What is it ?

Rhinoplasty or nose surgery can reshape, reduce or enlarge the nose to achieve facial harmony and improve self-esteem. It may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or trauma, such as a broken nose. Rhinoplasty can be performed for functional reasons rather than cosmetic reasons. Combining rhinoplasty with septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery can effectively solve some breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum. Aesthetic rhinoplasty is usually performed to reduce the size of the nose, shape the tip, remove hump, improve the angle between the upper lip and the tip of the nose. In some patients, it is necessary to add tissues to achieve the desired result. One or all changes can be made in one operation. What kind of correction will be done depends on the patient and the recommendation of the plastic surgeon.

What can be achieved with this operation?

Balance the size of the nose with other facial features; Changing the width of the back of the nose; Improving the profile of the nose, including the removal of humps or depressions; Improving the contour of the tip of the nose, in cases where it is too large, with drooping or upturned nostrils; Change in the angle between the nose and the mouth; Narrowing of the nostrils or a change in their shape; Symmetry of its individual parts

What is the operation?

The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Its duration is not less than two hours. The incision can be made on the inside of the nostrils or at the base of the nasal septum. The soft tissues are carefully lifted. The hump is removed with a special tool. Excision of part of the cartilage provides shaping of the tip and shortening of the nose. To improve the angle between the nose and the upper lip, the tip of the nose should be raised. It may be necessary to take cartilage from the septum to stabilize the tip or augment the dorsum of the nose. In order to narrow the bridge of the nose, the bones have to be broken with a special instrument. Sometimes the nostrils are too wide. In these cases, reduction is achieved with wedge-shaped skin removal. A bandage is made, a splint and tampons are placed in the nose. A 24-hour stay in a healthcare facility is required.

What to expect after the operation?

After surgery, you will notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase on the first day, reaching its peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a little better. Swelling and bruising usually subside in 10-15 days. In some patients, these processes develop more slowly. Tampons are removed between 2-4 days. The splint is removed on day 7-10, but it is recommended to put it on at night. The result of rhinoplasty becomes visible gradually as the swelling subsides, which may reappear at certain intervals during the first year after the procedure. It increases at night and decreases during the day. You can return to work after 10-15 days if you feel ready for it. Sports should be postponed for a month, and wearing glasses for at least 12 weeks.

Are there any risks?

All surgical interventions carry risk, and plastic surgery is no exception. Serious complications are not common when the surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon. Usually, after such an intervention, patients experience numbness in the area of the nose, reduced to absent sensitivity. This is due to the separation of the skin and mucous membrane from the underlying tissues during the operation. Sensitivity is restored in a few months.