Cosmetic Surgery: Rhinoplasty

Can Rhinoplasty Really Transform Your Face?

The cosmetic surgery rhinoplasty procedure is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed, but it is very important to have someone who is skilled and knowledgeable performing the surgery for you.

It is sometimes referred to as a nose job, but also comes under the umbrella of plastic surgery rhinoplasty, cosmetic surgery rhinoplasty  and sometimes as nose reshaping.  Basically, it is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose.

Whilst the majority of rhinoplasty operations or nose jobs are for cosmetic or aesthetic improvements, they are sometimes necessary as reconstructive procedures in instances of cancer or a broken nose or sometimes to help to relieve some breathing problems.

Rhinoplasty can increase or reduce the size of your nose, it can change and improve the shape of the bridge or the tip, it can narrow the span of the nostrils, or even change the angle between your upper lip and your nose. It can also be used to correct an injury or birth defect.

It is a procedure in which the surgeon’s precision and artistic sense plays an important role.  The goal in rhinoplasty surgery is that the new nose does not call attention to itself but blends fully into the general context of the face.  Since there is no perfect or ideal nose, the right time to explain what you want and expect from the surgery is during your first visit to your surgeon.

The rhinoplasty procedure can be done under general anaesthetic or with a local anaesthetic and sedation.

It is a procedure which can enhance your looks and it will undoubtedly improve your self-confidence, but you will be an ideal candidate if you are looking more for improvement than perfection.

The Nose

The nose is primarily a sensory and respiratory organ, it is a complex structure formed of bones and cartilage, covered on the inside by a respiratory mucous membrane and on the outside by skin.  It also functions as an olfactory organ and provides protection against the environment.

These factors are important since cosmetic surgery rhinoplasty, in addition to achieving a certain aesthetic level, should preserve all nasal functions intact.

Ideal Candidates for Rhinoplasty

The best candidates for rhinoplasty are individuals who are looking for enhancement in the way the nose looks.

If you are physically healthy, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations of what you can gain from rhinoplasty surgery, then you may be considered to be the perfect candidate.

Rhinoplasty can be performed to accentuate aesthetics or also for reconstructive purposes, or to adjust breathing difficulties which may or may not have been there from birth.

Your age too, may also have to be considered. Most surgeons prefer not to operate on teenagers until after they’ve completed their last growth spurt which is at the age of 14 or 15 for girls, and a little bit later for boys.

It is critical for the surgeon to consider a teenager’s emotional and social adjustment also, and to make sure that it is what the teenager themselves, and not their parents, actually want.

Rhinoplasty Surgery – What is Involved

The procedure is performed through incisions made to the inside of the nose to obtain access to the cartilage and make changes that will look absolutely natural.  This is referred to as a‘closed rhinoplasty’ procedure, and this can be performed by adding another almost imperceptible incision on the columellar – the central column of tissue separating the nostrils, known as an ‘open rhinoplasty’ procedure.

A bump on the bridge of the nose or dorsum, is often made up of cartilage and bone and this can be corrected with rhinoplasty surgery.  Initially, the dorsum will be reduced or augmented as needed.  The patient’s own tissues can be used to give height to or give support to the nasal pyramid.

The tip of the nose is the most delicate part of the procedure and the surgeon must exercise the greatest care.

The surgeon can narrow the nostrils by reducing the size of the alar cartilage, always taking the utmost care to preserve its structure.  By suturing, modification of the cartilagenous structure of the nasal tip can be made.

Also, the cartilages that form the collumela can be joined and the insertion of extra cartilage to stabilize it, is possible.  The use of cartilage grafts in this area to stabilize or give greater definition must be performed with the greatest finesse and must be firmly secured.

Finally, it may be necessary to fracture the nasal bones to close the space created in the dorsum.  This manoeuver is responsible for small hematomas that usually appear.

Rhinoplasty usually takes between one and two hours, although complicated or extensive procedures can take longer.

There will not be any visible scars on your nose after rhinoplasty surgery.

Which Rhinoplasty Method is Best

Rhinoplasty surgeons, reputable ones with experience, will indicate which method is best for your individual case at your initial consultation, prior to any agreement to go ahead with a procedure.

Best Rhinoplasty Surgeons

Choosing the best rhinoplasty surgeon that you can afford, perhaps with a background of ear, nose and throat surgery, could help in order to perform a minor cosmetic surgery procedure such as rhinoplasty surgery, that matches the individual’s needs.

It is important to look at the combination of not only the nose, but how the nose blends into other parts of the face including the cheeks and chin, so sometimes procedures such as surgical and non surgical are combined to achieve the best outcome.  But obviously, only a surgeon with experience is able to assess this.

The most important thing about any surgical procedure is to make sure that it is natural looking and the natural look can be obtained by the rhinoplasty surgeon, having an idea of how the patient wants their nose to look, using computer imaging.

So, by the time you finish your consultation with the surgeon you should have a very strong understanding about the type of surgery that is going to be performed and what the outcome will be.

Some important points to consider when choosing to have a rhinoplasty procedure or nose job:

• Do your research before you see your rhinoplasty surgeon.
• Use the Internet to visit the surgeons’ web site.
• Have a realistic expectation of your rhinoplasty results.
• Write down your questions and taken to your appointment.
• Make sure that you ask to see before and after photographs of the surgeon’s own work.
• Ask about the surgeon’s training and background.
• Ask how many times the surgeon has performed a rhinoplasty procedure.

After Rhinoplasty Surgery and Rhinoplasty Healing

The surgeon uses very small instruments, so there isn’t usually too much bruising but there may be some swelling around the eye area, which will last for between one week and ten days.

The patient should allow a minimum of one week before returning to work after any rhinoplasty.

Healing will be quicker if you are able to keep your activities down to an absolute minimum for 3 – 5 days, and try to avoid any strenuous activity for about 2 weeks after the day of your surgery.

It is especially important to avoid any activity that could potentially raise your blood pressure, including lifting heavy objects, bending over, and going to the gym to exercise, even swimming should be avoided.

Another important issue is to avoid alcohol, since it will cause fluid retention.

After rhinoplasty surgery is complete, a splint is normally applied to help your nose maintain its new shape.

You may also have packing in your nostrils which helps to control post-operative bleeding and to stabilize the septum.

A little bleeding is not uncommon however, during the first few days post-op, and you may continue to feel a sense of stuffiness for some time.

If you have packing in your nostrils, it should be removed within a few days and you will feel a lot more comfortable. Your splint is then usually removed about five days after the procedure. The sutures will all be on the inside of your nose and should fall out within 10 days to 2 weeks after rhinoplasty.  Healing is relatively quick if you adhere to everything the consultant will have recommended.

And contrary to its appearance, a rhinoplasty operation is not a painful procedure, however a certain amount of post operative oedema (or rhinoplasty swelling) is normal, as is also the presence of bruises which tend to recede and fade within the first couple of weeks.

Rhinoplasty Results

It is important to keep in mind that judgments cannot the passed on the results of a rhinoplasty procedure until several months or even a year have passed.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost

The majority of insurance policies will not cover purely cosmetic surgery; however, if the procedure you are looking at needs to be performed to correct a breathing problem , possible birth defect or even a marked deformity, the rhinoplasty procedure may possibly be covered.