Long, hump-shaped, Greek, Roman, potato-shaped, eagle-shaped - if any of these definitions apply to your nose, you've probably considered rhinoplasty. But why hasn't it happened yet? Do you have concerns or questions that you can't find answers to? We have prepared an article with answers to the most frequently asked questions. We will explain to you how rhinoplasty is performed, how to choose the right nose shape and, most importantly, we will show you how rhinoplasty changes your appearance using photos before and after the operation.
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 vision 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 retracted or drooping tip;
- the back is too thick, thin or uneven;
- excessive or insufficient length.
Among the defects that lead to functional impairment:
- congenital or acquired deformity of the nasal septum;
- Fractions.
What types of rhinoplasty are there?
Based on the problem that 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:
- Hunchback – remove bone and cartilage tissue in a specific area of the bridge of the nose;
- nostrils – change their shape and size, making them symmetrical;
- Columella (bridge between nostrils) – straighten or thin;
- Tip – increase, decrease or decrease;
- 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, conversely, by increasing its volume. To do this, he uses an artificial implant or cartilage that is obtained from another part of the patient's body. Plastic surgeons call this operationAugmentation rhinoplastyorgrafting.
Functional rhinoplasty (septoplasty)
According to Stanford University Medical Center, the goal of septoplasty is to restore respiratory function that has been impaired due to a congenital abnormality, injury, or other change in the body.
If a patient for whom surgery to restore breathing is indicated decides to further correct the shape of the nose, doctors from the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recommend a combined procedureRhinoseptoplasty.
There are also two subtypes of functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty:
- Reconstructive rhinoplasty- this is what the American Society of Plastic Surgeons calls procedures to correct the shape of the nose due to congenital defects (e. g. rhinoplasty for cleft palate and lip) or to restore a shape that has changed due to an injury.
- Revision rhinoplasty- This is a repeated correction of the nose. Plastic surgeons recommend it if the patient is dissatisfied with the results of the previous procedure.
How is a rhinoplasty performed?
The Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery distinguishes between two methods of rhinoplasty - open and closed. Their main difference is the access through which the doctor performs the operation.
How is a closed rhinoplasty performed?
Plastic surgeons call closed rhinoplasty the least traumatic method of surgical rhinoplasty. The procedure does not leave any scars because the doctor performs all procedures through the nostrils, without making any incisions on the outside of the nose. Doctors use this technique for smaller curvatures or defects.
How is an open rhinoplasty performed?
During open rhinoplasty, the nose surgeon makes an incision in the columella and the outer corners of the nose. He then lifts the skin and carries out a correction. Open rhinoplasty can correct serious defects and deformities. In this case, a small spot remains at the base of the nose, which becomes less noticeable over time. It can be removed using special cosmetics and procedures.
How do I find out which nose is right for me?
Before you decide on surgery, it is important to understand whether a face will be more beautiful with the desired nose shape. After all, there are cases when people lose their individuality after rhinoplasty and become less interesting and attractive.
According to the study, a 3D modeling machine allows you to choose a nose that maximally harmonizes with other features. This setup creates 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 required for such a procedure?
According to the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty requires some preparation. It contains:
- Consultation with a plastic surgeon. One person tells us what exactly they would like to change. The doctor examines the nose, explains how realistic it is to achieve the desired result and creates a model for the operation. During the consultation, it is important to ask the doctor all questions, find out about pre- and postoperative restrictions and find out about risks and possible complications.
- Preoperative examination, which ensures that there are no contraindications. It includes laboratory tests of blood and urine, electrocardiography (ECG) and fluorography.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends not smoking or taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, or herbal supplements during the prep period because they can affect blood clotting.
How is a rhinoplasty performed?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the patient is under general or local anesthesia during the operation. During the preoperative consultation, the doctor determines the type of anesthesia and depends 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 stitches, fixes the nose with special tampons or splints/septum splints (silicone plates that adapt to the shape of the nose) and a plaster cast.
In general, the procedure lasts 1 to 2 hours (according to the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery).
How does recovery progress and when will results be visible?
It's the recovery from rhinoplasty that raises the most questions. Patients want to know how quickly the signs of the procedure will disappear, when they can return to their normal lifestyle and, most importantly, when the results will be visible.
rehabilitation
Depending on the general condition, the patient stays in the clinic for 1 night or goes home the same day. This time is enough to recover from the anesthesia and regain strength. The subsequent recovery takes place at home. Nosebleeds may occur during this time. Therefore, it is important to stay in touch 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 judged (according to plastic surgeons). If after this period the patient notices that the new nose does not correspond to the 3D model at all, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this. In this case, he will perform a revision rhinoplasty.
possible side effects
Plastic surgeons warn of the following possible complications:
- difficult breathing;
- numbness in the operated area;
- Asymmetry;
- Pain;
- Pigmentation;
- scarring;
- Formation of a hole in the septum (perforation).
restrictions
During recovery, plastic surgeons recommend:
- avoid strenuous physical activity and running;
- not bathe;
- do not blow your nose;
- Eat foods rich in fiber (e. g. fruits, vegetables) to avoid difficulty passing stools and therefore high blood pressure.
- smile and laugh less;
- Brush your teeth carefully so that your upper lip does not actively move.
- Choose clothing that does not need to be pulled over your 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 the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). During this time the swelling subsides completely and the tissue grows together.
Is surgery enough to achieve results?
It is enough if, before the procedure, the patient clearly understands what result he wants to achieve, discusses all the nuances with the doctor, together creates a 3D model of the future nose, and the surgeon recreates it exactly.
If, after removing the cast or after complete recovery, the patient realizes that he wants to correct something, the doctor will perform another operation.
It is important to understand that rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that places stress on the body. Therefore, before agreeing to surgery, make sure you know exactly 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 methods of rhinoplasty - non-surgical. They have a temporary effect and will help you decide whether 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 that needs to be changed (for example, the bridge of the nose to smooth a bump or the tip of the nose to enlarge it). Doctors most often use hyaluronic acid as a filler, less often collagen. They are natural substances that occur in the body of each of us. This means the risk of complications is minimal. The effect of such injections lasts up to 14 months. After this time the fillers will dissolve. Possible side effects include encapsulation (tissue thickening around the medication). This process is a natural reaction of the body to a foreign substance.
Be careful!
If you decide to have a contour rhinoplasty, be sure to check with your doctor which medication he is using. Some doctors suggest the introduction of a biopolymer (biogel) - a synthetic substance that, unlike hyaluronic acid and collagen, is not excreted from the body. Such procedures are considered dangerous and are banned in some countries. The biopolymer can cause inflammation and migrate. This means that filler injected into the nose can end up in the chin, cheek or eye area over time. Biogel can only be removed through surgery, after which scars remain on the face.
Lipofilling of the nose
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, lipofilling correction is done by injecting your own fat under the skin (this material is also called autologous filler). The procedure has a similar effect to the injection of hyaluronic acid and collagen: imperfections are filled and the volume of tissue in a certain area increases. The effect of lipofilling lasts about 3 years. To maintain it, you must not lose weight.
Botox (botulinum toxin) injections.
According to data, botulinum toxin reduces tissue volume by relaxing muscles. This 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 rhinoplasty is called thread lifting or mesothread lifting. 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 and form a collagen framework 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 mentioned procedures, make sure that the plastic surgeon is competent.
When considering surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends first considering the doctor's experience with the procedure in question. Pay attention to his profile - it is necessary that he specializes in facial correction operations. It is important that the doctor has international certificates and accreditations confirming his qualifications. It is recommended that the doctor completes an internship abroad (e. g. in the USA and European countries) to improve his skills.
Would you like to undergo a non-surgical rhinoplasty? Choose a cosmetologist with higher medical education who treats patients not at home, but in a specialized clinic. In such centers, sterility and all conditions for the safe conduct of medical procedures are observed.
Take care of your health and beauty, entrust it only to professionals!