Rhinoplasty: Reshaping Your Nose for Enhanced Beauty and Function

Rhinoplasty is commonly known as a "nose job". It is a transformative surgical procedure that focuses on reshaping and enhancing the appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty has evolved over the years into both a cosmetic and functional intervention, addressing aesthetic concerns and improving nasal functionality simultaneously addressing aesthetic concerns and improving nasal functionality simultaneously. It is performed to address structural issues, such as breathing difficulties or congenital deformities. 

However, undergoing a nose job to get a perfect shape and uplift your facial features, it is essential to know the entire procedure. Let's learn more about rhinoplasty!

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also known as rhinoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery of the nose to improve the appearance and function of the nose. It involves remodeling the bones, cartilage, and nasal tissue to improve the aesthetic appearance or correct breathing problems. 

Rhinoplasty can address a variety of problems, including a crooked or uneven nose, wide or narrow nasal bridge, blunt or drooping nasal tip, and difficulty breathing due to structural abnormalities.

The surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, and depending on the extent of the surgery, recovery can take weeks or months.

Usually, there are two main types of rhinoplasty surgery:

• Open - Open rhinoplasty is a surgery that changes the basic shape of the nose. Your doctor will make an incision to completely separate the skin of the nose from the bone and cartilage, allowing a clear view of the anatomy beneath the nose. 
• Closed - Closed rhinoplasty is a simple procedure that changes the shape of the nose. Your doctor will separate the skin from the bone and cartilage and make incisions to reshape the nose. 

Other types of rhinoplasty include:

• Non-surgical rhinoplasty (filler rhinoplasty) - It is a type of cosmetic rhinoplasty that uses dermal fillers to fill depressions and imperfections in the nose temporarily. It can lift the tip of a drooping nose or correct a slight protrusion. 
• Functional rhinoplasty - It is to restore the shape and function of the nose after disease, cancer treatment, or trauma. This type of reconstructive surgery can correct birth defects and diaphragmatic abnormalities. 
• Secondary rhinoplasty - Secondary rhinoplasty corrects problems after primary rhinoplasty. Although these problems may be minor, they are often more complex for surgeons to deal with.

Reasons For Considering Rhinoplasty 

Rhinoplasty is performed on patients to correct breathing issues and congenital deformities or to make cosmetic changes to their noses. Possible changes a doctor can make to your nose through rhinoplasty include:

• Size change
• Change of angle
• Bridge straightening 
• Change the shape of the nose tip.
• To narrow the nostrils

How You Prepare 

Consult your doctor before making an appointment for rhinoplasty. Talk about the factors that determine whether a surgery will be successful. This meeting usually includes:

• Your medical history - Before surgery, you will have to answer questions about your medical history. It includes a history of nasal congestion, surgeries, and medications you may be taking. 
• Physical examination - Your physician will do a medical examination. The physician examines the inside and outside of the face and nose. A physical exam can help determine what changes are needed. A physical exam is also important to determine how rhinoplasty will affect your breathing.
• Imaging - The photos are taken from different angles of the nose. These photos are used before and after surgery and for reference during surgery. 
• Talk about your expectations - Discuss the reason for the operation and what to expect. Your doctor can discuss with you what rhinoplasty can and cannot do for you and the possible results. 
• Food and Medicine - Avoid medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. This medicine may cause more bleeding. Take only medications approved or prescribed by your doctor. Avoid herbal and over-the-counter supplements.

What Happens During Rhinoplasty? 

Rhinoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure, meaning you will be discharged the same day after the procedure. Someone needs to take you home and spend the night with you. General anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, might be administered to you. Alternatively, you will receive local anesthesia (which numbs your nose) and intravenous sedation (which makes you comfortable but still not completely asleep). This procedure may be performed in a hospital or outpatient medical facility.

During rhinoplasty surgery, the surgeon:

• An incision is made, which starts from the inside of the nose (blastoplasty). 
• An incision can be made at the base of the nose (open rhinoplasty). 
• The surgeon lifts the skin, which covers the nasal bones and cartilage. 
• The underlying bone and cartilage are reduced, enlarged, or realigned to create a new shape or repair a deviated septum. 
• It replaces the skin covering the nasal bones and cartilage. 
• Small needles are used to hold the skin in place. 

After Rhinoplasty 

The following symptoms after rhinoplasty surgery that may occur are:

• A small plastic splint to reduce swelling and keep your nose in its new shape while it heals. 
• Wearing the splint takes one to two weeks. 
• A cotton swab (bag) can be inserted into the nose. 
• The dressing can usually be removed 24 to 48 hours after surgery, as directed by your surgeon. 
• Swelling and bruising may occur around the nose and eyes, which may take several weeks to resolve. 
• Mild facial swelling may occur up to a year after surgery, especially in the morning.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

After the operation, you will need to lie down in bed and rest with your head on your chest. It will reduce bleeding and swelling. Swelling can cause the nose to become stuffy. It may be because a splint is placed on the nose during surgery.

You may also receive instructions to reduce the risk of bleeding and swelling. Following surgery, you ought to do the following:

• Avoid vigorous physical activity such as aerobics or jogging.
• Take a bath instead of a shower while wearing a bandage on your nose.
• Don't blow your nose.
• Sneeze and cough with your mouth open
• Refrain from making specific faces, like laughing or smiling. 
• To prevent constipation, eat foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables. Constipation can make you push harder and put pressure on the surgical site. 
• Brush your teeth gently, avoiding moving your upper lip. 
• Wear clothes that are tight in the front. 
• Do not pull clothing such as shirts or sweaters over your head.

Result 

The smallest change in the structure of your nose, even a few millimeters, can make a big difference in the shape of your nose. Usually, an experienced surgeon can achieve results that are satisfactory to both. But in some cases, small changes are not enough. You and your doctor may decide to have a second surgery to make more changes. If so, you should wait at least a year for follow-up surgery, as changes in the nose can occur during this time.

Risks and Considerations

Like any major surgery, rhinoplasty comes with risks, including:

• Bleeding
• Side effects from anesthesia

Other potential risks and considerations of rhinoplasty include, but are not limited to:

• Trouble breathing through the nose
• Persistent numbness in and around the nose
• The nose may have an uneven shape. 
• Swelling that may be painful, discolored, or persistent.
• Scarring
• A hole in the wall between the left and right nostril. This condition is called interstitial perforation
• Changes in the sense of smell

Talk to your healthcare provider about how these risks apply to you.

Wrapping up

Rhinoplasty surgery is an art form in the world of plastic surgery. Experienced surgeons can create transformative results by addressing common problems such as asymmetry, back hump, and bulbous nose through open and closed rhinoplasty techniques. Rhinoplasty has the effect of improving a person's appearance and increasing self-confidence. 

Transform your look with precision and expertise at Apollo Spectra Hospital. Our rhinoplasty surgery for enhanced beauty and function guarantees personalized care, advanced technology, and a perfect experience. Trust our renowned experts to create the perfect nose shape while enhancing aesthetics and functionality. Rediscover your confidence with Apollo Spectra's commitment to excellence in plastic surgery.