What is Nose Cosmetic Surgery (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty or nose plastic surgery is done to change the shape of the nose or to improve its function. It is done to correct breathing problems related to the nose or correct disfigurement from trauma or birth defects. The upper half of the nose comprises of bone and the lower half is made up of cartilage. Rhinoplasty can modify bone or cartilage or both to give you the desired functionality and appearance.
Different Procedures of Rhinoplasty
Open Rhinoplasty: This procedure is used for reshaping of nose. During the surgery, the doctor makes an incision in the strip of skin separating the nostrils. The skin and soft tissue is lifted off and the surgeon works with the underlying nasal anatomy. The advantages of Open Rhinoplasty is that the surgeon a can directly see the cartilage and other nasal anatomy, and is able to manipulate the nasal shape with more control and precision.
Closed Rhinoplasty: The incisions are made within the nose and the skin is separated from the bone and cartilage, allowing the surgeon access to the underlying structure. The bone and cartilage can be reshaped, removed or augmented to get the desired shape or structure. The main advantage is decreased amount of time in surgery, less swelling and less postoperative healing time.
Revision Rhinoplasty: It is also known as Secondary Rhinoplasty because it’s a second surgery performed to correct problems that have developed and persist after a previous surgical procedure on the nose. The problem could be one of appearance or the patient does not like the outcome of the first surgery, due to some structural difficulty or because of a trauma to accident occurring after a person has already had nose altering surgery.
Filler Rhinoplasty: In Filler Rhinoplasty procedure, doctor uses injectable fillers to change the shape of your nose. With this approach the doctor is able to smoothen the sharp angles and bumps, change the shape of the tip of the nose and restore it symmetrically.
Why Should You Do It?
A straight, pointed nose with the right symmetry and shape makes your face more attractive and beautiful. So if you have a nose with a hump or wide/narrow nostrils or have breathing problems because of the structure of your nose, nose plastic surgery is perhaps your only option to get the glow back to your face.
Rhinoplasty surgery can:
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Improve the overall shape of your nose and add to the beauty of your face.
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Make your nose more symmetrical to the overall symmetry of your face
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Remove humps and bumps on your nose
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Correct crooked nose
Risks of Nose Plastic Surgery
Like any surgery nose plastic surgery also carries the risk of bleeding, infection and anesthesia related complications. Other risks specific to nose job surgery include:
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Recurring nosebleeds
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Difficulty in breathing through nose
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Permanent numbness in and around nose
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Persistent pain or swelling in nose
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Visible surgery scars
You plastic surgeon will consult you on there risks. Generally speaking nose job is a pretty harmless surgical procedure and doesn’t require any overnight stay.
Preparing for Nose Plastic Surgery
Before the surgery you will have a detailed consultation with your surgeon regarding the various aspects of the surgery and whether the surgery will work in your case, along with the associated benefits and risks. This consultation could cover:
Your Requirements: The first point of discussion generally is your motivations for going for a nose job and what do you want to achieve with the surgery. The doctor will explain what Rhinoplasty can do and what it can’t do for you. It is important that you open up to your doctor and discuss the real reasons why you want the nose job to be done and not hide anything. Only then will the doctor be able to tell you the best way forward.
Your Medical History: The doctor will ask you questions to understand your past medical history to ensure if conducting surgery will be suitable in your case.
Physical Exam: The surgeon will conduct a complete physical examination along with any tests, as may be applicable. He/she will also thoroughly inspect your nose from the inside and outside. Examination of the nose is essential to understand how the shape of your nose can be changed and what impact Rhinoplasty will have on your nose.
Photographs: You doctor may also ask someone to take photographs of your nose and through digital image manipulation, show how your nose will look post surgery.
What To Expect During Surgery
Rhinoplasty surgery usually takes around 1-3 hours and is done under general or local anesthesia as decided by the surgeon. Overnight stay is generally not required, but may be required if you have any other health issues that require post surgery monitoring.
Recovery From Nose Surgery
Full recovery from this surgery generally requires around 4 weeks but you can get back to work after about 2 weeks.
Please keep the following points in mind for the best way to recover from Rhinoplasty.
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The dressings on your nose may remain in place till about a week after the surgery.
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If your surgeon tapes a splint to your nose for protection, it remains in place till about a week.
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After removal of dressing slight bleeding or mucus is common for the next few days.
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Avoid strenuous activities or exercise till complete recovery
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Don’t blow your nose
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Don’t use eyeglasses or sunglasses till about a month after surgery
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Avoid any disturbance to the nose in any way.
Swelling of the nose may last longer than expected and varies from person to person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get the desired nose shape with Rhinoplasty?
Off course you can. Getting the desired nose shape is the primary objective of Rhinoplasty in most cases. However you should not have unrealistic expectations and always go by your surgeon’s advice on final outcome.
Is there any lower/upper age limit for Rhinoplasty?
There is no upper limit for a nose job. However, there is a lower limit - 15 years for girls and 16 for boys i.e. the age at which the nose growth is complete.
How long does it take to recover from nose surgery?
You should take at least a week’s time off work, school or any other obligations. You can resume most of your activities within 2-4 weeks time. However, nose swelling after surgery can take months to fully subside. For most people through it takes about 2 months for the swelling to go.
How much does Rhinoplasty cost?
Like any surgical procedure, cost of Rhinoplasty depends on a number of factors - the complexity of the surgery, the expectations of the patient, the reputation and experience of the surgeon, etc. The best way to find out the cost is by getting a personal consultation.
Can I get an idea of how my nose will look like after the surgery?
Yes your surgeon will most likely take photographs of your nose and using digital modeling, show you how your nose may look like after surgery.
Nose Surgery in Hyderabad
At KIMS hospital Hyderabad, Dr. Sharath Chandra Reddy and his team of plastic surgeons have decades of combined experience in all kinds of plastic and cosmetic surgery. Please fill out the form below to book your appointment now with Dr. Sharath and discuss your nose surgery requirements.
