Rhinoplasty (RIE-no-plas-tee) is a surgical procedure that alters the nose’s shape and appearance. The motive behind rhinoplasty can be to alter the appearance or shape of your nose. It could also be to enhance breathing or both.
The upper part of the nose structure is made up of bone, and the lower section is cartilage. Rhinoplasty may alter cartilage, bone, or any combination of the three. Consult your surgeon on whether rhinoplasty suits your needs and exactly what you could accomplish.
If you are considering rhinoplasty, the surgeon will consider the other features of your face, the skin on your nose, and the features you’d like to change. If you’re eligible for surgery, your doctor will create a bespoke program for you.
Sometimes all or part of a rhinoplasty procedure is insured by insurance.
The reason it’s done
Rhinoplasty could alter the shape, size and proportions of your nose. It can correct deformities caused by an injury, repair a congenital disability, or alleviate breathing problems.
Risks
Like all major surgeries, rhinoplasty is not without risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- An adverse reaction can occur due to the anaesthesia
Other risks that could be associated with Rhinoplasty include but aren’t included in:
- It is difficult to breathe through your nose
- A permanent numbness around your nose
- The possibility of an unnatural-looking nose
- The swelling, pain, or discolouration that can last
- Scarring
- A septum-wide hole (septal perforation)
- There is a need for additional surgery
Discuss with your physician the risks that apply to you.
How to make
Before scheduling rhinoplasty surgery, you should talk to your surgeon to discuss critical factors determining if the procedure will work for you. This usually will include:
- Your medical background. The essential inquiry your doctor will pose to you regards your motives for surgery and the goals you have set. Your doctor will also inquire questions regarding your medical history – including any history of nasal obstructions or surgeries and any medication you are taking. If you suffer from bleeding disorders like haemophilia or haemophilia, you might not be a good candidate for nasal surgery.
- Physical exam. Your doctor will conduct a complete physical exam, including lab tests like blood tests. The doctor will also look at your facial features and the outside and inside of the nostril.
- The physical exam aids your doctor in determining the changes that must be made and how the physical characteristics like the size of your nose or the strength of your cartilage that runs along the top of your nose could impact the outcomes. The physical exam is essential in determining the effect of rhinoplasty on breathing.
- Images. Someone from your doctor’s office can take photos of your nose from various angles. The surgeon might employ computer software to alter the images to show what results are feasible. Your surgeon will utilize the photos to conduct before-and-after evaluations for reference during surgery and longer-term evaluations. The most important thing is that the images will allow you to have a more specific discussion on the purpose of the surgery.
- An explanation about your goals. You and your doctor should discuss your reasons for wanting to undergo surgery and your expectations. The doctor will be able to discuss what rhinoplasty will and cannot do for you and what the outcome could be. It’s normal to be embarrassed about your appearance. However, it’s vital, to be honest with your surgeon regarding your goals and desires to undergo surgery.
- If you’ve got a narrow chin, your doctor may consult you about undergoing surgery to expand your chin. This is because a smaller jawline can give the impression of a more prominent nose. There is no need for the chin to be surgically removed in these situations; however, it can help create a more balanced facial profile.
After the procedure has been scheduled, you’ll have to arrange for someone else to take you home in the event of an outpatient procedure.
In the initial few days of the following anaesthesia, memory issues, a slower reaction time, and impaired judgement could occur. Therefore, you should arrange for an individual from your family or a friend for you to be with them for one or two nights to assist with personal tasks while you recuperate from surgery.
Medicines and food
Do not take medications containing aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB or other) over two weeks prior to and following surgery. These medicines can increase bleeding. Use only the medicines that have been approved or prescribed by your doctor. Beware of herbal remedies and other over-the-counter remedies.
If you smoke, stop smoking. Smoking slows healing following surgery and can make it more likely for you to develop an infection.
What are the things you can anticipate
Rhinoplasty is not a surgical procedure that follows an orderly sequence of steps. Each procedure is individual and tailored to the particular body and needs of the patient who is having the procedure.
During the operation
Rhinoplasty is a procedure that requires local anaesthesia, general or sedation, dependent on how complicated your procedure is as well as what the surgeon would prefer. Consult your physician before surgery to determine which kind of anaesthesia is best for your needs.
- Local anaesthesia includes the use of sedation. This type of anaesthesia is generally employed in an outpatient setting. It is restricted to a particular region in your body. The doctor injects a pain-killing medication into the nasal tissues. Then, he relaxes you using medication injected via one IV (IV) vein. The result is that you are groggy, but you’re not completely asleep.
- Anaesthesia for general use. You receive the medication (anaesthetic) through inhalation or a small tubing (IV line) put into the vein of your neck, hands, or chest. General anaesthesia affects the whole body and causes you to fall unconscious during surgical procedures. General anaesthesia requires a breathing tube.
Rhinoplasty is a procedure that can be done within the nose or by a shallow cut (incision) near the base of your nose between your nostrils. The surgeon will likely readjust the cartilage and bone underneath your skin.
Your surgeon may alter the form of the cartilage in your nose in various ways based on the amount of cartilage that needs to be taken out or changed to the structure of your nose and the materials available. The surgeon could utilize cartilage from the deeper inside your nose or your ear for minor changes. For more extensive changes, the surgeon may use cartilage from your ribs implants, bone or other areas within your body. Once these modifications are completed, The surgeon then places the skin and tissues of your nose back and stitches the incisions inside your nose.
If the septum’s wall between the two nose sides (septum) can be bent (deviated), The surgeon may also be able to correct it to enhance breathing.
After the procedure, you’ll be in a recovery area, where staff members monitor your recovery to a state of consciousness. It’s possible to leave later in the day, or if you’re dealing with other health concerns or issues, you could stay for the night.
Following the operation
Following the procedure, you should lie in bed with your head elevated over your chest to minimize swelling and bleeding. Your nose might be congested due to swelling or the splints you have placed inside the nose after surgery.
Most of the time, the internal dressings stay in place for up to seven days following surgery. Your doctor will also tape a splint on your nose to protect and help. It’s typically placed for around a week.
Minor bleeding, as well as the drainage of old blood and mucus, are typical for a few days following the procedure or following the removal of the dressing. Your doctor may put a “drip pad” — tiny pieces of gauze secured by tape on your nose to help absorb the drainage. The gauze should be changed as instructed by your physician. Do not place the drip pad tightly against your nose.
To decrease the chance of swelling and bleeding, your doctor might suggest that you take precautions for the first few weeks following the surgery. Your doctor might ask you to:
- Avoid strenuous exercises like running and aerobics.
- Bathe instead of showering with bandages covering your nose.
- Do not blow your nose.
- To prevent constipation, consume foods with high fibre content, including vegetables and fruits. Constipation can lead to strain, which can pressure the site of surgery.
- Avoid extreme facial expressions, like either laughing or smiling.
- Use a gentle brushing technique to stop the movement of your upper lip.
- Dress in clothes that are fastened at the front. Do not pull clothes such as shirts and sweaters above your head.
Also, don’t place glasses or eyeglasses on the nose for at least 4 weeks following surgery to reduce the pressure from your nose. You can use cheek rests or even tape sunglasses to your forehead until the nose fully clears.
Make sure you apply SPF 30 sunscreen outdoors, particularly around your eyes. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause permanent discolouration irregular to the skin around your nose.
The temporary swelling or black-and-blue discolouration of your eyes can be seen for two to three weeks following the procedure. The nose swelling can take longer to disappear. The restriction of sodium intake in your diet will reduce swelling quicker. Avoid putting cold or ice packs on your nose following surgery.
The appearance of your nose will change throughout your life, whether you undergo surgical treatment or not. This is why it’s hard to determine when you’ve reached the “final result.” But, the majority of the swelling disappears within one year.
Results
A few minor modifications to the shape of your nose, usually measured in millimetres, could make a massive change in how your nose appears. Most of the time, an experienced surgeon will produce results you are happy with. In some instances, when the minor changes don’t suffice for you, your surgeon may decide to have a second procedure to see if there are any more modifications. If this happens, then you should attend for at least a year to have the follow-up procedure as your nose may change in the course.
Clinical studies
Discover Clinic studies of tests and procedures that assist in preventing, detecting and treating conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a procedure to alter the form and appearance of the nose. Because breathing and the shape of the nose are closely linked, a rhinoplasty may be needed to alter how the nose appears and enhance breathing through the nose.
Septoplasty is a procedure to improve breathing by straightening the nasal septum that divides nasal passages into two sides (the left and the right part (the nasal septum). If the septum is not straight and narrow, it makes breathing difficult for the nostrils. The procedure is typically coupled with a rhinoplasty.
Do you think rhinoplasty is a straightforward operation?
No. Rhinoplasty is a complicated procedure. This is due to many reasons. The nose is a complex 3D form situated in the middle of the facial area. The changes made by rhinoplasty are typically very minimal. However, these changes can make a significant change in the way that the nose appears and operates. Since the changes aren’t significant, there is a possibility of making mistakes.
The swelling and placement of local anaesthetics in the skin cause nose distortion when undergoing surgery, concealing the subtle changes that occur. Rhinoplasty does not have any standard procedure or sequence of steps. The doctor tailors each operation to the particular patient’s requirements.
Will I be required to stay at the hospital?
Nearly everyone who undergoes Rhinoplasty can be discharged from the hospital the next day following surgery. Sometimes, it is possible to stay at the facility for a night if you’re experiencing an issue experiencing nausea or other health issues that require being watched.
What is the length of the recovery time?
Make a plan to take the week away from school, work, or other obligations. You’ll start feeling better every day throughout the initial week. After a week, patients usually feel like they’ve been back.
After the procedure, there’ll occur some swelling. The swelling may take several months to disappear. However, the majority of people notice it after a few months. Most people return to engaging in most activities within an entire week. They can resume every activity within 2 to 4 weeks.
Are there any risks?
Every surgery has risks. However, the risks of rhinoplasty are minimal, and complications are not expected. The doctor will inform you about the risks and benefits in-depth before the procedure.
Can insurance cover rhinoplasty?
Sometimes insurance companies pay for Rhinoplasty. However, it is contingent on the policy of your insurance. Before you schedule surgery, the doctor’s office can help you obtain prior written approval from your insurance provider. While this doesn’t assure coverage, it’s one of the best ways to ensure that rhinoplasty is an insurance benefit. Sometimes, insurance will pay for one part of the procedure but not the other components. In these instances, you can call the business office for an estimate for the procedure.
What is the cost of rhinoplasty?
The cost of rhinoplasty is based on some factors, including the procedure’s difficulty, the surgeon’s education and experience, and location. The surgeon at Clinic, the cost of the procedure remains the same no matter the surgeon you select.
What do I need to know about what my nose will be like after surgery?
Yes. Before you visit, your physician will be taking stock photos of various views of the face. The photos can be altered to give you an idea of what your nose may appear like the following surgery.
Are rhinoplasty procedures painful?
It’s not for everyone. A day or two after surgery, most people feel pain between 0 to 4 out of 10.
Will you smudge my nose?
No. The process of packing can be extremely uncomfortable. However, you’ll probably have soft splints on your nose. The splints are fitted with holes that allow you to airflow through them, if only for some days. The doctor can easily take them off after a one-week appointment.
How many hours will I be bruised?
It is rare to see bruising. If you do experience minor bruising, it generally lasts for about a week.
What should I be looking for in an experienced surgeon?
Facial plastic surgeons and Plastic Surgeons, or Otolaryngologists (ENT), are the ones who perform the majority of rhinoplasties. A board-certified training program and board certification in one of these areas can be a great starting point. You will likely need a surgeon who frequently performs the rhinoplasty.
You’ll probably need a surgeon with an excellent reputation with patients and other physicians. Suppose the surgeon has published many articles in the medical literature about rhinoplasty and has been invited to talk at educational conferences. In that case, this is usually a sign that their peers respect them in rhinoplasty.
Ensure the procedure is performed at an accredited hospital or surgical facility. You will likely feel at ease with the surgeon. Find a doctor who will explain to you in a way that is easy to comprehend what will occur during the procedure.