Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: Procedure and Recovery

Nose plays a very important role in defining one’s personality. The entire contour of the face changes with a well-defined nose in place. Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure performed on the nose to enhance its appearance. It is also known as rhinoplasty or nose reshaping. The shape and size of the nose can be changed drastically to improve the features of the face.

Rhinoplasty surgery is mainly performed for aesthetic reasons. An accident or too big or too small appearance of the nose can be given a proper shape with the help of rhinoplasty surgery. A nose can get mutilated or crooked due to some injury or accident which can be corrected through a surgery. Minor problems in breathing can also be attended.

People with abrupt or deformed shape of the nose may experience problems in breathing and subsequent problem in talking normally. Rhinoplasty surgery can help provide great relief to such people.

Nose plastic surgery is commonly performed on both men and women. In fact, it ranks third in the list of most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. The shape of the nose can be altered through rhinoplasty by addition or removal of bones, cartilage, and tissues or by performing grafting.

The candidate and the surgeon should discuss guidelines for eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain medications. Specific instruction should be given about washing the face for weeks immediately following surgery.

Make a note of the following things before the surgery:
Wear a button-up shirt or top for the surgery as you may not want to pull anything above your head after the surgery
Stock up your fridge with things that are easy to drink and eat.
Take a bath before the day of the surgery.
Drink plenty of fluids and water before the surgery as it will help fight nausea and fatigue.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the surgery.

The nose is composed of consequent interlinked parts comprising the skin, the pyramid of bony origin, followed by the cartilage, and finally the tip of the nose. There is a strip of skin named columella that separates the two nostrils.

The existing quality of nose plays a pivotal role in the final result of a rhinoplasty surgery. People who have inherited a thick skin may not like the transformation of the bone structure below the nose. On the other hand, people with think skin are unable to hide too many problems related to the symmetry and regularity of the nasal bone.

During the initial few consultations, the surgeon shall discuss the changes that can be incorporated within the nose.
Photographs are taken and choices of anaesthesia available to the patient will be discussed in this phase along with the technique used to conduct the procedure.
Nasal reconstruction approaches may vary from one patient to the other. In case of internal rhinoplasty, incisions involved are made from within the nasal cavity.
A light sedation is usually employed, which numbs the area.
A general anaesthesia may be employed for a long and complicated procedure and if both the surgeon and the patient decide that it is the best option available. General anaesthesia is generally administered in complicated cases where the external incision will allow the surgeon to have the cartilage and bones completely exposed.
During nose reshaping procedure, the skin is removed from the cartilage and bone support. Now the framework of the nose is worked upon to give the desired shape and form.
In many cases, the surgeon employs skin from the forehead right above the eyebrow and places it vertically to substitute the missing nasal tissues. The forehead skin's tint exactly matches the tint of the nose and face. It makes the best reconstruction of the defective nose and with a little bit of work, the skin on the forehead can be easily camouflaged to give the normal appearance.
If there is any requirement for adding more structure to the existing bone, then donated cartilage or bones or even skin can be used. It can also be taken from some other parts of the body. A synthetic source can also be used to achieve the objective.
After the completion of rhinoplasty surgery, the surgeon will apply a splint. The new shape of the bones will be maintained with the help of a splint. With the help of a dressing, the nose is stuffed or packed to allow stabilization of the septum.

Some swelling is expected on the face right after the surgery.
Patients should use a few pillows to raise their heads while sleeping for the initial few days.
It is common to expect a headache or some pain in the nose.
Medications shall be suggested by the surgeon to make the pain subside.
Swelling of the face and bruises around the eyes are expected to reduce within three days.
Depending upon the extent of the surgery, some amount of stuffiness in the nose accompanied by mild bleeding may be experienced.
People are mostly able to resume back to work after a week while walking around is possible after the lapse of two or three days.
Strenuous activities or physical exertion must be avoided for the first three weeks.
Patients are expected to maintain hygiene, proper diet, and required exercise levels during the recovery period. Regular follow-up visits to the doctor should be made.
To prevent the disruption of the healing process, blowing nose for the next one week must be avoided.
Make sure that the surgical dressing is dry.
After two weeks, splints, stitches, and dressings are removed.
Excessive sunburn must be avoided by the patient.