DEFINITION, AIMS AND PRINCIPLES
This procedure aims to modify the shape of the nasal pyramid and can also if necessary correct nasal breathing problems.
The aim is to have a nose that looks natural, in harmony with the facial features, and which corresponds to the personality and expectations of the patient.
This procedure carried out both for men and women, can be done from the age of 16, when growth is complete.
BEFORE THE OPERATION :
The motivation and expectations of the patient will have been analysed.
Prior to the operation a thorough examination of the nasal pyramid and its harmony with the other features of the face will have been carried.
A preoperative usual check up will be carried out as prescribed.
An anesthesiologist will see you in consultation before the operation.
No aspirin-based medication should be taken during the 10 days preceding the operation.
Giving-up smoking is highly recommended before the operation.
HOSPITAL STAY AND TYPE OF ANESTHESIA
This operation is usually performed under general anesthesia.
Hospital stay: Rhinoplasty can be carried out in an ambulatory facility.
THE PROCEDURE
They are usually invisible, very often hidden inside the nostrils. However, an external incision may sometimes be required : an ‘open’ rhinoplasty (giving access to the internal structure of the nose) is required when
Deformations are serious or for touch-up surgery.
Dissection : These incisions permit separation of the bone structure and cartilage from the skin which covers it from outside and mucosa hich is lining inside.
Reshaping : The osteocartilaginous structure will then be reshaped as planned.
The nose may be made smaller or straightened, a bump removed, the tip may be redefined, the septum may be straightened or the nasal concha reduced in size.
Sutures: The incisions are closed with fine sutures, usually dissolving ones.
Dressings and splints : The nostrils are packed with wadding. A protective splint is molded and fixed to the nose.
AFTER THE OPERATION
There is rarely actual pain, it is rather the difficulty to breathe (because of the wadding) through the nose which is a problem for the first few days.
Sometimes, a swelling can be observed around the eyelids accompanied sometimes with bruising. The wadding is removed 2 to 5 days after the procedure.
The splint is removed 5 to 8 days after surgery.
A return to normal social and professional life is possible after 10 to 20 days. Sport and strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3 months.
THE RESULT
Two to three months are necessary before the final result becomes appreciable, and it will only be after 6 months to one year that the final aspect will become apparent after a slow and subtle healing process.
This result usually corresponds to the expectations of the patient and is fairly close to the initial project drawn up before surgery.
This procedure brings about not only an improvement in appearance which is usually considerable, but also an undeniable psychological benefit.
Concerning surgery : by choosing a competent, qualified Plastic Surgeon, used to performing this procedure, you limit the risks, without however eliminating them completely .
Fortunately, real complications are rare following a
rhinoplasty which has been carried out correctly. In fact practically all the operations go well and patients are completely satisfied with the result.
In spite of the fact that complications are so rare you must be aware of the following possible problems :
• Bleeding : this can occur in the first few hours after
surgery but is usually moderate. If bleeding persists
more wadding should be added, or a return to the
operating room may be necessary.
• Hematoma : these must be drained if too painful or too large.
• Infection : in spite of the natural presence of germs in the nostrils this is very rare. If it occurs, it requires a uick and appropriate treatment.
• Abnormal scarring : this can only concern external scars (if any) and is rarely a problem to the point of requiring a second procedure.
• Sores : these are rare but can be caused by the splint. Small sores or wounds heal spontaneously leaving no mark, but skin necrosis, which is very rare, will leave a small scar.
All things considered, the risks must not be overestimated, but you must be conscious that an operation, even a minor one, always has some degree of unforeseeable unknown factors.
You can be assured that if you are operated on by a qualified Plastic Surgeon, he will have the experience and skill required to avoid these complications, or to treat them successfully if necessary.