Rhinoplasty Surgery: High Success Rate

Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, offers several potential benefits to individuals who choose to undergo the procedure. Here are some of the common benefits associated with rhinoplasty:

• Enhanced Facial Harmony: Rhinoplasty can improve the overall balance and proportion of the face by bringing the nose into better alignment with other facial features. It can create a more harmonious appearance, improving the overall aesthetic balance of the face.
• Improved Self-Confidence: Many individuals who are dissatisfied with the shape or size of their noses may feel self-conscious or have lower self-esteem. Rhinoplasty can help address these concerns and improve self-confidence by creating a nose that aligns with their desired aesthetic goals.
• Correcting Nasal Deformities: Rhinoplasty can correct various nasal deformities, such as a crooked or deviated nose, a hump on the bridge, a bulbous or drooping tip, or asymmetry. By addressing these issues, rhinoplasty can help create a more symmetrical and pleasing nasal appearance.
• Functional Improvements: In some cases, rhinoplasty can improve nasal function and alleviate breathing difficulties. The procedure can correct structural abnormalities like a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse, allowing for better airflow and improved breathing.
• Correction of Birth Defects or Trauma: Rhinoplasty can help correct nasal abnormalities caused by birth defects or injuries. It can restore the shape, structure, and function of the nose, improving both appearance and function.
• Ethnic and Cultural Preservation: Ethnic rhinoplasty techniques allow for the preservation of ethnic or cultural characteristics while enhancing the nose’s appearance. It respects the unique features and cultural identities of individuals while addressing specific aesthetic concerns.
• Rejuvenation and Aging: Rhinoplasty can also be performed as part of facial rejuvenation procedures. It can help restore a more youthful and refreshed appearance by addressing changes in the nose that occur with aging, such as drooping or sagging of nasal tissues.

The benefits of rhinoplasty will vary for each patient, and it’s important to openly have a discussion with the surgeon to have realistic expectations

How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty?

The rhinoplasty surgeon will provide clear and detailed instructions to prepare the individual for rhinoplasty surgery. The general guidelines include the following:

• Get the recommended tests done and keep the reports in hand during admission. 
• Avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding during or after the surgery or can interfere with anesthesia. Such medicines include blood thinners, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and herbal supplements. 
• The surgeon may advise the patient to quit smoking at least 2-3 weeks before the surgery to reduce smoking-related complications during and after the surgery. 
• Avoid drinking alcohol 2 days before the surgery as it can cause severe dehydration and also react with anesthesia. 
• Refrain from eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the surgery. Fasting is recommended before surgery to reduce the risk of aspiration. 
• Arrange for transportation and assistance after the surgery. It’ll be best to ask a responsible adult to accompany you to the surgical facility who can take you back home. 
• Take a proper bath on the day of surgery before getting admitted to the center, and avoid applying any skincare products. 

It’ll also be helpful to take time off work or school as recommended by the surgeon. On the day of surgery, the patient is also asked to sign a consent form before proceeding. 

Rhinoplasty Procedure

During a rhinoplasty, several steps are involved to reshape and enhance the nose. Here’s a general overview of what happens during a typical rhinoplasty procedure:

• Before the surgery begins, the patient is given anesthesia to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. It can be either general anesthesia, where you are asleep, or local anesthesia with sedation, where you are relaxed but still conscious. In most cases, general anesthesia is used for rhinoplasty. 
• Depending on the surgical approach (open or closed), the surgeon will make incisions either inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils) with additional internal incisions (open rhinoplasty). The choice of approach depends on the specific goals of the surgery and the surgeon’s preference. 
• After making the incisions, the surgeon will access the underlying nasal structures, including the bones, cartilage, and soft tissues. Through meticulous techniques, the surgeon will reshape and modify these structures according to the predetermined surgical plan. The changes may involve reducing or augmenting the size, refining the nasal tip, removing a nasal hump, adjusting the nostril size, or improving the overall symmetry and proportion.
• In some cases, additional tissue(grafts) or implants may be required to achieve the desired results. Cartilage grafts, often taken from the septum (the partition inside the nose), ear, or rib, can be used to augment or support specific areas of the nose. 
• Once the desired reshaping and modifications are completed, the incisions are carefully closed using sutures. If dissolvable sutures are used, they will dissolve over time. If non-dissolvable sutures are used, they will be removed during a follow-up appointment.
• The surgeon may place nasal packing or splints inside the nose to support the newly shaped nose and help reduce swelling and bleeding. These are typically removed within a few days after the surgery.

After the surgery, the patient is transferred to a recovery room where his/her vitals are monitored for the next few hours. The patient is usually discharged from the facility on the same day

What to Expect After Rhinoplasty?

Immediately after the surgery, the patient can expect significant swelling and bruising in the treated area, including around the eyes. In the first few days, the swelling will be maximum and will start to subside gradually as the nose heals. Besides this, there will be serious nasal congestion and stuffiness due to post-operative swelling and nasal splints. Due to this, the patient will have to breathe through the mouth. 

Some discomfort or mild pain around the nose and face is also expected following rhinoplasty. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort during the initial recovery period. The patient may also experience nasal drainage and breathing issues for the first few days.  

The surgeon will provide a detailed guide consisting of dos and don’ts and a proper diet for a smooth and successful recovery. 

Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline & Results

The final results of rhinoplasty can take around 6 to 12 months to become apparent. The individual should understand this and be patient during the recovery to achieve the desired results. 

The initial recovery time after rhinoplasty is 4 to 6 weeks, during which the swelling, bruising, redness, and other side effects will dissipate, and the patient will be able to resume normal activities. The general rhinoplasty recovery timeline will be as below. 

First Week After Rhinoplasty: 

In the first week, the swelling and bruising will be at their peak and gradually improve as the day progresses. The surgeon will monitor the patient’s recovery and remove external dressings or splints, if any. In the initial days, the patient will be advised to sleep with his/her head elevated and avoid certain activities that can increase the blood flow or strain the nose. 

2-3 Weeks After Rhinoplasty: 

In the second and third weeks, the swelling and bruising will continue to subside. It should be kept in mind that minor swelling will persist for several weeks to months. The nasal congestion and breathing issues will also start to improve as the swelling subsides and internal splints are also removed. The patient needs to continue to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercises that can impact the nose. Protect the nose from accidental trauma and avoid even blowing the nose forcefully. 

1-3 Months After Rhinoplasty:

While most of the visible swelling resolves within 2-4 weeks, it may take several months for the final results to manifest as the nose fully settles into its new shape. As the healing progresses, the nasal contours refine, and the appearance becomes more refined and natural. The patient will still have to make follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor his/her progress. 

As mentioned above, the final results of rhinoplasty can take longer to appear, usually a year or so. Throughout the recovery process, the patient will have to take several precautions and follow the surgeon’s instructions strictly to get the desired results.