Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty

Published : 2016/11/06

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve some breathing problems. The best candidates for rhinoplasty are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look with realistic expectations.

BEFORE SURGERY:

Prior to surgery a detail medical history is taken and a careful examination is conducted. The physician and patient discuss procedure, anesthesia type, possible risks and complications as well as the incision site. Pre-operative instructions may include the elimination of certain drugs and smoking habits. While you’re making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

PROCEDURE:

During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon’s preferred technique. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new framework. Many surgeons perform “closed” rhinoplasty from within the nose, making their incision inside the nostrils. Others prefer an “open” procedure, especially in more complicated cases; they make a small incision across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils.

When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.

PROCEDURE TIME:

Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated procedures may take longer

ANESTHEISA:

With general anesthesia your nose and the surrounding area will be numbed; you’ll be asleep during the surgery.

AFTER SURGERY:

After surgery there is swelling and bruising, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. A small amount of bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. Some subtle swelling-unnoticeable to anyone but you and your surgeon-will remain for several months.

RISK & COMPLICATIONS:

Complications connected with the surgical procedure are rare: however there are inherent risks connected with every surgical procedure. There is always a possibility of complications, including infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia.You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery. In about one case out of ten, a second procedure may be required-for example, to correct a minor deformity. Such cases are unpredictable and happen even to patients of the most skilled surgeons. The corrective surgery is usually minor. It is possible to develop tiny red marks and “spots”, this can be the result of blood vessels that may have burst under the skin’s surface during the surgery. Although this is extremely infrequent it can happen and the “spots” may not ever go away.