Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping is one of the most frequenty performed plastic surgery procedures. Many people are unhappy with the size and/or shape of their nose. It can have a big impact on the way a person looks, and because of this, many of us tend to be self-conscious about our nose.
Some patients may opt for a rhinoplasty because of an injury to the nose, whereby it may be broken or bent following an accident or blow. Others may have functional breathing problems relating to the nasal airways.
Many surgeons prefer to perform cosmetic nose surgery after the nasal bone has finished growing. This is around age 14 or 15 for girls and a bit later for boys.
What does rhinoplasty include?
Prior to rhinoplasty, the surgeon will ensure that the potential patient fully understands the risks and benefits of the operation. The nose is a very small and complex structure consisting of delicate cartilage and bone. A small change in part of the structure affects the rest of the nose. Therefore, in order to obtain a natural and functional result in rhinoplasty, the experience and knowledge of the surgeon is very important.
Rhinoplasty Techniques
Rhinoplasty can be performed by open or closed technique. In the open technique, the surgeon makes a small incision between the nostrils and peels up the outer skin of the nose. This allows the surgeon to clearly intervene and shape the nasal skeleton. The surgeon reconstructs the bone and cartilage structure. Because the incisions are made on natural wrinkles on nasal skin, the suture marks are almost unnoticeable. It requires less sensitivity than closed nose surgery.
In the closed technique, all incisions are made on the inner walls of the nose, and access to bone and cartilage is achieved through limited narrow openings. However, it does not leave a visible scar on the outer skin of the nose and is a shorter operation compared to the open technique. The risk of bleeding is low and the patient returns to daily life more quickly. Nowadays, many procedures can be performed by closed technique, whereas in more complex situations, it may be necessary to use open technique. Operations take between 90-180 minutes, depending on the technique being used.
Recovery After Rhinoplasty
After rhinoplasty, the patient may experience bruising and swelling around the eye, pain around the nose area, mild nosebleed and nasal congestion or headache for several days. Bruises and swelling usually resolve within two to three weeks, with most patients returning to their normal routine within ten days.
In order to protect the nasal skeleton, splints are placed inside and outside of the nose and removed after about one week. In addition, patients should avoid strenuous activities such as jogging or swimming for two to three weeks after the operation and should not wear glasses for four to five weeks.
To reduce swelling after rhinoplasty, it is helpful to keep the head up for several days. In addition, the patient should avoid hot baths, sneeze with his/her mouth open to prevent pressure on the nose. Your surgeon will provide all necessary information on post operative care after the surgery.
Rhinoplasty surgery in Turkey requires a minimum 1 week stay.
What are the risks of rhinoplasty?
As with all operations, there are risks involved although beit very low with rhinoplasty. After a rhinoplasty, some patients experience an altered sense of smell, while others find that their nasal breathing is affected. Minor bleeding is common while heavy bleeding is very rare but can be severe. Some patients experience pain for a number of weeks or may suffer an allergic reaction and infection due to the anesthetic.Slight irregularity in the bone or cartilage may be felt or occasionally seen. Your surgeon will explain to the patient the possibility of these risks and complications and how to treat them if they occur.
