Table of Contents:
- What is rhinoplasty?
- Why is it performed?
- What does rhinoplasty consist of?
- Preparation
- Risks of the intervention
- Care after the operation
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is the operation of the nose to correct aesthetic and functional aspects of the nose, whether in the septum, tip or width. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the area to be treated.
Why is rhinoplasty performed?
Rhinoplasty is mainly used to solve aesthetic problems of the nose, such as deviations, bony hump (bone protruding from the back of the nose), congenital malformations (cleft palate, lip sequelae), and others acquired in life by disease or trauma. It also serves to improve breathing in patients who have problems in this area.
What does rhinoplasty consist of?
Two types of surgery are currently performed:
- Open rhinoplasty: a cut is made in the middle area of the nose to better access the bones and cartilage.
- Closed rhinoplasty: consists of accessing the nose through the nostrils to carry it out inside without leaving scars.
The intervention is intended to correct aesthetic and functional aspects.
Preparation for rhinoplasty
In a first consultation, the patient explains to the specialist his wishes and expectations and he investigates the problem he has by means of interrogation, physical examination and with the tomography of the nose and paranasal sinuses. He also performs a photographic analysis and proposes the surgical plan to the patient.
On the same day of the surgery, the patient should fast for eight hours and wear comfortable clothes without jewelry or makeup. You also cannot take medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, painkillers and vitamin E for at least the first two weeks before and after surgery.
Risks of the procedure
No intervention is without risk, but in the case of rhinoplasty these are not serious, being the most common: bleeding, swelling and possible adverse reaction to anesthesia.
Other possible specific risks include:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose.
- Numbness in or around the nose
- Possibility of an asymmetrical appearance of the nose
- Pain, spotting or swelling
- Scarring
- Hole in the septum (septal perforation)
Care after surgery
The patient can be discharged three to six hours after surgery. During the first few days, the patient should rest in a semi-sitting position and drink plenty of fluids.
Once the packing is removed (between three hours and five days), it is recommended to apply saline solution periodically to maintain better hygiene. The pain is relieved with analgesics and the postoperative period is not usually painful; there may simply be discomfort from having the nose obstructed during the first few days.
To further decrease the chances of bleeding and swelling, the doctor may ask you to follow a series of precautions during the first weeks after the operation, such as:
- Avoid aerobic exercise and jogging.
- Avoid blowing your nose.
- Increase your intake of high-fiber foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to avoid constipation.
- Brush teeth gently to limit upper lip movement.
- Wear clothing that closes and opens in the front, avoiding clothing that pulls in over the head.