Ever felt self-conscious about the shape or length of your nose?
It’s common to worry about facial features, and the nose is often an area of concern for many individuals. This is more so if you have a too-long or oddly shaped nose. Along with dissatisfaction about the nose’s physical appearance, some people may also have functional problems like breathing difficulty.
When noses aren’t quite what we want them to be, it can affect our confidence. Rhinoplasty, commonly called a ‘nose job,’ offers an effective solution to help a person feel great about their appearance. If you think you need a rhinoplasty, search for a maxillofacial surgeon with the requisite experience and an eye for detail to perform this delicate surgery.
This article guides you through the world of rhinoplasty, exploring the different surgical techniques in detail and the guidelines for a safe recovery. Whether you are considering rhinoplasty for aesthetic or medical reasons, this article will help you make an informed decision and understand what’s in store ahead.
Understanding Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a procedure done to change the shape of the nose or improve its functional and aesthetic appearance. The maxillofacial surgeon reduces or increases the size of the nose, changes the shape of its bridge or tip, or alters the angle between the upper lip and nose. An individual may typically undergo rhinoplasty to improve the nose’s appearance or breathing. It is a complex procedure that requires a thorough assessment and a highly individualized approach.
Here are the issues that rhinoplasty can address:
- Asymmetry (crooked nose)
- Nasal airway obstruction
- Under or over-projection
- Dorsal hump
- Poorly-defined nasal tip
Surgical Methods
The surgical technique chosen depends on factors like the nature of the changes required and the patient’s medical condition.
Open Rhinoplasty
In this technique, a cut is made on the columella, the part of tissue between the nostrils, letting the surgeon lift the skin and gain access and direct visibility to the underlying structures. This approach is beneficial while performing complex or revision cases that need extensive reshaping.
Closed Rhinoplasty
This surgery involves making cuts inside the nostrils and does not need any external cuts. One key benefit of this technique is that there will not be any visible scars, making it a preferable method for patients concerned about visible scarring. Since no external incisions are required, this surgery requires less time to perform and may result in a speedier recovery. However, it is less appropriate for complex cases since it offers limited visibility to the surgeon.
Tip rhinoplasty
The surgeon reshapes the structure of the cartilage at the tip, narrowing and elevating the nasal profile. Most of the tip rhinoplasty procedures are done through incision inside the nose and across the base. It is an ideal surgery for people with a bulbous nose tip, long or short nose tip, or those with birth defects or damage caused by injuries.
Septoplasty
This nose surgery straightens the spetum, the wall of bone and cartilage, separating the space between the two nostrils. When the septum is deviated it can make it difficult to breathe through the nose. Septoplasty moves the septum to the middle of the nose. The surgeon cuts and removes parts of the septum and places them back into the nose in the proper position. After septoplasty, the patient will find it easier to breathe than before.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty
It involves temporarily changing the shape of the nose using dermal fillers. Compared to surgical methods, this procedure has limitations, such as being unable to make the nose smaller. Moreover, the results last only up to around six months. It is suitable for making minor changes to the nose, like adding volume, smoothening out bumps or lumps, or straightening a slightly crooked nose.
Choosing the Right Method
Consult your maxillofacial surgeon to explore all possibilities for your rhinoplasty and express your concerns. Your surgeon will decide the best option to fulfill your objectives, whether it is correcting the nasal shape or improving your breathing function. You can discuss factors like your present medical condition, the medications you take currently, and your level of comfort with surgical procedures. Consider your surgeon’s advice regarding the limitations of your nose shape due to cartilage and bone structure. This will ensure that you will receive a procedure that you are comfortable with and help you have realistic expectations about its outcome.
Recovery Process After Rhinoplasty
The recovery time for each person is different after the procedure. Follow your surgeon’s care instructions diligently to ensure your healing is quick and proper. After rhinoplasty, you may have to wear a small plastic splint for one to two weeks to reduce swelling and maintain your new nasal shape while your nose heals. Mild swelling and bruising are to be expected around your nose and eyes, which will take a few weeks to resolve.
Cotton gauze may be placed inside your nostrils that can be removed according to your surgeon’s instructions, usually within 24 to 48 hours following the surgery.
Immediate post-surgery care
- First few days: In the first 72 hours after the surgery, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Don’t apply the compress directly to your nose. Instead, apply it to your cheeks to avoid accidentally shifting bones or cartilage. Sleep slightly upright using two to three pillows on the first night as it helps drain any blood from the nose, promoting less swelling and bruising. You can get moving after the first day and start doing things around your home. Ensure not to blow your nose for the first ten days as it can cause some bleeding and additional swelling.
- First few weeks: You will experience pain and swelling and are likely to have some tenderness and bruising on your cheeks and under your eyes, which typically heals quickly. You can get the splint removed from your nose after one week. In two weeks, most of the swelling will have subsided, and your bruising will have been resolved. Hence, you don’t need much treatment at this point. In about four weeks, you will find little evidence that you had surgery at this stage and feel and look much better. Remember to continue cleaning the area around the nostrils with the medications your surgeon has prescribed.
Long-term recovery
Rhinoplasty healing is considered complete within three to six months, and numbness and other abnormal sensations in your nose will disappear around this period. There is a further improvement by the one-year mark. You may need visits to your surgeon to follow up on your progress and ensure that your recovery is smooth. At this time, the final results are apparent, and your nose will look the way you wanted it to be.
Potential risks and complications
Every procedure has its risks, and so does rhinoplasty since your nose is a delicate organ close to your eyes and filled with blood vessels. It is essential to know the potential risks and complications.
- Changes in skin sensations (pain, numbness)
- Breathing issues
- Infection
- Skin discoloration
- Unsatisfactory nasal appearance
- Poor healing of the wound
Call your surgeon if you experience symptoms like fever, blurred vision, any allergic reaction, or if your swelling has increased three days after the surgery
Costs and Insurance
The cost of your rhinoplasty will depend on the type of procedure you undergo. Discuss in advance with your surgeon how much you can afford and which would be the best surgery for you to get the best results.
Cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty are not generally included in health insurance plans as they are not performed for the treatment of any specific disease or medical emergency. It is advisable to consult your surgeon to know if any part of the surgery cost will be covered by your insurance policy.
Conclusion
Rhinoplasty is a safe and effective procedure that will go a long way to improve your facial looks and functions if performed by an experienced maxillofacial surgeon like those at Gnathos Facial.
Our surgeons at Gnathos Facial ensure speedy recovery by guiding you with all the information and instructions you need and prescribing the essential medications you need for pain relief.
We recommend regular visits for patients since it is important to take particular care during the post-operative period to ensure the recovery does not slow down. By guiding you correctly, our maxillofacial surgeons ensure you have a pleasant experience and minimize any chances of complications or side effects.