What is Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is concerned with the shape of the nose and how it is balanced with other facial features. Since the nose is the most important feature of the face, even a small change can improve the appearance. So, rhinoplasty is not just about reshaping the nose for cosmetic reasons; it’s a holistic approach to achieving improved aesthetics, better breathing, and heightened self-confidence.

Alternatives to Rhinoplasty

If you want to correct the health or aesthetic condition of your nose that you are not satisfied with, but you want to do this without undergoing any operation, there are also non-surgical methods for this. These methods can help you improve your facial features and/or improve your health by aesthetically altering your nose without undergoing standard rhinoplasty surgery.

Understanding the trade-offs of alternative solutions allows patients to make informed decisions based on their unique needs.

Although non-surgical procedures meet the need in some cases, they are inadequate in cases such as serious nasal deformation, extreme difficulties in breathing etc.

While non-surgical procedures provide quick results in less time, rhinoplasty offers precise and powerful solutions. Non-surgical procedures need to be repeated periodically, making them a more expensive option in the long run.

Who Needs Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty becomes a recommended option for those facing specific conditions, such as congenital nasal issues, injury-related deformities, or individuals seeking cosmetic enhancements. Understanding the circumstances where rhinoplasty is beneficial ensures that patients approach the procedure with clarity.

• Some situations people face:
• Not being satisfied with the shape and size of the nose.
• Correction of post-traumatic damage.
• Difficulty breathing due to deformation and functional problems.
• Inability to breathe due to a deviated septum making only one nostril functional.
• Poor sleep quality due to loud snoring.
• Having problems such as chronic allergies and sinus problems

Requirements for Treatment Candidates

Potential candidates should be aware of age restrictions, health conditions that may impact candidacy, pre-existing medical history considerations, and other relevant factors. A comprehensive understanding of these criteria ensures a smoother journey toward rhinoplasty.

Although there is no age limit for rhinoplasty, it is healthier for the person to be operated on to have completed puberty and facial development.

The health history and current health status of the candidate who plans to have rhinoplasty are examined by specialist surgeons and the surgery is decided in line with the examinations.

Patients are expected to have reasonable and realistic expectations regarding rhinoplasty surgery and to make decisions by obtaining information about the surgery process. Although Rhinoplasty, which carries as much risk as other surgeries, is defined as a safe procedure, it is performed by expert surgeons to minimize the risk since the nose has a complex structure and the interventions to be made during the operation may affect different parts of the nose.

How is Rhinoplasty Performed

Understanding the step-by-step process of rhinoplasty can expose the surgical experience for potential patients and help them be better prepared for situations they may encounter. The relevant steps can be listed as follows:

1. Consultation:

• The journey begins with a thorough consultation with a surgeon specialized in rhinoplasty.
• The consultation will revolve around the patient’s aesthetic goals, concerns and expectations, and the most appropriate method will be chosen for the patient in terms of health.
• The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s wishes, considering the patient’s general health, medical history, and specific characteristics of the nose.

2. Surgical Steps:

• Anesthesia: The procedure typically involves the execution of either local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery.
• Incisions: Incisions are strategically made either within the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils) for open rhinoplasty.
• Reshaping and Reconstruction: The surgeon then proceeds with reshaping the nasal structure, addressing concerns such as humps, depressions, or asymmetry.
• Closure of Incisions: Once the desired changes are made, the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures.

Rhinoplasty Types

Closed Rhinoplasty

This technique involves reshaping and altering the nose’s form solely through internal incisions, eliminating the need for an incision at the base of the nose. The entire procedure occurs within the nasal area and typically lasts a maximum of 2-3 hours, even in more intricate cases.

Following the internal incisions, the skin covering the nose’s bones and cartilages is elevated, providing the surgeon access to the internal nasal structure. While some cases involve only the repositioning of cartilage, others may require the removal or addition of nasal tissue. The incisions are then closed using sutures, and a plaster cast is applied to the nose to conclude the operation.

Advantages of the Closed Method

• Minimal incisions
• Reduced swelling and bruising around the eyes
• Decreased scar formation and lowered risk of surgical complications inside or outside the nose
• Allows to preserve the natural appearance
• Shorter surgery duration
• Lesser likelihood of weakness, discomfort, and postoperative swelling
• Return to normal condition in a short time due to rapid recovery

Disadvantages of the Closed Method

Despite its advantages, this method has two drawbacks:

• It demands a high level of surgical skill.
• Since the visibility is limited, it is suitable only for individuals seeking minor changes to their nose.

Open Rhinoplasty

In contrast, open rhinoplasty involves creating a small incision at the base of the nose, allowing the surgeon to lift the nasal skin from the tissue. This provides a broader view of the nose, facilitating more intricate changes.

Advantages of the Open Method

Quicker and easier nasal repair

• Since the stitches are inside the nose, wounds are not visible.
• Generally better results, meeting patient expectations
• Improved diagnosis of anatomical issues requiring correction
• Reduced risk of mismatch

Disadvantages of the Open Method

• Extended operation time
• Compared to the closed method, due to the incision made at the base of the nose, it causes an increase in pain, swelling, discomfort and bruises around the eyes, and a longer recovery time.
• Potential scarring from stitches at the base of the nose, although well-sutured wounds typically do not leave visible scars over time
• Manipulation of nasal cartilages in this method may result in the loosening of the nasal structure supporting the tip of the nose.

In summary, both closed and open rhinoplasty methods offer unique advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two depends on individual preferences, the extent of desired changes, and the surgeon’s expertise in meeting specific patient needs.

Expected Durations:

The duration of rhinoplasty varies depending on the complexity of the case, ranging from one to several hours.

• Hospital Stay Duration: 1 Day
• Operation Duration: Between 1,5-3 hours
• Recovery Duration: Approximately 7 Days

Understanding these procedural details allows patients to approach rhinoplasty with a sense of familiarity and confidence.

Preparing for Rhinoplasty

The first and most important step is to choose the best surgeon for rhinoplasty; because there is a direct relationship between the surgeon and the outcome of the operation, the more experience and skill the surgeon has, the better results patients will get from rhinoplasty surgery.

Comprehensive Consultation

A detailed meeting is held with the surgeon to meet the patient’s expectations and discuss possible outcomes and concerns. In this meeting, the patient asks all the questions and clearly understands the entire process. In this way, the patient’s concerns are resolved.

This meeting allows the surgeon to comprehensively identify possible risks based on the patient’s health profile. The surgeon may order special medical tests or examinations to evaluate the findings.

Medical history

One of the issues that surgeons find most important is the patient’s medical history. While the surgeon gives information to the patient about the surgery, surgeon will also obtain information from the patient about the condition of the nose and the medications that are being used. The surgeon may request that the patient stop using certain medications for a while before the procedure. Only medications prescribed by the surgeon can be taken. It is also recommended not to use herbal remedies and over-the-counter supplements. In addition, the surgeon will want to obtain information about the patient’s motivation and goals for the surgery.

Examination and recognition of physical conditions

The surgeon performs a complete physical examination and checks the results of procedures such as tests and examinations. The surgeon also detects the patient’s facial features and the inside and outside of his nose.

A physical examination helps the surgeon know what changes need to be made. It is determined how physical characteristics such as the thickness of the patient’s skin or the strength of the cartilage at the tip of the nose will affect the results of the surgery. Determining the effect of rhinoplasty on breathing during the examination is very important for the process.

Photo of the nose

Basically, a person’s nose is photographed from different angles. The surgeon may use computer software to manipulate the nose photo to show the person what kind of results they can expect. The surgeon uses these photographs as a reference in pre- and post-operative evaluations, during surgery and long term follow up. Most importantly, photographs allow surgical goals to be discussed and the outcome to be clarified.

Dietary Restrictions

Some surgeons may recommend dietary restrictions in the days before surgery.

These restrictions may include avoiding certain medications, herbal supplements, or certain foods that may affect the surgical process. Since the consumption of tobacco products complicates the process, patients who are considering rhinoplasty are advised not to smoke tobacco products (cigarettes and hookah) for a while before the surgery. 

Risks Associated with Rhinoplasty

In general, all surgical operations carry complications and risks such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reaction to anesthesia. However, rhinoplasty nose surgery may also have other side effects. The most important of these are listed below:

• Breathing problems
• Bleeding in the nose
• Nose numbness
• Occurrence of undesirable aesthetic results like asymmetric nose
• Wounds and scars resulting from surgery
• Swelling and bruising
• Pain and discomfort

First of all, in order to prevent complications and possible problems, it is necessary to choose a specialist surgeon, as mentioned earlier in the article. An experienced and skilled surgeon who has performed many rhinoplasty operations prevents such risky situations from occurring because he is aware of the possible risks.

In addition, it is necessary to strictly follow all the preoperative rules specified in the article and given by the surgeon.

Approximately two weeks before the procedure, tobacco products should be stopped and certain blood-thinning medications should be avoided.

It is very important to provide detailed medical information during the consultation, including past surgeries and allergic conditions.

The program created by the surgeon and the hospital for the medications to be used in the treatment during the recovery process must be rigorously followed.

Since physical activities increase blood pressure and may cause bleeding, physical activities should be avoided during the recovery period or should be done as much as the surgeon allows.

During this process, attending all planned control appointments and complying with the protective instructions given will minimize the risks.

Recovery Period After Rhinoplasty

Understanding the stages of recovery prepares patients for what to expect and promotes a more positive postoperative experience. The recovery process can basically be followed under 3 main headings. Recovery timeline, post treatment care instructions and appointments.

In a typical recovery period, conditions such as swelling and bruising are expected to improve within the first two weeks. There is a progressive reduction in swelling over the following weeks and the final results become more noticeable within a few months.

Follow postoperative care instructions carefully, including using prescription medications, keeping the head elevated, and avoiding certain activities. It is important to have regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor the healing process and make any necessary adjustments. Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address concerns.

Activities and Things to Avoid After Rhinoplasty

Encouraging patients to comply with the rules increases the effectiveness of the procedure and contributes to the achievement of the desired results. Although the healing process of every patient may not be exactly the same, all patients can apply the following precautions.

• Avoid strenuous physical activity for several weeks to prevent complications and promote optimal healing.
• Surgeons may recommend avoiding certain foods or substances that may affect the healing process or interact with medications.
• Emphasize the importance of getting plenty of rest and relaxation during the initial recovery phase.
• Try not to tilt your head and keep it as upright as conditions allow. Applying a cold compress to your nose while doing this will also contribute positively to the healing process.
• In case of a runny nose, try to wipe your nose with small touches instead of blowing your nose.
• The surgery area should be kept clean and dry to prevent infection. Again, dressing will be useful to prevent infection.
• The medications prescribed by the surgeon should be used regularly and appointments should not be missed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision to undergo rhinoplasty surgery is an important decision that has pros and cons and requires careful evaluation, thorough preparation, and commitment to postoperative care. Individuals who gain information by researching the procedure, alternatives and the recovery process can embark on their rhinoplasty journey with confidence. While the transformative aspect of the experience is undoubtedly appealing, it is crucial to approach rhinoplasty as a journey of self-discovery. From the first consultation to the last follow-up appointment, each step contributes to the improvement of both physical appearance and inner confidence, enabling the person to improve.

Choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon ensures not only the success of the procedure but also the patient’s well-being throughout the entire process. Transparency of information, realistic expectations, and an understanding of the potential risks associated with rhinoplasty enable individuals to make informed decisions about their own bodies, making it easier to overcome the challenges they may encounter.

After all, rhinoplasty is more than just a surgical procedure; It is an opportunity for individuals to regain their self-confidence, redefine themselves, and embrace a new chapter in their lives with a sense of renewal.