The nose is the most visible part of the face and it is its shape and general appearance that determines how a person is perceived by others. Many of us are not happy with our nose: some do not like its size or shape, others suffer from a bump or too wide wings, and still others want to fix the tip of the nose. which is well stuck or, on the contrary, which sags. . All of these problems are solved simply to the delight of patients with the help of one of the oldest plastic surgeries - rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty- surgery to correct (change) the shape or size of the nose, which is aimed at improving its appearance, as well as eliminating problems with nasal breathing and creating a psychologically comfortable state of the patient.
Types of rhinoplasty
Distinguish between aesthetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty.
The main objective of cosmetic rhinoplasty is to correct the "mistake" of nature by changing the shape or size of the nose, and thus to give the face a more harmonious and attractive appearance. Cosmetic rhinoplasty can be complete or superficial (partial).
Complete rhinoplasty is plastic surgery during which the surgeon touches all the structural parts of the so-called external nose: bone tissue, cartilage tissue, as well as soft tissue. Such an operation is indicated for patients wishing to reduce the length or width of the nose, change the shape of the saddle and remove the lump.
Partial (or superficial) rhinoplasty is an operation to correct (change) the shape of the nose, when the surgeon limits himself to treating only some of the external parts of the nose, without affecting the bone tissue. A partial rhinoplasty is performed if it is necessary to correct the tip of the nose or reduce the wings, although a complete rhinoplasty may also be necessary to eliminate these problems - this is decided by the doctor after examination and conversation with the patient. .
The main aim of reconstructive rhinoplasty is to solve a problem such as the elimination of breathing difficulties due to the curvature of the nasal septum or the hypertrophy of the turbinates. Reconstructive rhinoplasty involves restoring the appearance of the nose, damaged (eg, "slipped to the side" due to a fracture), as well as partially or completely lost due to injury. This type of operation is used if it is necessary to correct the congenital deformation of the osteochondral skeleton in the nasal area. Sometimes a plastic surgeon has to literally "sculpt" a new nose, using cartilage from the atria or costal cartilage (in particularly severe cases), as well as artificial materials.
Often the patient has to undergo surgery not for cosmetic and aesthetic purposes, but to restore normal breathing, which has been impaired due to the deformation of the nasal septum received during the trauma. Typically, post-traumatic surgery includes nasal plastic surgery and septoplasty (surgery to correct the nasal septum, its main purpose is to restore normal nasal breathing).
Preparing for rhinoplasty surgery
Before deciding on an operation, the patient, together with the plastic surgeon, discusses the future parameters and appearance of the nose, determines what exactly the patient wants to achieve, and the end result is simulated using a computer. This approach makes it possible to "try" the new nose on the patient's face before the operation and ensure that its new appearance does not violate the overall proportions of the face, and the shape of the nose will blend harmoniously with all the features. of the face.
It should also be borne in mind that rhinoplasty is not performed if the patient has not reached the age of 17-18. This is due to the growth of the body and the formation of cartilage and bone skeleton; the consequences of rhinoplasty at an earlier age can be unpredictable. But it is better to resort to rhinoplasty no earlier than 21 years old - doctors say that it is at this age that the bone skeleton is finally formed.
Features of nose correction surgery
Rhinoplasty is recognized as one of the most difficult plastic surgeries: after all, it is important not only to change the nose and make it the desired size or shape, but also not to disrupt nasal breathing. Therefore, such an operation should be performed only by an experienced specialist who has already proven himself and has good patient reviews.
Rhinoplasty can be performed with both open and closed access. Free access involves a skin incision from the outside, which in the end will be almost invisible. With closed access, the surgery is performed from the side of the nasal mucosa (through the nostrils) without any external incision and leaves no traces. Closed rhinoplasty is considered more difficult and requires the special skill of a plastic surgeon.
The type of access is determined directly at the consultation and depends on many factors: the shape of the nose, the characteristics of its structure and the desired end result. The operation to correct the size or shape of the nose is done under local anesthesia or local anesthesia. general anesthesia: the choice of anesthesia is influenced by the complexity of the surgical intervention and the duration of the proposed operation. . . . In any case, the patient completely gets rid of the pain and does not feel any discomfort.
Postoperative period
Rhinoplasty is a serious surgical intervention that requires not only the professional approach of the doctor, but also the responsibility of the patient himself during the period of rehabilitation. The postoperative period is painless. Only in the first days tampons, which make nasal breathing difficult, bring inconvenience to the patient.
A fixing plaster bandage is applied to the nose, which is removed from time to time for skin care, in general, wearing such a bandage is mandatory for 7-10 days. During this time, the primary edema usually goes away and the bruises and bags under the eyes go away. The residual subcutaneous induration, almost invisible to others, disappears completely within 6 to 8 months. It is after this time that the final result of the rhinoplasty will be visible.
As a rule, the patient is released the day after the operation, but he always remains under the supervision of a doctor, arriving at the clinic for examinations and dressings. The process of general recovery after rhinoplasty surgery takes about a month, during which the patient is prescribed to wear a special bandage in the nose area, as well as to limit physical activity and eliminate bad habits (smoking, to drink alcohol).
A patient who has undergone rhinoplasty must undergo mandatory examinations with a plastic surgeon 3, 6 and 12 months after the operation.
Contraindications of rhinoplasty
An experienced plastic surgeon will refuse to perform the operation if the patient has a history of the following diseases:
- diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- blood clotting disorders;
- chronic liver and kidney disease in the acute stage;
- oncological diseases;
- Infectious diseases;
- mental illness.
Of course, rhinoplasty is a serious stage in the life of a person who dreams of changing his nose, and at the same time his life. But many of us understand this perfectly well: if there are flaws in the figure - even significant ones - can be "disguised" or even turned into advantages with the help of clothes, then an ugly nose is the first thing to do. others pay attention when looking at a person. face. And if that same nose is too big or bumpy, then such a "show" can not be hidden in any way, it will always spoil the appearance and mood. Therefore, sometimes you have to decide on surgery and correct the shape or size of the nose, and then suffer all your life with a sigh every time you look at yourself in the mirror.