Rhinoplasty, derived from two Greek root words – “Rhino” (nose) and “plasty” (to mold), means “to mold a nose.” As a result, Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure involving changing the nose’s shape (form, structure, size).
A plastic surgeon or an otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and throat surgeon) often performs Rhinoplasty and, in complex cases, a combination of the two. The reason for Rhinoplasty may be a medical condition or your choice to alter the shape of your nose.
This article will outline a few instances where people may need Rhinoplasty.
What Are the Main Rhinoplasty Surgery Techniques?
A rhinoplasty is categorized as open or closed, depending on the technique used. In an open rhinoplasty, the incision is extensive, made on the columella to allow the operating surgeon to see the underlying anatomy.
However, in closed Rhinoplasty, the incision is made inside the nose and is not so extensive. Each technique has different indications, advantages, and disadvantages. Most people pick the closed method due to the perceived cosmetic benefit of a hidden scar.
In addition, a rhinoplasty can be classified into different types based on the reason for surgery:
- Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: This type of rhinoplasty improves your physical appearance without any underlying medical indication. Patients request this procedure due to a perceived deformity in nose shape or simply a need to improve their facial profile.
- Non-surgical Rhinoplasty: Corrects minor defects using dermal fillers. It is a short-term solution that lasts about six months with only a few flaws. It is also known as a liquid rhinoplasty due to the nature of the fillers.
- Functional Rhinoplasty: Reconstruction aims to correct the shape of the nose to restore or improve function. This procedure often follows traumatic injuries or diseases of the nose that cause some form of deformity, like nose cancer.
- Secondary Rhinoplasty: A secondary rhinoplasty is a repeat rhinoplasty. That is, it is done after a previous rhinoplasty. The reason may be to correct problems that occur following the first Rhinoplasty. It is also called a revision or corrective Rhinoplasty.
Other types of Rhinoplasty include reduction rhinoplasty, which reduces the overall size of the nose, and augmentation rhinoplasty, which increases the size of the nose. Post-traumatic Rhinoplasty also restores the nose to its original size or shape following an extensive injury to the nose.
In addition, corrective Rhinoplasty is a secondary rhinoplasty that could be either a reduction or augmentation following an initial rhinoplasty procedure.
Different Nose Problems That Can be Fixed with Rhinoplasty
There are different flaws that may require Rhinoplasty. These flaws may be causing either aesthetic or functional nose problems. The following are the common problems for patients who want a nose job.
- Dorsal Hump: A dorsal hump is a bump on the nasal ridge (the firm middle part of the nose linking the tip of the nose to the forehead). Patients commonly seek to flatten this enlarged dorsal bump, preferring a smooth, straight, and well-aligned nasal ridge to improve their look.
- Broad Nasal Bridge or Oversized Nose: In some cases, the ridge may have additional deformity, i.e. the ridge is not just raised but also perceived as too broad. Here, the surgery reconstructs the nose according to the patient’s preferred dimension.Â
- Asymmetry: Following an injury to the nose, natural occurrences, or a rhinoplasty, there may be asymmetry in each vertical half of the nose, i.e. one side is different in dimension from the other side. If minute, you may not notice the asymmetry, but if it is significant, a rhinoplasty corrects it.
- Droopy or Bulbous Tip: Sometimes, Rhinoplasty addresses concerns about the shape of the tip of the nose. The end may droop downwards (common with Arabic or middle eastern descent) or be rounded like a bulb (typically of African descent), requiring a rhinoplasty to reshape the tip to the preferred appearance.
- Nostril Problems: In some individuals, the reason for seeking a rhinoplasty may be a disparity in nostril size caused by flaring or more prominent nostrils. Adjustments are made to the nasal bridge and the tip of the nose to correct this problem. It requires a high amount of skill.
- Flat Nose: There might be flattening of the nasal ridge. The surgeon raises the nasal ridge with implants, cartilage, and bone reshaping to achieve a well-defined structure.
- Open Blocked Nasal Passages: In some cases, the primary problem may be a deviated septum (the part of the nose that separates each nasal cavity) blocking a nasal passage. Some are born with it, while others get it after injury. A blocked nasal passage can cause congestion, causing difficulty with breathing. Correction of the deviated septum improves their clinical condition.
- Restore Breathing Function: This can help to breathe after disease, cancer treatment, traumatic injuries, or burns, which cause significant changes in the structure of the bone.
Who is a Fit for Rhinoplasty?
The best rhinoplasty surgeon in Toronto will prepare you for surgery by explaining the procedure and assessing if you are physically fit for surgery. Your surgeon will also give you precautions to guide you before and after the process.
You must be in good health and avoid smoking before your surgery. It is also essential to discuss the surgery’s realistic goals and ensure that you don’t decide on a rhinoplasty under any external pressure.
Tips for Pre and Post-Rhinoplasty Care
Following a patient’s decision to have a rhinoplasty, a surgeon takes measurements and photographs of the nose before surgery, enabling post-op comparison. The doctor also gives the patient instructions, like not smoking for at least six weeks before the procedure, stopping certain medications (such as aspirin), and so on. Understanding potential complications and how to avoid or deal with them is also critical.
A rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure. Patients return home when the anesthesia wears out and may need support immediately after surgery. After rhinoplasty surgery, the nose may be splinted and packed to keep the shape and reduce swelling or bleeding, which are common complications.
Depending on the surgeon’s instructions, you may remove the nasal pack within 24 – 48 hours. In addition, the surgeon may give instructions to aid healing, such as using ice packs, and antibiotic ointments, sleeping upright for the first 48 hours to allow blood drainage, and avoiding physically strenuous exercises.
The most common complication of Rhinoplasty is nasal swelling, which will be present for about 6 – 8 weeks. At three months, up to 90% of swelling should have resolved with minimal swelling one-year post-procedure. However, follow-up appointments are essential to facilitate a smooth recovery.
Other potential complications include a hole in the septum (septal perforation), infections, poor wound healing, skin discoloration, chronic pain, scarring, and unsatisfactory appearance.
Where to Get the Best Rhinoplasty
Whether a rhinoplasty is successful depends on the patient’s perception, the surgeon’s operative skill, and dedication to post-op nasal flare. Most flaws are corrected but require patience on the part of the patient.
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