RHINOPLASTY

This procedure involves reshaping the nose either for aesthetic or functional purposes. Asian rhinoplasty can differ from the rhinoplasty that is performed in other parts of the world; this is because of the varied physical features evident in different cultures. Despite this, rhinoplasty is considered one of the most common plastic surgery procedures done in the Philippines.

Description:

More commonly known as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a procedure designed to reshape one or several areas of the nose for aesthetic and/or functional enhancement and improvement.

The procedure’s aesthetic benefits include shaping and balancing out the nasal features with the rest of the facial features. This involves changing the height of the nose bridge through nasal bridge augmentation (noselift), reshaping the base of the nose to reduce nostril size (alar plasty), and minimizing the tip of the nose (nasal tip augmentation).

Functional benefits of rhinoplasty involve providing better, easier, more comfortable breathing by opening up the nasal cavity.

A rhinoplasty procedure is usually followed by a primary recovery time of about a few weeks. The final results, however, will be completely apparent after a few months.

Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

Patients who opt to undergo rhinoplasty do so for at least one of two reasons: to achieve aesthetic enhancement/improvement, or to get their noses to work properly.

In this light, the best candidates for rhinoplasty are those seeking to improve or alter, but not perfect their appearance (as although altering the nose structure results in significant changes, it may not result inn the patient’s individual concept of aesthetic perfection), or those whose noses, for one reason or another, bear interior or exterior features that prevent them from functioning normally.

Rhinoplasty is also an option for individuals suffering from a fracture nasal area (in this case, it would be considered nasal reconstruction).

What are the different types of rhinoplasty?

There are two main types of rhinoplasty, each one preferred depending on the desired outcome:

A closed rhinoplasty involves making structural alterations on the internal part of the nose. In this type of rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nose; any reshaping or realigning involved is also done within the nostrils. Closed rhinoplasty comes with the benefit of not having any visible scars, as all markings of any incisions are hidden inside the nose.

An open rhinoplasty is a type which involves a more complicated procedure, as it is done with the incision made usually on the area in between the nostrils. This procedure is recommended for larger operations, as it eases the process for the surgeon, giving him better access to the area to be operated on (compared to the closed rhinoplasty procedure).

What happens during a rhinoplasty procedure?

A rhinoplasty procedure may vary depending on whether a closed or open surgery is needed.

During a closed rhinoplasty, as the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision inside the nostrils, and from there proceeds to do the needed reconstructions and procedures – reshaping or removing bone or cartilage, or sometimes either in order to achieve the desired structural results. The procedure may also involve taking bone or cartilage, if not using artificial implants, and adding them to the nose structure, forming the desired shape.

An open rhinoplasty involves the surgeon making the incision across the columella, or the vertical section in between the nostrils, enabling the doctor to lift up the tip of the nose, thereby uncovering the internal area for better precision. The doctor then proceeds with the needed additions and/or reductions to the nose structure.

After the restructuring comes the closing of the incisions. The surgeon will most likely apply a temporary splint to help the nose retain its new structure. The splint and stitches must be removed two weeks after surgery, at most.

Another option to retain the new shape is via nasal packing, which involves inserting gauze into each nostril, thereby helping control any inevitable bleeding and holding the septum in place. Nasal packing, however, has been found to slightly increase post-surgical pain, and is thereby only applied if necessary, and is removed a few days after surgery.

Are there any side effects that I should know about?

Rhinoplasty usually comes with a number of common side effects, which one may expect to eventually subside. The most common side effects one should expect include:

1. Swelling

As with any other kind of surgery, swelling is one of the most common and thereby expected side effects. In the case of rhinoplasty, swelling will occur due to the reshaped tissues begin the healing process, while attempting to adjust to their new shape and structure. Aside from the actual nose area, expect the swelling to occur around the eye area, and will be most visible during the time immediately after surgery. The swelling is estimated to begin subsiding sometime around the third day after the operation, and mostly subside after about two weeks (minor, barely noticeable swelling may remain up until six months).

The nose’s final, permanent shape will be visible about a year after surgery.

2. Bruising

Specific parts, especially around the eye area, may show visible bruising after rhinoplasty. The degree of bruising, however, may vary from patient to patient: while some may experience little bruising, others may experience significant bruising above, below, and around the eye area, creating a “black eye” effect.

It should be noted that the bruising is not an indicator of any concerning complications, and will eventually subside some time within the second or maybe third week after surgery. However, any signs of abnormality must be brought to the doctor for examination and needed treatment.

3. Pain

Patients could very well experience some post-surgery pain during the healing process. This is one of the most common and completely normal side effects of rhinoplasty, among a long list of other surgical procedures.

There is no need for alarm when experiencing this side effect, and patients can expect the painful feeling to disappear after a few days. The surgeon could prescribe the patient with suitable pain medication in order to combat the persistent, but manageable painful sensation.

4. Bleeding

There is a very high probability that a rhinooplasty patient will indeed experience some post-surgery bleeding, as the nose has a significant amount of blood vessels. During the bleeding period, patients must avoid blowing one’s nose, as this will certainly aggravate the area, and the bleeding.

Like all sides effects, the bleeding will eventually subside, usually about a few weeks after surgery.

5. Runny nose

A runny nose is one of the minor side effects that may be experienced after a rhinoplasty. This is usually due to an increased production of mucus during the healing period, and may last up to a number of months after the surgery.

Patients experiencing this particular side effect must, above all else, avoid being tempted to blow their noses, due to the reasons stated above.

6. Dulled sense of smell

Although this may cause some alarm to most rhinoplasty patients, it must be known that this is just another side effect which, like all other side effects, and is most likely linked to the nose’s temporary swelling after the procedure.

Research indicates that the temporary dulling or complete loss of the sense of smell will last for only a few months; things should be back to normal after about six months.

It is crucial for an individual seeking to undergo this procedure to opt for a board-certified surgeon in order to ensure optimum results and complete safety in the hands of accredited professionals.

What would I have to do to prepare for the operation?

Specific instructions on how to properly prepare for rhinoplasty will come from the surgeon. The set of instructions will include the things to avoid (including medication) before surgery. Certain medications must be avoided for about two weeks before surgery.

An important note to remember is to avoid smoking for at least two weeks prior to the date of surgery, as smoking compromises blood circulation, and can slow down the healing process.