
What are the Steps Involved in a Rhinoplasty Procedure?
Rhinoplasty is one of the commonest types of plastic surgery procedures which is done for enhancing the nasal appearance and in reconstructing the nose. This procedure is also called a “nose job” which is used to change the shape of the nose by modifying the bone or the cartilage. Apart from it, Rhinoplasty has lots of cosmetic benefits.
Other than aesthetics some of the reasons for performing a Rhinoplasty include nose damage in the following cases:
- Injury
- Birth defect
- Unsatisfied with nasal structure
Types of Rhinoplasty Nose Surgery
1. Functional Rhinoplasty
This type of Rhinoplasty is being done to clear the obstruction in the nasal passage of the person and helps in improving the airflow which has been hampered due to birth defects, trauma and infections.
2. Reconstructive Rhinoplasty
This is performed to correct defects caused due to trauma or disease. For eg: in skin cancer, there may be a need to remove a portion of the nose, in that case, rhinoplasty will restore functionality, form and appearance.
3. Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
This procedure can be useful to correct cosmetic issues. It can improve the proportions of your face by changing the size and shape of your nose.
Steps Involved in the Rhinoplasty Procedure
- Step 1 - Anesthesia - Anaesthesia is given so that you should not feel any pain during the procedure, the anaesthesia usually preferred for this procedure is general anaesthesia.
- Step 2 – Making of Incision - While performing the closed procedure of Rhinoplasty the incisions are hidden inside the nose and in the open procedure, the incisions are made across the columella. The skin that covers the nasal bones and cartilage is being raised gently allowing it to reshape the structure of the nose.
- Step 3 - Reshaping the Nose Structure - If the nose is of a larger size it can be reduced by removing the bone or cartilage in some cases there may be a need to add cartilage grafts. Usually, the cartilage from the septum, the partition of the middle of the nose, is used. In some cases, the cartilage from the ear or a section of rib cartilage may be used.
- Step 4 - Adjusting a Deviated Septum - If there is some deviation in the septum it can be straightened and the projections are reduced inside the nose so that breathing can be improved.
- Step 5 - Closing the incision - Once the nose is sculpted to its desired shape the nasal skin and the tissues are arranged and the incisions are closed. If nose sizes are needed to be altered then additional incisions are placed in the natural creases of nostrils.
- Step 6 - Results - During the few days after the procedure, the splints and the gauze packing are given to support the nose during healing.
Recovery Time After Rhinoplasty
2-3 weeks is needed to recover after Rhinoplasty, initially, there may be swelling for a year till the new nasal contour refine fully. During that interval, you may notice some changes in appearance.
In the first few days, your nose will appear swollen and the swelling will subside with time. It will take around three to six months to see the final result.
Care After Rhinoplasty
Surgeons may place a splint or a packing inside the nose or the bandage can be placed outside to provide support and protection to the nose. The surgeon will give you all the medications and the instructions about caring for the surgical site.
Conclusion
If you are looking to get your nose done then you should definitely contact a good plastic surgeon for your Rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty will give you permanent results, correct all your major and minor deformities of the nose, also lengthen the nose and correct the result of previous Rhinoplasty.