The shape of the nose is one of the aesthetic reasons that causes the greatest concern of the image and, in the most extreme cases, it can cause psychological disorders. In addition, the onset of adolescence usually coincides with the development of the nose, a time when it is more complicated to assume an aesthetic problem.
Rhinoplasty allows to correct nasal deformities by modifying its shape, offering a better balance and facial harmony. It is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by the plastic surgeon.
It is important that the surgeon takes into account the two fundamental concepts, the aesthetic and the functional. If there is any respiratory difficulty, it could also be treated in the same operation.
The results of a rhinoplasty quickly adapt to the new image of the patient, increasing their level of self-esteem and security. If you have also been treated for a respiratory difficulty, such as turbinates, you will also be able to breathe much better.
How is the procedure performed?
- Closed rhinoplasty: the surgery is performed through incisions inside the nostrils. In this way, no external scar is visible. Through the inside of the nose, the nasal bones and cartilage can be shaped and carved, creating a new structure. In this way, the skin and mucous membranes are retracted and adapted to achieve the desired shape.
- Open rhinoplasty: this technique is indicated for more complex cases, such as the modification of large tip deformities. The specialist has direct access to the structures of the nose, through a small incision at the base of the columella, leaving a virtually invisible scar.
- Ultrasonic rhinoplasty: introduced by Dr. Planas in Spain, this innovative technique is based on the use of an ultrasonic device that maximizes the precision of the intervention, allowing to fracture and file the bones of the nose without damaging the soft tissues or blood vessels. This prevents the appearance of hematomas, greatly reducing postoperative discomfort. In addition, uncomfortable packing is avoided.
- Augmentation rhinoplasty: it is not always a reduction surgery. There are patients who need to increase the size of their nose to give more relief to the tip. In these situations, the surgeon usually resorts to grafts with the patient’s own tissues to give shape or support to the nose. In cases where it is desired to lengthen a short nose, it is necessary to use the patient’s own cartilage grafts.
The dermal regeneration technique, invented and published by Dr. Planas, is especially useful to correct noses treated by previous unsuccessful surgeries, sunken by trauma, oriental race or with depressed ridge. This technique allows the generation of a thicker dermis to shape the nose, modify the frontal nasolabial angle and/or increase its size.
The main advantage of the technique is that it does not require any synthetic material, avoiding the use of auricular or rib cartilage to achieve the same objective.
Rhinoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Preoperative and postoperative
First of all, it is essential to perform a medical examination, which will allow detecting possible anomalies that could contraindicate the operation.
The patient is admitted in the morning and, once the operation is finished, the patient will leave the operating room with a splint covering his nose and a slight nasal packing. The splint will be removed on the sixth day and the packing on the third day. In the afternoon, the patient will be discharged home.
The postoperative period is not painful at all and, in general, analgesics are not necessary. The patient will be in good enough condition to go about his or her life normally, however, the final aesthetic appearance will not be visible for at least six months.
5 frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty
- Can I sunbathe? It should be avoided during the first two months after surgery. It is important to protect the lower eyelids, since, in the case of a hematoma, it could leave a dark spot.
- Is it possible to wear glasses? It is not advisable to wear them continuously, since they leave a deep mark at the point of support on the nose.
- At what age is it possible to perform a rhinoplasty? It is better to wait until the age of majority. In any case, as soon as the process of ossification of the bones of the face has been completed (between 15 and 17 years).
- Is it painful? No, in general no painkillers are needed.
- Will the patient be able to breathe through the nose? In the first three days, due to the tamponade, the patient will have to breathe through the mouth. Once it is removed, he/she will be able to breathe through the nose, although at first with some difficulty, due to the formation of small internal crusts and post-surgical inflammation.