The word rhinoplasty literally means "give shape to the nose". There are many reasons why you would look to improve the aspect of your nose. You might want to align it more naturally to the contours of your face, approach it to the current aesthetics trends, or you might need reconstructive surgery after an accident. Additionally, rhinoplasty might be required to overcome some breathing difficulties.

Planning

A rhinoplasty starts with an assessment of the patient's goals and an exploration of the existing possibilities, so realistic expectations could be set.

When carried out by an experienced and qualified Plastic Surgeon, it is a procedure that normally does not present complications. The patient will experience an improvement in his/her aesthetics and self-confidence.

In some cases, a non-surgical rhinoplasty might be applicable. This new proceddure uses biocompatible filler materials, the allow to correct small to medium defects, remoulding the nose contours, withouth the need for a surgery. In the Initial Assessment this possibility would be evaluated for your specific case. [More information]

Additionally, it is possible to perform thread rhinoplasty. Feel free to ask for more information on this new procedure. Contact us.

About the procedure

As the first step, key incisions are perfomed to detach the skin from the structure of bone and cartilage. These incisions are made inside the nose so they are not visible, only in some circumnstances it would be necessary to add an additional incision of about 1 cm (less than half an inch) between the two nose orifices, near the upper lip.

Then, the shape of the nose is modified with different techniques like drying skin or reshaping the bones and cartilage. The skin is then reacommodated to the new shapes and incisions are closed.

After the surgery

Immediately after the incisions have been closed, soft puffy material may be used inside the nose to maintain the structure along the nasal air passages. Also after surgery, an external splint is applied to help the nose maintain its new shape. The splint provides some additional protection for the nose during the healing process. The external splint is typically worn for six to eight days.

The nose area will be bruised and puffy after surgery. This may extend to the eyes and all areas of the face. Common post-surgery instructions include a cold compress to reduce swelling, pain medication to reduce discomfort, and elevating your head for the first day.

Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear after seven days. You may experience limited bleeding the first few days. Normally after two weeks, all stuffing, splints, and other post-surgical dressings are removed. There will be some internal swelling within the nose for several months, but this will not be noticeable to anyone but you and the surgeon.

Some activities are not recommended during the first few weeks. It is very important that you do not bump your nose. Avoid demanding exercise and any trauma to the nose during the first week after surgery. Even blowing your nose should be avoided for the first seven days.

Avoid direct sunlight exposure. Glasses should not represent a weight over the nose.

See also