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 doubts or have questions you can't find the answer 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 appropriate shape of the nose, and most importantly, using photographs before and after the operation, we will show 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 functional impairment such as difficulty breathing.
The visual defects that patients most often wish to correct include:
- disproportion of the nose compared to other facial features;
- asymmetry;
- presence of a hump;
- large or asymmetrical nostrils;
- broad, excessively retracted or drooping 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;
- fractures.
What are the types of rhinoplasty?
Based on the problem that the operation 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 - remove bone and cartilaginous tissue in a certain area of the back of the nose;
- nostrils: change shape and size, make them symmetrical;
- columella (bridge between the nostrils) - straighten or thin it;
- tip: 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, conversely, by increasing its volume. To do this, it uses an artificial implant or cartilage, obtained from another part of the patient's body. Plastic surgeons call this operationadditive 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 anomaly, 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 of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recommend a combined operationrhinoseptoplasty.
There are also 2 subtypes of functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty:
- Reconstructive rhinoplasty- this is how the American Society of Plastic Surgeons calls the operation to correct the shape of the nose due to congenital defects (for example, rhinoplasty for cleft palate and cleft lip) or to recreate a changed shape due to 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 surgery.
How is rhinoplasty performed?
The Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery distinguishes 2 methods of rhinoplasty: open and closed. Their main difference is the access through which the doctor performs the operation.
How is closed rhinoplasty performed?
Plastic surgeons call closed rhinoplasty the least traumatic method of surgical nose correction. The procedure leaves no scars, as the doctor performs all actions through the nostrils, without incisions on the outside of the nose. Doctors use this technique for minor curvatures or defects.
How is open rhinoplasty performed?
In open rhinoplasty, the rhinosurgeon makes an incision in the columella and the outer corners of the nose. Next, 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 evident over time. It can be removed using cosmetics and special procedures.
How to determine which nose is right for me?
Before deciding to undergo 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 allows you to choose a nose that will be in maximum harmony with other features. This setup 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 preparation necessary for this procedure?
According to the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty requires some preparation. Includes:
- Consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this, a person tells 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 on which to operate. During the consultation it is important to ask all questions to the doctor, find out about pre- and post-operative restrictions and know the risks and possible complications.
- Preoperative examination, which helps ensure that there are no contraindications. It includes laboratory tests on 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 prep period because they can impair blood clotting.
How is rhinoplasty performed?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the patient is under general or local anesthesia during the surgery. The doctor determines the type of anesthesia during 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 operation, the doctor applies stitches, fixes the nose with special pads or septal splints/splints (silicone plates that follow the shape of the nose) and a plaster cast.
In general, the surgery lasts 1 to 2 hours (according to the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery).
How is the recovery progressing and when are the results visible?
It is the recovery after rhinoplasty that raises the most questions. Patients want to know how quickly the signs of the surgery will disappear, when they will be able to return to their normal lifestyle and, above all, 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 anesthesia and gain strength. Subsequent recovery takes place at home. Nosebleeds may occur during this time, so it is important to stay in touch with your doctor to let him or her know about your condition.
It is important to understand that after rhinoplasty, swelling on the face lasts 2-3 weeks and the final result cannot be assessed (according to plastic surgeons). If, after this time, the patient notices that the new nose does not match the 3D model at all, it is necessary to inform the doctor. 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;
- Ache;
- pigmentation;
- scars;
- formation of a hole in the septum (perforation).
Restrictions
During recovery, plastic surgeons recommend:
- avoid intense physical activity and running;
- do not bathe;
- don't blow your nose;
- eat foods rich in fiber (for example fruit, vegetables) to avoid difficulty in bowel movements and, consequently, hypertension;
- smile and laugh less;
- brush your teeth carefully so that the upper lip does not move actively;
- 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 information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons). During this period, the swelling completely disappears and the tissues regrow.
Is just one operation enough to get results?
It is enough that before the operation the patient clearly understands what result he wants to achieve, 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 plaster or after 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 surgery, 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 methods of rhinoplasty - non-surgical. They provide a temporary effect and 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 involves injecting the drug into the area that needs to be changed (for example, at the back of the nose to smooth out a hump, or at the tip of the nose to widen it). Doctors most often use hyaluronic acid as a filler, less often collagen. They are natural substances 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 the tissue around the drug). This process is a natural reaction of the body to a foreign substance.
Be careful!
If you decide to undergo a contoured rhinoplasty, be sure to check with your doctor which medication he uses. Some doctors suggest introducing 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 over time the filler injected into the nose can end up in the chin, cheek or eye area. 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: irregularities are filled and the volume of tissue in a specific area increases. The effect of lipofilling lasts approximately 3 years. To maintain it, you can not 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.
Mesothread
This type of nose correction is called a thread lift or mesophilic 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.
Is the most important thing. . .
Before agreeing to any of the mentioned procedures, make sure of the competence of the plastic surgeon.
When it comes to surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgery recommends first considering your doctor's experience with the particular procedure. Pay attention to his profile: he must 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 undertake an internship abroad (for example in the United States and European countries) to improve his skills.
Do you want to undergo non-surgical rhinoplasty surgery? Choose a cosmetologist with higher medical education who sees patients not at home, but in a specialized clinic. In such centers, sterility and all conditions for the safe performance of medical procedures are observed.
Take care of your health and beauty, entrust them only to professionals!