Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery that aims to change the shape of the nose, whether for reasons of appearance or improving the patient’s quality of life, as the procedure allows for better breathing, for example. Although simple, however, it must take into account different factors, including the individual’s facial characteristics.
As it is an invasive procedure, as with any other type of surgery, rhinoplasty also requires important care. So, if you want to know more about the procedure, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading and ask your questions about the topic!
What is rhinoplasty, anyway?
Rhinoplasty is a surgery that can either modify the size or alter the shape or proportions of the nose, whether inspired by the correction of deformities caused by injuries, or the repair of congenital defects — as well as to minimize certain types of respiratory problems.
Simple in nature, the procedure can remodel the structure of the nose, both bone and cartilage. Therefore, it is common for many people to seek out specialized surgeons in order to improve the appearance of their nose, as it gives the region better harmony.
What is rhinoplasty for?
In general, rhinoplasty is associated with functional surgery in patients who have some degree of respiratory difficulty linked, for example, to a deviated septum or turbinate hypertrophy. However, as we have seen, the procedure can also be adopted for aesthetic purposes, especially with regard to reducing and changing the shape of the nose.
In general, the results for this type of procedure tend to change according to the characteristics and physiology of each patient. In this context, it is worth highlighting that the surgery adapts to each case, therefore, no person presents the same result. Therefore, it is important that the patient talks to their doctor to minimize any unrealistic expectations.
How is this surgery performed?
Rhinoplasty is normally performed using local or general anesthesia (depending on the case). After the anesthetic substances have an effect on the patient, the surgeon makes a small incision on the inside of the nose or in the tissue that covers the nostrils, thus allowing it to be remodeled. After completing the procedure as planned in advance, the doctor closes the small cuts and makes a plaster bandage to support the nose and/or contribute to a better recovery.
IMPORTANT: before undergoing rhinoplasty, the patient may have to undergo a series of laboratory tests in order to verify the risk of the procedure, as well as possibly suspend the use of medications if necessary.
In which cases is it indicated?
Taking into account everything that has already been mentioned, it can be seen that there are numerous complaints regarding the appearance of the nose, which consequently leads to different indications for carrying out the procedure. In general, most of these complaints can be easily resolved through rhinoplasty, whether aesthetic, functional or restorative.
Not so rarely, the surgery is carried out in a combined manner, that is, of an aesthetic and functional nature at the same time. To do so, there must be a medical indication and, of course, the patient’s desire to undergo such a procedure. Therefore, in summary, the possibilities for changing the physical appearance of the nose include:
Aesthetic: surgery recommended for people who have a certain level of aesthetic and/or functional dissatisfaction with their nose. In this case, the procedure aims to promote better facial harmonization, after all, rhinoplasty allows you to change characteristics related to shape, size, angle, projection, among others.
Functional: the procedure, in this case, has different objectives, as it is more used to offer the patient a better quality of life. This is because, as we have already highlighted, rhinoplasty also corrects defects such as a deviated nasal septum which, in turn, generates signs and symptoms of sleep disorders, reduced sense of smell and taste, sinusitis, persistent nasal obstruction, among others. When combined, all of these symptoms can result in a considerable decrease in patients’ quality of life. Therefore, rhinoplasty becomes a very viable alternative.
Reconstructive: suitable for individuals who have suffered significant changes to their nose over the years, reparative rhinoplasty is a surgery normally used to correct possible deformities resulting from cancer, trauma or acquired. Therefore, it is a more complex technique that requires better study, as it may not meet all patients’ expectations.
Recovery and possible complications
In general, the recovery of an operated patient is not as complicated as many might imagine. This is because rhinoplasty has an average recovery time of 10 to 15 days. However, some important precautions are necessary, after all, the patient must, for example, remain bandaged for the first few days in order to avoid complications during healing.
Furthermore, during recovery, the individual may experience pain, discomfort or some type of swelling on the face — darkening of the operated area is also common. Despite being side effects, this reaction is common and even expected in this type of procedure, but they tend to disappear in the first few days of recovery.
As it is a surgical procedure in which anesthesia is used, some complications, although rare, may occur during or even after the procedure. Among them, common changes in rhinoplasty include:
● opening of small vessels;
● perforation of the nasal septum;
● change in nose color;
● asymmetry of the face in relation to the nose;
● change in air passage;
● numbness and/or infections;
● cardiopulmonary complications; or
● presence of more visible scars.
Special cares
Even during recovery, it is recommended that the patient does not remain exposed to the sun for long periods, after all, this way you can avoid any unwanted spots on the skin. Another important point is that it may be necessary to lie down with your head facing up, do without the use of glasses, especially sunglasses, in addition to having to rest for at least 15 days or until the doctor’s approval.
The surgeon may also recommend that the operated individual use some analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications to minimize any pain and/or discomfort related to the procedure. In general, its use usually varies between 5 and 10 days, or as recommended by the person responsible.
It is worth remembering that during recovery, some pain or discomfort may be absolutely normal, as well as swelling in the region or darkening of the area. If this occurs, there is no reason to worry, as these characteristics tend to disappear as healing occurs.
What did you think of our tips and information? If you liked this post, share it on your social networks. Also remember to always seek help from a specialist before undergoing any surgical procedure.
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