Nose reshaping (Rhinoplasty)
What is a rhinoplasty procedure and why is it performed?
A rhinoplasty can help men and women of all ages (dependent on
skin condition) to correct a large, disproportionate or irregular
shaped nose.
Rhinoplasty surgery is one of the most popular facial cosmetic
procedures provided and is often performed as a result of a patient
feeling self conscious about his or her facial appearance or
profile for a number of years.
The ultimate objective of performing a rhinoplasty is for the
surgeon to create an evenly proportioned nose shape and profile,
which will harmonise with the other dimensions of the face and bone
structure.
What is a rhinoplasty procedure and how is it performed?
A rhinoplasty procedure typically involves the surgical refining
or removal of nasal bone and cartilage from just below the surface
of the skin on the bridge, tip and/or nostril area. Following this
refinement the skin is then re-draped over the newly designed
underlying structure.
This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic.
Under normal conditions a typical rhinoplasty procedure can take
around one hour to perform. However, complicated rhinoplasty
procedures performed to either build up or reconstruct the bone and
cartilaginous structures of the nose can take much longer.
During a rhinoplasty procedure nearly all surgical incisions are
made from within the nasal passage or nostril area and consequently
surgical scars are usually hidden from view. One exception to this
rule is when overly large or flared nostrils are surgically
tapered, leaving small and usually insignificant scars, hidden in
the natural crease line to the side or just below the nostril area
itself.
This advanced corrective procedure is a very precise one and
should only be provided by a Consultant Plastic or Specialist
Surgeon, who is fully qualified and experienced to skillfully
perform this type of surgery.
What kind of men and women request this procedure?
- Men and women of all ages who want to correct the general size
of their nose
- Men and women who want to correct the disproportionate or
irregular shape of either their profile, bridge, nasal tip or
nostril area
- Men and women who have had a traumatic or disfiguring injury to
the nose
- Men and women who have an abnormally flat appearance to the
bridge of the nose
This particular procedure can provide excellent results, freeing
men and women from the unwanted attention that can be caused by an
irregular, disproportionate or unattractive nose.
What are the results like?
Inevitable facial bruising and swelling occurs following this
type of surgery and can take up to 10–14 days to settle to an
acceptable level of appearance. Your nose will be obscured by a
firm splint or support, which is typically applied to the nose
immediately after the procedure.
After the initial swelling has settled down, subtle improvements to
the contour of the newly shaped nose will continually take place
for up to six to twelve months following surgery. It is usual for
patients to experience some kind of nasal stuffiness, similar to
having a heavy cold, for several weeks following rhinoplasty
surgery. Your smell and taste can also be affected.
Internal sutures (stitches) are usually used during a
rhinoplasty procedure and are absorbable. If external or
unabsorbable sutures are used (usually only when a nostril
reduction is performed) they will be removed after five to seven
days. Most patients are required to wear a firm supportive nasal
splint for 7–14 days post-operatively.
How will you feel after a rhinoplasty procedure?
Whilst a rhinoplasty procedure is usually considered a
reasonably pain free one, the operated area is often quite tender
for several months following surgery.
Analgesic tablets (pain killers) are always provided for any
discomfort and patients are encouraged to sleep as upright as
possible during the first two to three days of the recovery stage
to help diminish residual swelling and bruising. Patients usually
describe the way they feel as similar to having a heavy head cold,
rather than experiencing specific pain. These symptoms diminish
rapidly after the first week and as internal wounds heal.
In the early days following discharge, patients are strongly
advised to avoid any level of activity that would put undue strain
on the newly operated area. Post-operative patients are also
advised to only blow your nose gently and to pay meticulous
attention to their personal hygiene during their recovery period.
Patients will also be advised to take a specific amount of recovery
time away from work dependent on the type of work they perform, but
it is usual to take at least a week to rest and recover at home
whilst wearing the nasal splint.
It is often reported that altered sensitivity and numbness to
the tip of the nose is a common side effect for up to 12 months
following rhinoplasty surgery.
Are there any risks involved in nose reshaping surgery?
All surgery involves an element of risk from developing
complications. However, cosmetic surgery is usually undertaken
voluntarily and only when patients are in good health. Therefore,
the probability of developing complications with this kind of
surgery are substantially lower than when surgery is performed due
to ill health.
Risks such as bleeding, infection, irregularity, asymmetry,
scarring and alteration in sensitivity will all be discussed openly
at consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage and
minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.
In most cases, the fine incisions and subsequent surgical scars
that are made during this procedure are well hidden inside the
nasal passages; however, the appearance of scars are a highly
individual matter. Usually these fine scars mature, soften and fade
to a negligible level. Very occasionally however, patients can
develop firm internal scarring, known as hypertrophic scarring,
which may require further corrective treatment.
What next?
The importance of a thorough pre-operative consultation with
the Consultant Plastic or Specialist Surgeon who will perform
your operation cannot be over stressed. You need time to consider
all the benefits and risks of rhinoplasty surgery and the
opportunity to reflect and consider all the information your
Consultant Surgeon offers you before you make a decision regarding
your potential procedure.
With Vive, each consultation is tailored to an individual’s needs,
but the consultation will always involve a thorough evaluation of
your present and past medical history and a physical examination of
the problem area. Your surgeon will take time to listen to your
concerns and will take care to ensure that you have a thorough
understanding of what can be done to help, the procedure itself,
the recovery stages and a clear explanation of the risks
involved.
You are positively encouraged to ask any questions that you may
have and to look at photographs of others who have had the same
type of surgery that you are considering. If you would find it
helpful, our advisory team may be able to arrange for you to speak
to a previous patient who is willing to discuss their experience
with you over the telephone.