Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of the nose, and is one of the most requested procedures in plastic surgery. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, modify the shape of the tip or back to make it more harmonious in the profile, narrow the nostrils and can also change the angle of the nose with the upper lip.
Before the surgery
During the first consultation the surgeons will examine you and explain all the options and treatments that may be beneficial. It is not advisable that anyone under 15 years old have this procedure, due to the physical and emotional changes present at this stage of adolescences.
During surgery
Rhinoplasty is always performed in an operating room, in a clinic or hospital, with all conditions of asepsis. The surgery lasts around 2 or 3 hours, and usually admission of 24 hours and with one night of admission. It can be done with local anesthesia and sedation, or more frequently, it will be performed under general anesthesia with the patient asleep during the entire surgery. During the surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from bone and cartilage and molding it to the desired shape, it is done through a wound in the columella which is the part of the skin that goes from the tip of the nose to the lip superior, in addition to incisions inside the nose. At the end of the surgery a splint or plaster is placed, which will help to stabilize this new form and decrease the inflammation, also some nasal plugs are placed to avoid bleeding.
After surgery
During the first 24 hours, you may have swelling of your face, headache and discomfort on the nose, which should decrease with prescribed medication. To reduce inflammation it is recommended to sleep the first days with the head elevated. After 3 or 4 days bruises and inflammation around the nose and under the eyes can continue, this inflammation can decrease by applying cold in the area. Most bruising disappears within two weeks. You cannot blow your nose hard for a week, more or less, until the tissues heal to prevent nose bleeding. The plugs inside the nose will be removed in 48-72 hours and the splint or plaster about 10 days after surgery, as well as the stitches.
Frequently asked questions
The ideal candidate for this surgery is someone who looks to improve their appearance and not absolute perfection. If you have a good state of health and have a psychological stability, and at the same time, you are realistic in your expectations, you will be a good candidate. With rhinoplasty you will improve your appearance and self-confidence, but you will not be able to look like someone else.
Most patients who undergo rhinoplasty are well in 2 days, and can return to work in a week or so. Although the recovery is quick you cannot practice sports activities for about 3 weeks, you should also avoid during those weeks blowing your nose and sunbathing.
As with any surgery, there are always risks in rhinoplasty, although if performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are minor, such as infection or bleeding from the nose. Sometimes, after the surgery, small red dots may appear on the skin, these dots are small broken vessels; they are usually very small and imperceptible, but they are permanent.
Most rhinoplasty scars are found inside the nose, the only visible scar is on the part of the skin that goes from the tip of the nose to the upper lip but this small scar of less than 1 cm practically disappears over time.