Do you always yearn for a perfectly shaped nose to make your face look more attractive? Or does your nose have any functional issue that needs to be corrected? Whatever the dilemma is, you can opt for ‘Rhinoplasty’ and get it rectified. Yes, the latest technological advancement in the beauty industry has enabled us to achieve perfect facial features; rhinoplasty is the most common. If you want something more than just hiding the imperfections with makeup, this surgical procedure is the right pick for you. Are you interested in knowing more about it? We’ve got you covered. Here is everything you need to know about rhinoplasty:
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty often called a ‘nose job,’ is a cosmetic surgery focused on improving the shape, permanently reshaping, or enhancing the nose’s functionality. Whether for medical or cosmetic reasons, this surgical procedure addresses various nasal issues, refines your facial features, and highlights your innate beauty. Plastic surgeons or Otolaryngology-trained doctors typically perform rhinoplasty, tailoring the specific technique to meet individual needs. (1)
What Does Rhinoplasty Address?
With rhinoplasty, you can correct several nose issues to proportionate your nose to your face correctly. The following are the most common nasal concerns addressed by the surgery: (2)
- Size and shape of the nose (length, width, tip, bridge, etc.)
- Size and shape of nostrils (wide, upturned, small or large in the flare, etc.)
- Appearance of the nose (bulbous, hooked, protruding, etc.)
- Asymmetry in nose profile
- Deviated septum
- Angle correction
- Nasal dorsal humps
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Disfigurement caused by trauma
- Congenital malformations
Who Is An Ideal Candidate?
While most noses can survive rhinoplasty successfully and heal fast during recovery, knowing if it is right for you before taking the plunge is essential. Here are the surgical standards you should have:
- A good general health
- A good psychological health
- No habit of smoking
- Realistic expectations for the surgery
How Is Rhinoplasty Done?
As previously discussed, rhinoplasty comes in various forms, including medical, functional, cosmetic, and more. Additionally, since each nose is unique, no two rhinoplasty techniques are identical. Consequently, the process commences with a comprehensive assessment of the current nasal structure and anatomy to determine the precise technique required. Here are the steps involved in the entire surgical procedure: (3)
- At first, general anesthesia is given to ensure that you are entirely asleep through the surgery. Alternatively, local anesthesia may also be given to keep the patient sedated and make her nose numb only.
- Then, several incisions are made in the interior part of the nose or, to be more precise, within the nostrils. This gives access to the inner cartilage and bone that must be worked on. In some rare cases, the cuts can also be made across the base of the nose.
- After that, the structure of the nose is reshaped as per the requirements. For this, either excess bone or cartilage is removed from the immediate area, or additional cartilage grafts are added by taking the tissues from another part of the body. Sometimes, synthetic fillers are also used to provide a more cohesive appearance.
- Once the reshaping and rearranging are done, the structure of the nose is draped with the existing tissue and skin.
- Finally, a splint is placed inside the nose to provide better support and promote faster healing.
As rhinoplasty is a closed procedure, the incisions are typically made within the nose in order to hide them after surgery. However, some rare cases may also demand an open procedure where the incision is made across the connector of the nostrils.
Duration And Longevity
The duration of a rhinoplasty surgery depends on the method being performed by the surgeon, which again depends on the patient’s requirements. Minimal rectifications do not need more than 1-1.5 hours. But the duration can last up to 3-4 hours if extensive changes occur.
Rhinoplasty is a permanent solution for a vast number of nasal concerns. But it must be carried out by an experienced and reputed surgeon to appear perfect and flawless. Otherwise, the results will not last long. In the worst scenario, your treated nose may collapse entirely within a few years!
Side Effects And Risk Factors
After the surgery, you may feel a little puffy and uncomfortable around your eyes and nose, which is normal. There will be swelling and slight bruising for the next 10-14 days, and both will dissipate.
A few risk factors associated with rhinoplasty surgery include skin irritations (caused by bandaging), nasal congestion, infections, injury or holes in the septum, anesthesia-related complications, etc.
Post-Surgery Cautions And Recovery
Each recovery process for rhinoplasty surgery is unique. While you can resume your normal activities in a couple of weeks, your nose will continue to heal for the following year. Proper care has to be taken, which includes following these precautions as well:
- Rest with your head raised higher than your chest
- Steer clear of hot showers, baths, and spas
- Stay away from strenuous activities for 3-6 weeks
- Skip exercising (jogging, aerobics, etc.) for 3-6 weeks
- Make sure that you do not blow your nose
- Be gentle while brushing your teeth
- Avoid extreme facial expressions (laughing, smiling, frowning, etc.)
- Say ‘NO’ to your habit of smoking
- Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water
- Consume leafy greens and vitamin K-rich foods
- Reduce your daily intake of salt
Cost Of Rhinoplasty
The cost of rhinoplasty can vary widely based on the requirements and the procedures, and it can be anywhere between $3,000 and $15,000.
Summary
Rhinoplasty, or a ‘nose job,’ is a cosmetic surgery to enhance the nose’s shape and functionality. It addresses various concerns, from size and shape to a deviated septum, performed by plastic surgeons or Otolaryngology-trained doctors. Ideal candidates should be healthy, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations. The surgical process involves anesthesia, incisions, reshaping, and restructuring, with variations based on individual needs. While rhinoplasty offers a permanent solution, results depend on the surgeon’s expertise. Side effects include swelling and bruising; cautious measures are crucial for optimal healing. Costs range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on procedures and individual needs.
