Rhinoplasty is the technical term for the surgical nasal reconstruction. Its aim most often is to improve the facial appearance, however not rarely rhinoplasty has also therapeutic function, e.g. for repair of nose injuries or with difficult breathing. Some patients resort to this procedure for rejuvenation of the nose, since like all other organs, it also changes over time due to partially absorbed fatty tissue or worn out, loose skin.
What can be done to improve the hose shape?
This type of surgery is frequently performed. The shape and size of the nose are subject to change through partial or total removal, transposition or supplementation of any of the constituent elements of this organ – cartilage, bone, fatty tissue, skin.
What degree of improvement can be attained?
We, at Medicus Alpha share the philosophy of the optimal, not maximal results. Improvement is always possible, but extremes are not good. Our team can propose the best for the particular patient with view of their anatomic characteristics. Perfect nose is a utopic notion, and any drastic changes are not recommendable. Anyway, we are very successful at correcting dorsal humps, wide nostrils, drooping nose, curved nose or nasal septum, etc.
Nose can be decreased in size but it can be increased, too, or reconstructed by introducing cartilage, bone or an implant. The important point is that the nose should be in harmony with the other facial structures, look natural and cause no difficulties in breathing.
How is the surgery done?
After making clear with the surgeon what the patient wishes, the surgeon suggests the most appropriate aesthetic solution. At this point already the surgical procedure can be explained, how much time it would take to recover and what possible complications may occur. X-ray imaging and photographs are taken to be used in the discussion, also the necessary laboratory tests are made and the type of anaesthesia is selected.
This surgery can be made by the method of the open or closed (endonasal) approach. The closed approach involves an incision made inside the nostrils, it leaves no visible scars and therefore it is commonly preferred. The open approach is a more significant surgical intervention; it employs the opening through an incision of the nasal septum, and it leaves a tiny scar, invisible in normal position of the head. In cases of slender nose with smaller nostrils, small scars may be left in the alarfacial creases where the nostrils contact the cheeks. The surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours, under general anaesthesia, and monitoring for the following 24 hours. The most significant discomfort is that of the difficult breathing due to tamponade bandage during that period.
Course of the post-surgical period
If patient has not been extensively informed and prepared prior to the surgery, waking up after it may experience some stress. At Medicus Alpha Clinic it is our care to provide patients with most detailed explanation on the stages of the whole process and enable them to make a fully informed decision. Within the fist hours and days of the recovery still no demonstrable results are available, and the short recovery period need to elapse before patients can enjoy their new look. A special bandage around the nose is in place to secure the fractured bones in their new position. An effective way to manage the post-surgical swelling of the face is the ice packs. Any external sutures are to be removed on the fourth day and the support bandage – on the tenth day. Usually the traces from the surgery quickly disappear, however a discrete swelling may remain for a little bit longer time.
Are there any risk?
No surgical intervention is 100% risk free. On the mean, one in every 20 cases needs additional corrections to be made. This is done with local anaesthesia, and normally the full expected result is attained, but it is only possible to be done a year after the first surgery. Any other complications are unusual and extremely rare. With patients whose back of the nose has a very thin skin, it is possible minor unevenness to be felt for some time, but this gradually will disappear. Altered sensibility or a slight swelling are also normal in the same zone of the nose. Massage cream, nasal drops, short-term anti-biotic prophylactic treatment or vitamins, etc. may be prescribed.
At what age rhinoplasty is possible?
We advice to refrain from hasten decisions, especially before the nose has completely developed in puberty. Certain medical indications can be grounds for an exception, e.g. deformities that impede breathing, or such that cause severe depression at school age.