Long, hump-shaped, Greek, Roman, potato-shaped, aquiline – if any of these definitions apply to your nose, you've probably thought about rhinoplasty. But why hasn’t this been done yet? Do you have any concerns or questions that you can't find the answers to? We have prepared an article with answers to the most common of them. We will tell you how rhinoplasty is carried out, how to choose the appropriate shape of the nose and, most importantly, with the help of photographs before and after the operation, we will show you how rhinoplasty changes your appearance.
How do you know if you have indications for rhinoplasty?
According to the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, indications for rhinoplasty include any visual defect that bothers a person and a functional impairment such as difficulty breathing.
The visual defects that patients most often want to correct include:
- disproportion of the nose in relation to other facial features;
- asymmetry;
- presence of a bump;
- large or asymmetrical nostrils;
- tip broad, excessively bent or drooping;
- the back is too thick, thin or uneven;
- excessive or insufficient length.
Among the defects causing functional impairment:
- congenital or acquired deformation of the nasal septum;
- fractures.
What are the types of rhinoplasty?
Based on the problem solved by the procedure, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons distinguishes the following types of rhinoplasty: aesthetic and functional. Let's see how they differ.
Aesthetic rhinoplasty
This is a procedure to correct the shape and size of the nose. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, this type of rhinoplasty can correct:
- bump - remove bone and cartilage tissue in a certain area of the back of the nose;
- nostrils - change their shape and size, make them symmetrical;
- columella (bridge between the nostrils) - straighten it or make it thinner;
- Hint – increase, decrease or reduce;
- wings - make them symmetrical or less expressive.
During the procedure, the doctor can change the shape of the nose not only by removing tissue, but also, conversely, increasing its volume. To do this, it uses an artificial implant or cartilage, obtained from another part of the patient's body. Plastic surgeons call this operationaugmentation rhinoplastyOrgrafting.
Functional rhinoplasty (septoplasty)
According to Stanford University Medical Center, the goal of septoplasty is to restore respiratory function that has been impaired due to a birth defect, injury, or other change in the body.
If a patient who is scheduled for surgery to restore breathing decides to further correct the shape of the nose, doctors from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recommend a combined procedure.rhinoseptoplasty.
There are also 2 subtypes of functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty:
- Reconstructive rhinoplasty- this is what the American Society of Plastic Surgeons calls an intervention to correct the shape of the nose due to birth defects (for example, rhinoplasty for cleft palate and cleft lip) or to recreate a shape that has changed due to'a wound.
- Revision rhinoplasty- This is a repeated correction of the nose. Plastic surgeons recommend it if the patient is not satisfied with the results of the previous procedure.
How is a rhinoplasty performed?
The Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery distinguishes 2 methods of rhinoplasty: open and closed. Their main difference lies in the access through which the doctor performs the operation.
How is a closed rhinoplasty performed?
Plastic surgeons consider closed rhinoplasty the least traumatic method of surgical correction of the nose. The procedure does not leave scars, since the doctor performs all actions through the nostrils, without incisions outside the nose. Doctors use this technique for minor curvatures or defects.
How is an open rhinoplasty performed?
In open rhinoplasty, the rhinosurgeon makes an incision in the columella and outer corners of the nose. After that, he lifts the skin and performs correction. Open rhinoplasty can correct serious defects and deformities. In this case, a small mark remains at the base of the nose, which becomes less visible over time. It can be removed using cosmetic products and special procedures.
How do I determine which nose is right for me?
Before deciding to undergo surgery, it is important to understand whether a face with the desired nose shape will become more beautiful. After all, there are cases when after rhinoplasty people lose their individuality and become less interesting and attractive.
According to the study, a 3D modeling machine makes it possible to choose a nose that will be in maximum harmony with the other characteristics. This setup takes a 3D photo of your face. The doctor and the patient treat it in a special program and adjust the nose until the optimal shape and size are selected.
Is any preparation necessary for such a procedure?
According to the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty requires some preparation. He understands:
- Consultation with a plastic surgeon. During it, a person tells exactly what they want to change. The doctor examines the nose, explains how realistic it is to achieve the desired result and creates a model on which to operate. During the consultation, it is important to ask the doctor all your questions, find out about pre- and post-operative restrictions and know the possible risks and complications.
- Preoperative examination, which ensures the absence of contraindications. It includes laboratory tests of blood and urine, electrocardiography (ECG), fluorography.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends not smoking or taking aspirin, anti-inflammatories, or herbal supplements during the preparation period because they can impair blood clotting.
How is a rhinoplasty performed?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the patient is under general or local anesthesia during the surgical procedure. The doctor determines the type of anesthesia during the preoperative consultation, focusing on the complexity of the procedure.
Depending on the type of access, the surgeon makes incisions inside or outside the nose and performs tissue correction focusing on the 3D model.
At the end of the procedure, the doctor applies stitches, fixes the nose with special tampons or splints/septal splints (silicone plates that conform to the shape of the nose) and a cast.
In general, the procedure lasts 1 to 2 hours (according to the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery).
How does the recovery take place and when are the results visible?
It is the recovery after rhinoplasty that raises the most questions. Patients want to know how quickly the signs of the procedure disappear, when they can return to their normal lifestyle and, above all, when the results are visible.
Rehabilitation
Depending on the general condition, the patient stays 1 night at the clinic or returns home the same day. This time is enough to recover from anesthesia and regain strength. Subsequent recovery takes place at home. Nosebleeds may occur during this time, so it is important to stay in contact with your doctor to inform them of your condition.
It is important to understand that after rhinoplasty, facial swelling lasts 2-3 weeks and the final result cannot be evaluated (according to plastic surgeons). If, after this period, the patient notices that the new nose does not correspond at all to the 3D model, it is necessary to inform the doctor. In this case, he will perform a revision rhinoplasty.
Possible side effects
Plastic surgeons warn of the following possible complications:
- difficult breathing;
- numbness in the operated area;
- asymmetry;
- pain;
- pigmentation;
- scars;
- formation of a hole in the septum (perforation).
Restrictions
During recovery, plastic surgeons recommend:
- avoid strenuous physical activity and running;
- do not take a bath;
- don't blow your nose;
- eat foods high in fiber (e. g. , fruits, vegetables) to avoid difficulty with bowel movements and, consequently, high blood pressure;
- smile and laugh less;
- brush your teeth carefully so that your upper lip does not actively move;
- choose clothing that does not need to be pulled over your head to reduce the risk of accidental injury;
- do not wear glasses;
- use sunscreen.
Result
If we talk about the final result of rhinoplasty, it is visible after 6 months (according to information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). During this time, the swelling disappears completely and the tissues grow together.
Is just one operation enough to get results?
It is enough that before the procedure the patient clearly understands what result he wants to achieve, discusses all the nuances with the doctor, together forms a 3D model of the future nose and the surgeon recreates it exactly.
If, after removing the cast or after complete healing, the patient realizes that he wants to correct something, the doctor carries out another operation.
It is important to understand that rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure, which means it is stressful on the body. Therefore, before agreeing to surgery, make sure you understand the result you want to achieve and convey it to the surgeon.
How is a non-surgical rhinoplasty performed?
People who want to correct their nose, but for some reason are not ready to solve this problem surgically, can pay attention to other methods of rhinoplasty - non-surgical. They provide a temporary effect and help you decide whether surgery is worth it. The procedures are carried out under local anesthesia and do not require rehabilitation: redness and swelling disappear within a few hours. There are the following types of non-surgical rhinoplasty:
Correction with fillers (contour rhinoplasty)
According to the data, the procedure involves injecting the drug into the area to be changed (for example, at the back of the nose to smooth out a bump, or at the tip of the nose to enlarge it). Doctors most often use hyaluronic acid as a filler, less often collagen. These are natural substances found in the body of each of us. Thanks to this, the risk of complications is minimal. The results of these injections last up to 14 months. After this period, the charges dissolve. Possible side effects include encapsulation (compaction of tissues around the drug). This process is a natural reaction of the body to a foreign substance.
Be careful!
If you decide to have contour rhinoplasty, be sure to check with your doctor about what medication they use. Some doctors suggest introducing a biopolymer (biogel) - a synthetic substance that, unlike hyaluronic acid and collagen, is not excreted from the body. Such procedures are considered dangerous and are prohibited in some countries. The biopolymer can cause inflammation and migrate. This means that over time, filler injected into the nose may end up in the chin, cheeks or eye area. Biogel can only be removed by surgery, after which scars remain on the face.
Nasal lipofilling
According to information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, with lipofilling, the correction is done by injecting the person's own fat under the skin (this material is also called autologous filler). The procedure provides an effect similar to the injection of hyaluronic acid and collagen: irregularities are filled and the volume of tissue in a specific area increases. The effect of lipofilling lasts approximately 3 years. To maintain it, you cannot lose weight.
Botox (botulinum toxin) injections
According to data, botulinum toxin reduces tissue volume by relaxing muscles. The technique allows you to raise or lower the tip, make the nose symmetrical and correct the shape of the nostrils. Possible side effects include difficulty breathing and changes in the height of the upper lip when smiling. The effect lasts up to 2 years.
Mesothreads
This type of nose correction is called a thread lift or mesothread lift. According to research, this allows you to change the shape of the wings and raise the tip. The essence of the procedure is the subcutaneous introduction of special threads. Over time, they dissolve, forming a collagen structure that fixes the tissues and maintains the new shape of the nose. The effect lasts up to 2 years.
And the most important. . .
Before agreeing to any of the mentioned procedures, make sure of the competence of the plastic surgeon.
When it comes to surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends that the doctor's experience with the particular procedure be considered first. Pay attention to his profile, he must specialize in facial correction operations. It is important that the doctor has international certificates and accreditations confirming his qualifications. The doctor is advised to do an internship abroad (e. g. in the United States and European countries) to improve his skills.
Do you want to have a non-surgical rhinoplasty? Choose a cosmetologist with higher medical education who sees patients not at home, but in a specialized clinic. In these centers, sterility and all conditions necessary for the safe execution of medical procedures are respected.
Take care of your health and beauty, entrust them only to professionals!