Overview
Surgery of the nose, also known as rhinoplasty, is one of the most popular procedures done in cosmetic reconstructions. Many patients are unsatisfied with the shape of their nose, and opt to alter the appearance by undergoing rhinoplasty. The procedure may improve not only the appearance of the nose, but also proportion and structural imbalances.
Popular Procedures
• Changing nose size
• Reducing width at the bridge of the nose
• Altering nose profile
• Correct nostril size
• Create symmetry for the nose
Treatments
Before a patient is able to undergo rhinoplasty, he or she must participate in lab testing and evaluations to determine the appropriate procedure, as well as to assess the overall physical condition of the patient. Patients who smoke must stop prior to the procedure, as well as change any medications they may be taking such as anti-inflammatory drugs or anything that might increase bleeding during surgery. These issues should be discussed with your doctor.
During rhinoplasty procedures, patients are given anesthesia, either by general practices (inhalation) or intravenous sedation. Nose surgery may be performed in two different ways: either by a closed or open procedure.
During the closed procedure, the surgeon will make the incisions inside the nose, while the open procedure will have an incision on the columella, or the area of tissue in between the nostrils. Despite the different procedures, both allow the surgeon to raise the tissues that cover the nose, which allows the reshaping of the structure.
If rhinoplasty is being used to re-shape the structure of the nose, cartilage is removed from the septum, which is the area of tissue in the center of the nose. If cartilage is needed to augment a certain area, surgeons are able to find it in different locations, such as the ear. If the septum needs to be properly aligned or fixed, surgeons are able to straighten it out in order to improve appearance as well as breathing. Humps found at the bridge of the nose are often chiseled down in order to create a smooth profile. Surgeons may also use incisions at the crease of the nostril to reshape their size.
Once the surgeon has completed the procedure, the nasal tissues are replaced and incisions are closed. Tubes and splints are added to the nose in order to promote healing and support for the next week to ten days as swelling begins to subside. Swelling usually lasts for a few days before the results can be fully seen. Often times, it takes the nose up to a full year of healing to see the ultimate results.
Benefits
Benefits involved with rhinoplasty include not only an improvement to the appearance, but also to breathing and self-esteem. Often times, patients have trouble breathing clearly due to tissue or cartilage blocking airways and rhinoplasty is a quick procedure to fix such issues. Self-esteem also plays a role in a patient’s decision to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure, as many feel self-conscience about the size or shape of the nose. Making the nose more aesthetically pleasing is the same as getting dental work done to improve features if one is unhappy with his or her appearance.
Cost
Costs for a Rhinoplasty procedure includes surgeon and hospital fees, as well as any additional costs for anesthesia or prescription medicines. Depending on the location, costs vary and often times a thorough examination is needed if the procedure is being done for breathing impairments, which cost extra. In the United States, rhinoplasty procedures may cost anywhere from $3,000-$8,000, though in Thailand, the same procedures may be performed for roughly $900-$1,500. Costs in India are around $1,000.
Choosing a Surgeon
One of the most important choices in any cosmetic procedure is choosing the right surgeon. Be sure to research the surgeon’s history, as well as making sure he or she has proper training and experience in the specialty you are seeking, no matter where the procedure is done. Check out the medical facilities, and see that they are accredited and follow a code of ethics. Surgeons should be listed in Cosmetic or Plastic Surgery organizations or associations in their country of origin, and may even be listed as members of International groups or associations. |
