How do you know if there are indications for rhinoplasty?
According to the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, indications for rhinoplasty include any visual impairment that causes embarrassment and functional impairment such as difficulty breathing.
The most common visual impairments that patients seek to correct include:
- the disproportion of the nose in relation to other facial features;
- asymmetry;
- the presence of a hump;
- large or asymmetric nostrils;
- large, excessively compressed or bent tip;
- the back is too thick, thin or uneven;
- excessive or insufficient length.
Among the defects that cause functional impairment:
- congenital or acquired deformation of the nasal septum;
- broken.
What are the types of rhinoplasty?
According to the problem solved by the procedure, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons distinguishes the following types of rhinoplasty: aesthetic and functional. Let's understand 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 - remove bone and cartilage tissue in a certain part of the back of the nose;
- nostrils - change their shape and size, make them symmetrical;
- columella (bridge between nostrils) - straighten or become thinner;
- type - raise, lower or lower;
- 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 by increasing its volume. For this, he uses an artificial implant or cartilage taken from another part of the patient's body. Plastic surgeons call it surgeryaugmentation rhinoplastyorvaccination.
Functional rhinoplasty (septoplasty)
According to Stanford University Medical Center, the purpose of septoplasty is to restore respiratory function that has been impaired by a congenital abnormality, injury, or any other change in the body.
If a patient with an indication for surgery to restore breathing decides to further correct the shape of the nose, the doctors of 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 an intervention to correct the shape of the nose due to congenital defects (such as rhinoplasty for cleft palate and cleft lip) or to recreate the shape changed due to injury.
- Revision rhinoplasty- This is a re-correction of the nose. If the patient is dissatisfied with the results of the previous intervention, plastic surgeons recommend it.
How is rhinoplasty done?
The Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery distinguishes 2 methods of rhinoplasty - open and closed. Their main difference is the entrance through which the doctor performs the operation.
How is closed rhinoplasty done?
Plastic surgeons call closed rhinoplasty the least traumatic nose correction. The procedure does not leave a scar, because the doctor performs all the movements through the nostrils without incisions on the edge of the nose. Doctors use 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 and corrects the skin. Open rhinoplasty can correct serious defects and deformities. At this time, a small mark remains on the bottom of the nose, which becomes less noticeable over time. It can be removed using special cosmetics and procedures.
How to determine which nose is right for me?
Before deciding on the operation, you need to understand whether a face with the desired nose shape will be more beautiful. After all, there are cases when people lose their individuality, become less interesting and attractive after rhinoplasty.
According to research, a 3D modeling machine allows you to choose a nose that will be maximally compatible with other features. This setup takes a 3D image of your face. The doctor and the patient process it in a special program and adjust the nose until the optimal shape and size are selected.
Is any preparation necessary for such a procedure?
According to the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty requires some preparation. This includes:
- Consultation with a plastic surgeon. During it, a person says exactly what he wants 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 your questions, ask about pre- and post-operative restrictions, and get information about risks and possible complications.
- Preoperative examination, helps to ensure that there are no contraindications. It includes laboratory tests of blood and urine, electrocardiography (ECG), fluorography.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends not smoking or taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements during the preparation period because they can interfere with blood clotting.
How is rhinoplasty done?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, during the operation, the patient is under general anesthesia or local anesthesia. The doctor determines the type of anesthesia in the pre-operative consultation, paying attention to 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 makes stitches, fixes the nose with special tampons or splints/septal splints (silicone plates that follow the shape of the nose) and plaster.
In general, the procedure lasts from 1 to 2 hours (according to the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery).
How is the recovery going and when are the results visible?
The most common question is recovery after rhinoplasty. Patients want to know how quickly the symptoms of the intervention disappear, when they can return to their normal lifestyle, and most importantly, when the results are visible.
Rehabilitation
Depending on his general condition, the patient stays at the clinic for 1 night or goes home the same day. This period is enough to recover from anesthesia and gain strength. Further recovery takes place at home. Nosebleeds may occur during this period, so it is important to contact your doctor and inform him of your condition.
It is important to understand that facial swelling after rhinoplasty lasts for 2-3 weeks and the final result cannot be assessed (according to plastic surgeons). If after this period the patient notices that the new nose does not match the 3D model at all, it is necessary to inform the doctor about it. In this case, he will perform a revision rhinoplasty.
Possible side effects
Plastic surgeons warn of the following possible complications:
- shortness of breath;
- numbness in the operated area;
- asymmetry;
- pain;
- pigmentation;
- scar;
- the formation of a hole in the septum (perforation).
Restrictions
During recovery, plastic surgeons recommend:
- avoid heavy physical activity and running;
- do not take a bath;
- do not blow your nose;
- eat fiber-rich foods (for example, fruits, vegetables) to avoid difficulty with bowel movements and, as a result, high blood pressure;
- smile and laugh less;
- brush your teeth carefully so that your upper lip does not move actively;
- choose clothes that do not need to be pulled over your head to reduce the risk of accidental injury;
- do not wear glasses;
- use sunscreen.
The result
If we talk about the final result of rhinoplasty, it is visible after 6 months (according to the information of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). During this time, the swelling completely subsides and the tissues grow back together.
Is one operation enough to get results?
Before the intervention, it is enough for the patient to clearly understand what result he wants to achieve, to discuss all the nuances with the doctor, to create a 3D model of the future nose together, and for the surgeon to accurately recreate it.
After the plaster is removed or after complete recovery, if the patient realizes that he wants to fix something, the doctor performs another operation.
It is important to understand that rhinoplasty is a surgical intervention, which means it is stressful for the body. Therefore, before agreeing to surgery, make sure you understand exactly what result you want to achieve and convey 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 issue surgically, can focus on other methods of rhinoplasty - non-surgical methods. They provide a temporary effect and help decide whether the operation is worth it. 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 filling (contour rhinoplasty)
The procedure reportedly involves injecting a drug into the area that needs to be changed (for example, to smooth out a hump on the back of the nose or to enlarge the tip of the nose). Doctors most often use hyaluronic acid as a filler, less often collagen. They are natural substances in each of our bodies. Thanks to this, the risk of complications is minimal. The results of such injections last up to 14 months. After this period, fillers are dissolved. Possible side effects include encapsulation (tissue compression around the medication). This process is the body's natural reaction to a foreign substance.
Become Beware!
If you decide to have contour rhinoplasty surgery, be sure to check with your doctor what medication he uses. Some doctors suggest the application of biopolymer (biogel) - a synthetic substance that, unlike hyaluronic acid and collagen, is not excreted from the body. Such procedures are considered dangerous and are prohibited in some countries. Biopolymer can cause inflammation and can migrate. This means that over time, the filling injected into the nose can fall into the chin, cheek or eye area. Biogel can be removed only through surgery, after which scars remain on the face.
Nasal lipofilling
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, correction with lipofilling occurs by injecting a 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 certain area increases. The effect of lipofilling lasts for about 3 years. You can't lose weight to keep it off.
Botox (botulinum toxin) injections
According to reports, 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 thread lifting or mesothread lifting. According to research, it allows the wings to change shape and lift the tip. The essence of the procedure is the subcutaneous application of special threads. Over time, they melt 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 most importantly. . .
Before agreeing to any of the mentioned procedures, ensure the competence of the plastic surgeon.
When it comes to surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends first considering the doctor's experience with the particular procedure. Pay attention to his profile - he should specialize in facelift operations. It is important that the doctor has international certificates and accreditations confirming his qualifications. It is advisable for a doctor to practice abroad (for example, in the USA and European countries) to improve his skills.
Are you interested in non-surgical rhinoplasty? Choose a cosmetologist with a higher medical education who accepts patients in a specialized clinic rather than at home. In such centers, sterility and all conditions for safe medical procedures are observed.
Take care of your health and beauty, trust them only to professionals!