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 it been done yet? Do you have concerns or questions that you can't find answers to? We have prepared an article with answers to the most common ones. We will tell you how rhinoplasty is performed, how to choose the right shape of the nose, and most importantly, using before and after photos of 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 is embarrassing to a person and a functional impairment such as difficulty breathing.
The visual defects that patients most often want corrected include:
- disproportion of the nose in relation to other facial features;
- asymmetry;
- presence of a hump;
- large or asymmetrical nostrils;
- large, excessively bent or drooping tip;
- the back is too thick, thin or uneven;
- excessive or insufficient length.
Among the defects that cause functional deterioration:
- congenital or acquired deformation of the nasal septum;
- fractures.
What are the types of rhinoplasty?
Depending on the problem the procedure solves, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons distinguishes the following types of rhinoplasty: aesthetic and functional. Let's find out 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:
- hump - removes 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 or thin it;
- advice: raise, lower 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, on the contrary, increasing its volume. To do this, an artificial implant or cartilage is used, which is obtained from another part of the patient's body. Plastic surgeons call this operationaugmentation rhinoplastyeithergraft.
Functional rhinoplasty (septoplasty)
According to Stanford University Medical Center, the goal of septoplasty is to restore respiratory function that has been affected due to a birth defect, injury, or some other change in the body.
If a patient who is indicated for surgery to restore breathing decides to further correct the shape of the nose, doctors at the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recommend a combined intervention.rhinoseptoplasty.
There are also 2 subtypes of functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty:
- Reconstructive rhinoplasty- This is what the American Society of Plastic Surgeons calls surgery to correct the shape of the nose due to congenital defects (for example, rhinoplasty for cleft palate and cleft lip) or to recreate a shape that has changed due to injury.
- 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 intervention.
How is rhinoplasty done?
The Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery distinguishes 2 methods of rhinoplasty: open and closed. Its main difference is the access through which the doctor performs the operation.
How is closed rhinoplasty done?
Plastic surgeons consider closed rhinoplasty to be 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 on the outside of the nose. Doctors resort to this technique for minor curvatures or defects.
How is open rhinoplasty done?
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 the 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 noticeable over time. It can be removed using cosmetics and special procedures.
How to determine which nose suits me?
Before deciding on 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 is in maximum harmony with other features. This setting takes a 3D photo of your face. The doctor and the patient process it in a special program and adjust the nose until the optimal shape and size is selected.
Is any preparation needed for such a procedure?
According to the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty requires some preparation. Includes:
- Consult with a plastic surgeon.. During it, a person says what exactly he wants 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, ask about pre- and postoperative restrictions and know the risks and possible complications.
- Preoperative examination, which helps ensure that there are no contraindications. Includes blood and urine laboratory tests, electrocardiography (ECG), fluorography.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends not smoking or taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, or herbal supplements during the preparation period because they can affect blood clotting.
How is rhinoplasty performed?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the patient is under general anesthesia or local anesthesia during surgery. The doctor determines the type of anesthesia in 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 follow the shape of the nose), and a cast.
Typically, the procedure lasts 1 to 2 hours (according to the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery).
How does recovery occur and when do you see results?
It is the recovery after rhinoplasty that raises the most questions. Patients want to know how quickly the signs of the intervention disappear, when they can return to their normal lifestyle and, most importantly, when the results are visible.
Rehabilitation
Depending on the general condition, the patient stays in the clinic for 1 night or returns home the same day. This time is enough to recover from anesthesia and gain strength. The subsequent recovery is done at home. Nosebleeds may occur during this period, so it is important to stay in contact with your doctor to inform him or her about 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 time the patient notices that the new nose does not correspond at all to the 3D model, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this. In this case, she will perform a revision rhinoplasty.
Possible side effects
Plastic surgeons warn of the following possible complications:
- difficulty breathing;
- numbness in the operated area;
- asymmetry;
- pain;
- pigmentation;
- cicatrization;
- formation of a hole in the septum (perforation).
Restrictions
During recovery, plastic surgeons recommend:
- avoid strenuous physical activity and running;
- don't bathe;
- don't blow your nose;
- eat foods rich in fiber (eg, fruits, vegetables) to avoid difficulties in defecation and, as a result, high blood pressure;
- smile and laugh less;
- brush your teeth carefully so that the upper lip does not actively move;
- choose clothing that does not need to be pulled over the 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 subsides completely and the tissues grow together.
Is one operation enough to achieve results?
It is enough that, before the intervention, the patient clearly understands what result he wants to obtain, discusses all the nuances with the doctor, together they form a 3D model of the future nose and the surgeon recreates it exactly.
If, after removing the cast or after a complete recovery, the patient realizes that he would like to correct something, the doctor performs another operation.
It is important to understand that rhinoplasty is a surgical intervention, which means it is stressful on the body. Therefore, before agreeing to surgery, make sure you clearly understand what result you want to achieve and communicate this to the surgeon.
How is 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, non-surgical methods of rhinoplasty. They provide a temporary effect and help you decide if surgery is worth it. The procedures are performed 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 consists of injecting the drug into the area to be modified (for example, at the back of the nose to soften a hump, or at the tip of the nose to enlarge it). Doctors typically use hyaluronic acid as a filler and, less commonly, collagen. They are natural substances that are found in the body of each of us. Thanks to this, the risk of complications is minimal. The results of such injections last up to 14 months. After this period, the fillers dissolve. Possible side effects include encapsulation (compaction of tissue 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 ask your doctor what medication he or she uses. Some doctors suggest introducing a biopolymer (biogel) - a synthetic substance that, unlike hyaluronic acid and collagen, is not excreted from the body. These 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 can end up in the chin, cheeks, or eye area. The 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 occurs 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: unevenness is filled and the volume of tissue in a specific area is increased. The effect of lipofilling lasts about 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 mesohyl lift. According to research, it 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 tissue 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 above procedures, ensure 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 your profile: you need to specialize in facial correction operations. It is important that the doctor has international certificates and accreditations that confirm his qualifications. It is advisable for the doctor to do internships abroad (for example, in the USA and European countries) to improve his skills.
Do you want to undergo 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 for the safe performance of medical procedures are observed.
Take care of your health and beauty, trust them only in the hands of professionals!