Septorinoplasty (Nose job) with graft or implant
This webpage will give you information about a
septorhinoplasty with graft or implant. If you have any questions,
you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.
What is a septorhinoplasty?
A septorhinoplasty (or ‘nose job’) is an operation to improve
the appearance of your nose and to improve how you breathe through
your nose.
It involves operating on the bones and cartilage that give your
nose its shape and structure (rhinoplasty) and making your septum
straight (septoplasty). The septum is the cartilage and bone inside
the nose that divides the nostrils (see figure 1).
Figure 1 - The bones and cartilage that shape the nose
What are the benefits of a septorhinoplasty?
If the operation is successful, your nose will be the size and
shape you want and you will be able to breathe through both
nostrils.
Having the size and shape of nose you want can boost your
self-confidence.
Are there any alternatives to a septorhinoplasty?
If you have a blocked nose caused by a deviated septum, you may
be able to only have a septoplasty or submucous resection. A
rhinoplasty is the only way to change the appearance of your nose.
If you have a blocked nose because your nasal bones are crooked or
damaged, a rhinoplasty (usually along with a septoplasty or
submucous resection) is the only option to improve the way you
breathe.
What does the operation involve?
A septorhinoplasty is almost always performed under a general
anaesthetic. Your surgeon will make a cut in the mucosa (the
skin-like lining inside the nose) and lift it off the cartilage and
bone. They will remove the parts of the cartilage and bone that are
bent and they will put the rest back in a straight position.
Your surgeon can refine the tip of your nose by reducing the
cartilage. If you have a hump (dorsum) on your nose, they will
shave it down. Your surgeon can also straighten and narrow the
nasal bones by breaking and then setting them (infrastructure).
Your surgeon may need to support or rebuild part of your nose.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Blood clots
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Bruising and swelling
- Bleeding caused by infection
- Redness
- Unsightly scarring
- Injury to nerves
- Cosmetic problems
- Nasal obstruction
- Graft rejection
How soon will I recover?
If you had some packing in your nose, it will usually be removed
on the morning after your operation. Once this has been removed you
should be able to go home.
You will need to stay off work and away from groups of people
for two weeks to avoid catching a cold, which could result in an
infection. You should also avoid any exercise, hot baths and
bending down. Most swelling and bruising will usually have settled
after the third week.
It can take many months for your nose to settle down and for the
final appearance to develop.
Summary
A septorhinoplasty is an operation to improve the appearance of
your nose and to improve how you breathe. You should have realistic
expectations about the results.
Acknowledgements
Author: Miss Ruth Capper MD FRCS (ORL-HNS) and Mr Eoin O’ Broin
MD FRCS (Plast)
Illustrations: Mr Eoin O’ Broin MD FRCS (Plast)
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
this website is produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by
Ramsay Health Care UK.
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You may not copy, print out, download or
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The information should not replace advice that
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