates the two sides of the nose may require straightening (Septoplasty). Occasionally, the patient may only require surgery to correct a deformity of the tip of the nose (so-called Rhino-Tip operation).
Closed Rhinoplasty
With closed Rhinoplasty, tiny incisions are made on the inside of the nose, and there are no external scars. Probably the majority of Rhinoplasties are of this type. Whilst popular with many surgeons, it has the disadvantages that the surgeon does not get such a good view of the operative field, and may limit the ability to remodel the bone and cartilage
Open Rhinoplasty
In an Open Rhinoplasty, an incision is made on the inside of the nostrils and across the divide of skin between the nostrils (the columella). The skin over the nose is then lifted, which allows the surgeon a clear uninterrupted direct view of the framework of the nose. As a result, it is easier to make more extensive alterations to the shape of the nose, and to provide a more sculpted nasal tip. However, there is the slight disadvantage of the tiny scar across the columella (which is generally barely visible with time), and the fact that any swelling may take longer to subside than with the closed method.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty
Occasionally, patients approach us with what they consider to be a flat nose, perhaps as a result of injury, or an inherited or ethnic trait. In order to improve the appearance of a flattened nose, it is necessary to insert some form of additional framework under the skin of the nose to enhance the line of the nasal bridge. Several options are available for this additional framework:
- The patients own bone, usually taken from the hip, rib or outer surface of the skull
- The patients own cartilage, usually taken from the ears or from within the nose itself
- Artificial materials, such as silicone implants
Occasionally, it may even be necessary to graft the patients own skin onto the nose in order to build the additional framework satisfactorily. It is usually possible to make a substantial change in the patient's features. However, because of the relatively artificial nature of the new framework, the nose may feel somewhat harder than normal.
Procedures and Methods
The operation may be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation. However, the majority of patients have general anaesthetic. It takes about sixty to ninety minutes. An external splint will usually be placed on the nose to help maintain the new shape and limit any bruising and swelling. It is removed after 3 to 10 days, depending upon your surgeon.
Following the Operation
As with all surgery, after nose reshaping you must expect to feel bruised and sore, especially around the eyes. Patients are adivsed to keep their head up as much as possible. You will have to wear a splint over your nose for about seven to ten days. This is to hold the nasal bones in their new position. Most patients report that the operation is surprisingly painless. In most cases, it takes three to six months for the swelling to go down completely and for the appearance of the new nose to appear.
Risks of Rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic surgery is amongst the very safest of medical procedures. However, all patients must understand and accept that no surgical procedure is absolutely free from risk. This surgery, as any surgery, may involve risks of unsuccessful results, complications, or injury from both known and unforeseen causes. Because individuals differ in their response to surgery, their anesthetic reactions, and their healing outcomes, ultimately there can be no guarantee made as to the results or potential complications.
After the Surgery
Some patients go home the same day. Most patients stay in hospital for one night. If your work is not physical, expect to return to work within one to two weeks. There will be numbness, bruising and swelling after the surgery. Numbness and swelling will gradually resolve but may take several months. Ice packs may be advised to reduce swelling. Bruising will be greatly reduced by the time you return to work.
How long will the results of your Rhinoplasty last?
The result of Reduction Rhinoplasty is permanent. Any revisional surgery that might be recommended is only likely to take place after the healing process is complete. Most surgeons advise waiting at least a year.
Time for Reflection
All aesthetic cosmetic procedures are elective operations. Following your consultation we recommend that you take a period of fourteen days to consider all the benefits and risks of the procedures, and seek more information if necessary, before you decide.
Please Click Here to request more information about Rhinoplasty from Medical Poland.
