What is rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed either to improve the appearance of the nose such as its facet, shape and size, or to restore a part of the nasal septum or the entire skeleton of the nasal pyramid that may be dysfunctional and prevent free human breathing. However, rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time for aesthetic and functional reasons, while it can also have a remedial character, especially when it comes to surgeries performed after an unfortunate event or after a preceding unsuccessful operation.
In any case, the goal of rhinoplasty is to offer a result harmonized with the other characteristics that will free the person from any personal or functional difficulties and will enhance his self-confidence.
- What problems can rhinoplasty correct;
Rhinoplasty can treat deformities and malfunctions in the nasal pyramid that are either inherited or acquired. Specifically, it can correct:
Aesthetic nature:
- wide or narrow nose
- drooping or over-projection of the tip of the nose
- nose with a snub
- the crooked nose
- asymmetry in the nostrils
Functional nature:
- respiratory problems
- nasal congestion
- difficulty in smell
- snoring
- apnea
- various injuries
- Who is it for;
Ideally, as soon as the person reaches the age of 18, he is able to undergo surgery, as the development of the anatomical structures of the nasal pyramid has been completed by that age. Of course, the operation can be performed at any stage of adult life, unless there are other health reasons. However, it is advisable to perform the operation at a younger age because the recovery period is shorter.
- The first visit to the doctor’s office
The first visit to the Plastic Surgeon is very important because the aesthetic and functional problem of the patient is identified, and his motivations and expectations are evaluated. Then follows the external examination and endoscopy of the nose while making the necessary measurements, as well as taking photos so that a future comparison of the nose can be made after the operation. In addition, the candidate is informed of possible complications and outcomes. At this visit, the date of the operation and the procedures that require the operation can be set.
- Is rhinoplasty painful;
Rhinoplasty is now one of the safest and most painless methods of anatomical facial reconstruction. With the special skills of the Plastic Surgeon and the modern tools available, the least possible injury is achieved, which involves the least amount of swelling and pain, that can be reduced with the administration of special analgesics. The goal is to highlight the natural features centred on the nose and the release of the nasal congestion for proper breathing.
- What complications may occur;
When the Plastic Surgeon is specialized and has the appropriate experience, it is very rare for a complication to occur, such as the presence of a deformity due to a surgical error. The presence, perhaps, of nosebleeds is possible and highly treatable after medical advice and care, while the infection is rare as, before the operation, the patient is already given antibiotics.
- What kind of medical tests will be needed before the rhinoplasty;
Before the rhinoplasty, a review of the medical history of the person concerned, a chest x-ray, an electrocardiogram and general blood tests will be needed. However, if deemed necessary by the Plastic Surgeon, the person concerned will need to take some additional x-rays for a better review of the condition and the functional restoration of the nose.
- How long does rhinoplasty last and what kind of anaesthesia is required;
The operation lasts 1-3 hours. The duration depends on the type of surgery (open or closed) and the extent of the problem to be repaired. Rhinoplasty is usually performed using general anaesthesia for the greatest possible absence of pain and discomfort that the patient may experience during the operation. Sometimes, however, it can be performed under a combination of general and local anaesthesia, while in cases where there are other medical reasons, the use of local anaesthesia is recommended.
- During surgery
Initially, the type of surgery to be used, the closed or the open one, must be determined, depending on the size of the deformity and the percentage of dysfunction that exists.
- Closed surgery is indicated for the easiest cases, in which the incision is made internally, inside the mucosa.
- Open surgery is selected for the most complex cases that require detail, accuracy and good visibility. In this type of rhinoplasty, the incision will be made in the narrow part between the nostrils (columella).
The Plastic Surgeon needs to know both techniques and have the necessary experience to be able to choose the appropriate technique on a case by case basis and to offer the best result.
- After surgeryAfter the surgery the patient will stay for a few hours or a whole day in the clinic, depending on the type of anaesthesia performed and the severity of the rehabilitation. For two days the patient will wear special tampons on his nose, which at first will prevent him from breathing but at the end of these days he will be able to breathe freely. In addition, a splint will be applied to the nose, which will protect and support the nose for 7-10 days. In the first period there may be some pain, which will be reduced with the administration of analgesic drugs, or some swelling and bruising in the eye and the nose area in general, that will gradually subside.
- In how many days can one return to their daily activities;
The nose is a complex structure that takes time and patience. During the first 2-3 weeks, when the swelling has started to subside, the new shape of the nose begins to appear. The patient after removing the splint, during this time, can return to work. Full recovery, however, will occur within 1 year. For this reason, only after consultation with the Plastic Surgeon is it possible to fully return to daily activities, always following the appropriate medical instructions and advice.
- Results
The slightest change in the infrastructure of the nose, both aesthetically and functionally, has an impact on the psychology and appearance of the person concerned. Confidence and self-esteem are enhanced from the first weeks with the presence of a well-shaped nose and the person now breathes freely, smells and sleeps undisturbed.
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