The nose is the most visible part of the face, and the general shape and appearance determines a person’s perception by others. A large number of us are not happy with our nose: some do not like its size or shape, others suffer from bumps or wings that are too wide, and others want to fix the sticky tip of the nose or, conversely, droop down. All these problems can only be solved to please the patient with the help of one of the most ancient plastic surgeries - rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty- surgery to improve (change) the shape or size of the nose, aimed at improving its appearance, as well as eliminating problems with nasal breathing and creating a psychologically comfortable patient state.
Types of rhinoplasty
Distinguish between aesthetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty.
The main goal of aesthetic rhinoplasty is to correct the "mistakes" of nature by changing the shape or size of the nose, and thus to give the face a more harmonious and attractive appearance. Aesthetic rhinoplasty can be complete or superficial (partial).
Complete rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery in which the surgeon touches all parts of the structure called the external nose: bone tissue, cartilage tissue, and even soft tissue. Such surgery is indicated for patients who wish to reduce the length or width of the nose, change the shape of the saddle, and remove the hump.
Partial (or superficial) rhinoplasty is an operation to correct (change) the shape of the nose, when the surgeon is limited to processing only part of the outside of the nose, without affecting the bone tissue. Partial rhinoplasty is performed if it is necessary to correct the tip of the nose or reduce the wings, although complete rhinoplasty may also be needed to eliminate the problem - this is decided by the doctor after examination and discussion with the patient.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty is intended primarily to solve problems such as eliminating breathing difficulties due to curvature of the nasal septum or turbinate hypertrophy. Reconstructive rhinoplasty involves the restoration of the appearance of the nose, damaged (e. g. , "slipped to the side" due to a fracture), as well as partially or completely lost due to injury. This type of surgery is used if necessary to correct congenital deformities of the osteochondral skeleton in the nasal area. Sometimes plastic surgeons literally "carve" a new nose, using auricular cartilage or costume cartilage (in very severe cases), as well as artificial materials.
Often, patients have to undergo surgery not so much for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes, but to restore normal breathing, which is disrupted due to deformation of the nasal septum received during trauma. Typically, post -traumatic surgery includes nasal plastic surgery and septoplasty (surgery aimed at correcting the nasal septum, the primary purpose of which is to restore normal nasal breathing).
Preparing for rhinoplasty surgery
Before deciding on surgery, the patient, together with the plastic surgeon, discusses the parameters and appearance of the future nose, turns out what the patient wants to achieve, and the final result is simulated using a computer. This approach helps to "try" a new nose onto the patient's face before surgery and to ensure that the new appearance does not violate the entire face, and the shape of the nose will blend harmoniously with all facial features.
It should also be noted that rhinoplasty is not performed if the patient has not yet reached the age of 17-18 years. This is due to the growth of the body and the formation of cartilage and bone; the consequences of rhinoplasty at an earlier age are unpredictable. But it is better to use rhinoplasty no earlier than 21 years - doctors say that at this age the skeleton is finally formed.
Features of nasal correction surgery
Rhinoplasty is recognized as one of the most difficult plastic surgeries: however, it is important not only to change the nose and give it the desired size or shape, but also not to interfere with nasal breathing. Therefore, such an operation should be performed only by an experienced specialist who has proven himself and has good patient reviews.
Rhinoplasty can be performed with open and closed access. Open access involves incision of the skin from the outside, which will eventually be almost invisible. With closed access, surgical intervention is performed from the side of the nasal mucosa (through the nostril) without external puncture and leaving no traces at all. Closed rhinoplasty is considered more difficult and requires the special skills of a plastic surgeon.
The type of access is determined directly during the consultation and depends on many factors: the shape of the nose, its structural features and the desired end result. Surgery to correct the size or shape of the nose is performed under local anesthesia or under general anesthesia: the choice of anesthesia is influenced by the complexity of the surgical intervention and the duration of the operation proposed. . . . In any case, the patient will get rid of the pain completely and not feel uncomfortable.
Postoperative period
Rhinoplasty is a serious surgical intervention that requires not only a physician’s professional approach, but also the patient’s own responsibility during the recovery period. The postoperative period is not painful. Only the first few days, tampons, which make nasal breathing difficult, cause inconvenience to patients.
Installation plaster bandages are installed on the nose, which are removed from time to time for skin care, in general, wearing such a bandage is mandatory for 7 to 10 days. During this time, the primary edema usually disappears, and the bruising and swelling under the eyes disappear. The residual subcutaneous tissue, almost invisible to others, disappears completely within 6-8 months. After this time the final result of rhinoplasty will be visible.
As a rule, the patient is discharged the next day after surgery, but he is still under the supervision of a doctor, arriving at the clinic for examination and bandaging. The general recovery process after rhinoplasty surgery takes about a month, during which patients are prescribed to wear special bandages on the nasal area, as well as to limit physical activity and get rid of bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol).
A patient who has undergone rhinoplasty must undergo a mandatory examination with a plastic surgeon 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery.
Contraindications to rhinoplasty
An experienced plastic surgeon will refuse to perform surgery if the patient has a history of the following diseases:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- blood clotting disorders;
- chronic liver and kidney disease in the acute stage;
- oncological diseases;
- contagious disease;
- mental illness.
Of course, rhinoplasty is a serious step in the life of someone who dreams of changing his nose, and at the same time his life. But many of us understand very well: if any - albeit significant - lack of figure can "disguise" or even turn into an advantage with the help of clothing, then an ugly nose is the first thing others notice when looking at someone’s face. And if this nose is too big or burping, then such a "spectacle" can not be hidden in any way, it will always spoil the appearance and mood. Therefore, sometimes you have to decide on surgical intervention and correct the shape or size of the nose, instead of suffering all your life, sighing every time you look at yourself in the mirror.