Rhinoplasty

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is surgery that fixes the shape and function abnormalities in the nose. Genetic or subsequent deformations can be corrected by rhinoplasty. Breathing problems can also be cured by rhinoplasty. 
The main aim of rhinoplasty is not creating a beautiful nose, but making a symmetrical and proportional nose with a natural and healthy look. That everybody has a specific face shouldn’t be forgotten and the doctor’s guidance should be taken into consideration.

Who can have Rhinoplasty? 

Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently used types of surgery. Individuals may prefer to get rhinoplasty if they are complaining about deformities like disfigurement. The individual has a more aesthetic nose and the breathing problem vanishes when the surgery is done considering the proportion  and symmetry on the face.

In order to have a healthy result from the rhinoplasty surgery, the development of bone and cartilaginous tissue must have finished.  The development of this tissue completes at the ages of 17-18 on average. As a result, a person can only have this surgery on condition that the development of bone and cartilaginous tissue has ended.   Although there is no drawback of having rhinoplasty at later ages, one should also keep the possibility of anesthesia and post-surgery complications in mind.

Rhinoplasty is surgery that people with breathing problems also have. Nasal obstruction due to bone or cartilage deformities, sinusitis, or a nasal polyp may drive someone to get rhinoplasty. After doctor consultation, one can decide to have rhinoplasty surgery and breath more comfortably. 

What are the Techniques Used in Rhinoplasty? 

Open (external) or closed (endonasal) techniques can be used in rhinoplasty surgery. The doctor decides on the technique that will be used. The targeted result can be achieved through both of the techniques. 

Closed (Endonasal) Rhinoplasty 

It is a more widely preferred technique in rhinoplasty surgery. This technique, also known as technique with no external scar, involves modifications performed inside the nostrils. After the surgery, there is no external visible scar outside the nose.    

In closed rhinoplasty, correction methods similar to open rhinoplasty are used.  The speed of recovery is also quite fast in closed rhinoplasty. Some swellings and bruises may appear around the eyes and on the face after the surgery.  

The doctor’s job is more difficult in closed rhinoplasty as the inside of the nose and the tissues are not visible as in open rhinoplasty. The experience of the doctor has a significant role in this type of surgery. 

Open (External) Rhinoplasty 

Open rhinoplasty is performed by making a small incision on the columella, the soft tissue that separates the nostrils, so that the structure of the nose can easily be seen. There is no significant difference between the technique used in closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty. However, for people with severe deformation in the nose or with a rhinoplasty history, open rhinoplasty surgery can be preferred. The recovery duration is longer than the closed technique. The possibility of water retention and bruises is high as the skin and tissues are damaged during surgery.  

Open rhinoplasty is more commonly used among surgeons since it is an older technique than closed rhinoplasty and it is easier to find an experienced doctor. During the surgery, the skin of the nose is removed so that the surgeon has a wider sight of the nose. As a result, it is more practical for the doctor. 

What are Some of the Things That Need to be Taken into Consideration Before Rhinoplasty Surgery? 

Patient and doctor relationship is quite significant before and after rhinoplasty surgery. Especially before the surgical intervention due to shape deformation, a compromise between the doctor’s decisions and the patient’s demand need to be reached.  Your doctor can display the most appropriate and ideal shape of your nose on the computer before the surgery considering your demands.

Before the surgery, a detailed examination of the nose is done and any problems regarding the cartilage, bone or flesh is detected. The plan of the surgery is reconsidered if there is a dorsal hump or swelling.   

• The patient cannot undergo surgery with make up, nail polish or jewellery. More comfortable clothes should be chosen in order to feel comfortable at the hospital. 
• Blood thinners like Aspirin should be given up at least 1 week before the surgery.
• It is preferred to get the surgery when a women is not on period. 
• Since blood tests and anesthesia will be done, the patient must stop eating and drinking at the time the doctor advises.
• The anesthetist must be informed about the medication used. 
• The patient should be positive before the surgery and not have any worries.

During the Surgery

Rhinoplasty surgery takes up about 1,5 - 2 hours. This may change according to the number of process and technique used during the surgery. During the surgery, the doctor may solve more than one problem which were detected before the surgery. For instance, sinusitis and dorsal hump problems may be fixed within the same operation at once.

With the approval of the anesthetist, who  assesses the tests and the story of the patient prior to the operation, the surgery starts. At the last stage of the surgery, silicone supports are placed inside and outside of the nose. The patient who recovers from anesthesia is examined and discharged from the hospital. 

What Should You Pay Attention to After the Surgery? 

Post surgery is as important as the surgery itself. The patient should pay extra attention to move slowly and protect themselves against outside impacts. 

• After being discharged from the hospital, you need to arrange your house for the post surgery duration. You need to rest in bed with your head raised higher than your chest. This will help reduce swellings. 
• You need to avoid trauma and any outside impacts to the nose. 
• All the warnings and advice of the doctor after the surgery should be taken into account. For things you are not sure of, you should consult your doctor. 
• You should be careful about the protective splint, silicone, etc. and use them as long as the doctor prescribes. 
• After the surgery, you must avoid doing normal activities for approximately 10 days and sports for 3 weeks.  
• Foods, drinks and medication that thin the blood mustn’t be consumed for a while.
• After the surgery, you must avoid water splashing on the protective splint.
• The dressings in your nostrils, drip pads and splints can be removed within a week. After a week, the protective splint can also be removed. 
• Do not blow your nose. 
• In order to reduce swellings, you can apply a cold compress. Bruises and water retention will vanish after some time according to the technique used in the surgery. 
• Don't rest eyeglasses or sunglasses on your nose for at least four weeks after the surgery. If necessary, contact lenses can be used 3 days after the surgery.  

The recovery of bruises and swellings changes according to the technique used, number and types of procedures and the structure of the bone. After applying a cold compress for a few days, the temporary swelling or black-and-blue discoloration of your eyelids disappear within two to three weeks after nasal surgery. The patient can go back to work and daily life in 2-3 weeks after the surgery. However, the full recovery of the nose takes up about a year. If necessary, a revision rhinoplasty surgery can be done. 

Frequently Asked Questions

In which season should I have the surgery?

There is no specific period for rhinoplasty surgery. It can be done at any time when the person can allocate 7-10 days for the recovery. 

Can I see what my nose might look like after surgery?

Before your consultation, your doctor will take standardized photographs of your face from both sides, from the base of your nose and from a 45 degrees angle. Then, your doctor will display the new shape of your nose on the computer. 

Will I feel anything during the operation?

Rhinoplasty surgery is generally done under general anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything.

Is there a lot of bleeding during rhinoplasty surgery?

Rhinoplasty surgery does not cause bleeding. Medical examination is conducted before the surgery in order to minimize the risk of bleeding. However, people with high blood pressure may experience nose bleeding more after the surgery. That’s why; blood thinners like Aspirin should be given up at least 1 week before the surgery. Light pinkish discharge is expected after the surgery.

Is rhinoplasty a painful surgery?

This is a frequently asked question. Rhinoplasty is quite painless surgery when the classical dressing application is not done. The patient experiences a more comfortable process if silicone, which lets breathing more easily, is used. Rhinoplasty patients mention that they suffer from dull ache that can be reduced by painkillers. Rhinoplasty is not surgery that will be frightened due to the ache and pain.  

Open (external) or closed (endonasal) technique in rhinoplasty? 

According to the location of incision, the doctor decides if he’s going to perform surgery using an open or a closed technique. Open rhinoplasty is performed by making a small V-shaped incision on the columella, the soft tissue that separates the nostrils. In closed technique, all necessary incisions are completely hidden within the nostrils. There is no significant contribution of the technique used on the result. The surgeon chooses the appropriate technique according to the shape of your nose. 

What are the things I will go through after rhinoplasty surgery? 

After a few hours of rest at the hospital, you can go home after rhinoplasty surgery. You need to rest in bed with your head raised higher than your chest for 3-5 days, to reduce swelling. The internal nasal dressings are removed in 2-4 days, and the protective splint is removed in 7-10 days. After that, there is generally no need to put a plaster on the nose. After this stage, people who do not have a heavy workload can go back to work. You mustn’t wear glasses for 4-6 weeks.  For the first 2 months, you need to use sunblock. Failure to do so may result in long term reddish discoloration of the skin of the nose. Walking and jogging can be done from the 1st week onwards. 

How often should I be checked up after the surgery? 

After the rhinoplasty surgery, on the 2-4th day, 7-10th day and the 1st month, there are controls. And then, according to the recovery, the doctor calls you on the 3rd or 6th month. Later, you will have annual check-ups. 

When can I travel after rhinoplasty surgery?

After removing the protective splint on the 7-10th day, you can travel including plane travel.