Rhinoplasty is a type of nasal restructuring surgery performed to improve breathing, the nose’s appearance, or both by modifying the nose cartilage or the bone. People get through the process to repair noses after injuries, correct congenital disabilities such as frequent nose bleeds or breathing problems, or change the appearance to suit their preference. Possible changes that the procedure attains include:
- Change in size
- Reshaping of the tip
- Narrowing of the nostrils
- Straightening of the bridge
- A change in angle
For those undertaking rhinoplasties for aesthetic purposes, one should wait until the nose is fully grown. For females, the age is about 16, while males need to wait a little longer to perform this procedure.
Types of Rhinoplasty
1. Surgical Processes
These are invasive procedures that involve cutting and closure of a sustained wound. The following are some of the known processes;
Open Rhinoplasty
The surgeon makes small incisions under the nose, between the nostrils, and around its tip. The approach allows the surgeon to shape it accordingly and allow for extensive processes while keeping scars hidden.
Closed Rhinoplasty
The procedure solely caters to minor restructuring. The specialist makes inner incisions, so a significant opening is not required.
Secondary Rhinoplasty
Sometimes the initial procedures may not be working as expected; a revision of the first procedure is worth correcting. The process could either be closed or open depending on the new aim
Tip Plasty
This procedure is the most precise. The nasal structure remains untouched unless they have to. It can either be a closed or open process and still needs utter care that comes with either.
Pros of Surgical Rhinoplasty
- The results are permanent.
- One can get multiple surgeries at the same time. For instance, some people get both their chin and nose done at the same time.
- It is not entirely a cosmetic job. It can correct congenital disabilities, breathing issues by reshaping the nasal structure.
Cons of Surgical Rhinoplasty
- It is costly – The average cost being $5.350, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons of 2018 statistics.
- There are more risks involved – Going under the knife breeds a risk of infections, developing a numb nose, and a bad reaction to anesthesia.
- It takes a longer time to heal – approximately a whole year.
- If the results are not as expected, performing second surgeries once the nose recovers are high on the radar; that is, after a year and a few months.
2. Non-surgical Processes
They do not consist or require cuts or stitches.
Filler (Liquid) Rhinoplasty
Otherwise called a non-intrusive procedure, there is no administration of cuts or stitches. The specialist uses injectable fillers to fill depressions and smooth nose tips. It is not a long-term option, and the patient may need to come back for corrections in approximately a year.
Pros of liquid rhinoplasty
- The procedure is quick and takes approximately 15 minutes.
- The patient is conscious all through the process, and sometimes the surgeons let you hold the mirror while performing the procedure, giving them more control.
- There is minimal recovery time as the results are immediate.
- It is reversible if there are mishaps in the result. If a complication occurs or the appearance isn’t what the patient was going for, specialists performing rhinoplasty by use of hyaluronidase injections to dissolve the filler.
Cons of liquid rhinoplasty
- Results are temporary – For maintenance of the same look or getting a new look, administering more fillers is worth considering.
- Some specific arteries of the eye’s retina connect to the nose, vascular complications can arise, leading to partial blindness. However, complications are rare with certified practitioners.
- Complications can result in the blockage of blood vessels – It happens when the filler comes close to the arteries compressing it and cutting off the blood supply.
What Ensures a Successful Rhinoplasty?
1. Preparation for The Procedure
The patient must look for the best specialist to perform the procedure. The nasal structure makes a huge percentage of someone’s appearance; working with a reputable specialist is a guarantee for value for someone’s money. Preliminary meetings with the surgeons are crucial to know if one is the right candidate for rhinoplasty. The patient’s preference is high on the doctor’s to-do list, and working on accomplishing the wants is as high as suppressing long-term effects.
The surgeon examines the patient’s medical history using current medical conditions and medications. Someone with hemophilia is most likely to have excessive bleeding and cannot undergo any elective surgery. Physical examination is critical to determine what kind of changes are worthwhile. Blood tests and other lab tests spear on any surgical procedure.
For patients who would want an additional surgery such as chin augmentation at the same time, this step is vital in the decision-making. The before-nose photographs are taken at different angles to assess the surgery’s long-term results and maybe a point of reference during surgery.
The preparation phase ensures the patients know about the cost. Medical insurance primarily covers non-cosmetic procedures such as nose cleft palate. The patient should avoid taking painkillers containing aspirin or ibuprofen two weeks before surgery. The medications increase bleeding as they slow down the blood clotting process. Letting surgeons know of what supplements one is taking is a plus to the patient’s recovery process.
People who smoke have more difficulty healing from rhinoplasty. Nicotine constricts blood vessels resulting in less oxygenated blood flow; quitting smoking before and after the surgery heightens the recovery process.
2. Recovery from Rhinoplasty
After surgery, the surgeon places a metal or plastic splint on the patient’s nose. The splint helps maintain the newly constructed nose’s shape as it heals—placement of nasal packs inside the nose to stabilize the septum (the part between the nostrils). The nurses administer hourly monitoring after surgery before discharging the patient later the same day.
The patient is to rest with the head elevated to reduce swelling or bleeding. People are required to leave dressings and splints up to a week after surgery; for those with absorbable stitches, they won’t require removal as they will dissolve.
During the first day of surgery, the patient is most likely to get memory lapses, slow reaction, and impaired judgment. Staying with a friend is advised. Few days after surgery, the patient might experience bleeding or drainage. A drip pad (a gauze taped below the nose) absorbs mucus and blood. Occasional headaches and puffy faces are normal aftermaths of the surgery. Doctors will prescribe pain relievers in such instances.
3. What to Avoid During the Recovery Period
- Vigorous tooth brushing.
- Resting eyeglasses on the nose.
- Excessive chewing.
- Running and other strenuous physical activities
- Blowing nose.
- Pulling cloth over one’s head.
- Smiling, laughing, or other facial expressions that require lots of movement.
- Too much sun exposure damages the skin around the nose.
Risks of Rhinoplasty
Going down any form of surgery, one must keep in mind the risks that come with it. Reportedly, infections, bad reactions to anesthesia, and bleeding are common. Scars, nosebleeds, breathing difficulties, asymmetrical noses are uncommon but can occur after the procedure. Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva of Newport Beach advises patients of rhinoplasty in Newport Beach to wait for approximately 12 months when the nose recovers to get a second surgery.
One should be able to return to school or work in a week. Rhinoplasty might cause temporary numbness, affect the area around the eyes, discoloration around the eyelids, and swelling. Application of cold compresses or ice packs decreases swelling and discoloration. Follow-up care is essential after rhinoplasty and keeping up regular doctor appointments for the weeks after to make sure no recording of devastating effects.
