Nose reshaping
Contents
WHAT IS A RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE AND WHY IS IT PERFORMED?
A rhinoplasty can help men and women of all ages (dependent on
skin condition) to correct a large, disproportionate or irregular
shaped nose.
Nose reshaping surgery is one of the most commonly performed
facial cosmetic procedures provided and is often performed as a
result of a patient feeling self conscious about his or her facial
appearance or profile for a number of years.
The ultimate objective of performing a rhinoplasty is for the
surgeon to create an evenly proportioned nose shape and profile,
which will harmonise with the other dimensions of the face and bone
structure.
HOW IS A RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
A rhinoplasty procedure typically involves the surgical refining
or removal of nasal bone and cartilage from just below the surface
of the skin on the bridge, tip and/or nostril area. Following this
refinement the skin is then re-draped over the newly designed
underlying structure.
This procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic.
Under normal conditions a typical rhinoplasty procedure can take
around 1 hour to perform. Although, complicated rhinoplasty
procedures performed to either build up, or reconstruct the bone
and cartilaginous structures of the nose can take much longer.
During a rhinoplasty procedure nearly all surgical incisions are
made from within the nasal passage or nostril area and consequently
surgical scars are usually hidden from view. One exception to this
rule is when overly large or flared nostrils are surgically
tapered, leaving small and usually insignificant scars, hidden in
the natural crease line to the side or just below the nostril area
itself.
This advanced corrective procedure is a very precise one and
should only be provided by a Consultant Plastic or Specialist
Surgeon, who is fully qualified and experienced to skillfully
perform this type of surgery.
WHAT KIND OF MEN AND WOMEN REQUEST THIS PROCEDURE?
- Men and women of all ages who want to correct the general size
of their nose
- Men and women who want to correct the disproportionate or
irregular shape of either their profile, bridge, nasal tip or
nostril area
- Men and women who have had a traumatic or disfiguring injury to
the nose
- Men and women who have an abnormally flat appearance to the
bridge of the nose
This particular procedure can provide excellent results, freeing
men and women from the unwanted attention that can be caused by an
irregular, disproportionate or unattractive nose.
WHAT ARE THE RESULTS LIKE?
Improved results will take place almost immediately following
surgery, but will be obscured by a firm splint or support, which is
typically applied to the nose immediately after the procedure.
Inevitable facial bruising and swelling occurs following this type
of surgery and can take up to 10-14 days to settle to an acceptable
level of appearance. After the initial swelling has settled down,
subtle improvements to the contour of the newly shaped nose will
continually take place for up to six to twelve months following
surgery. It is usual for customers to experience some kind of nasal
stuffiness, similar to having a heavy head cold, for several weeks
following rhinoplasty surgery.
Internal sutures (stitches) are usually used during a
rhinoplasty procedure and are absorbable. If external or
unabsorbable sutures are used (usual only when a nostril reduction
is performed) they will be removed after 5-7 days. Most customers
are required to wear a firm supportive nasal splint for 7 days
post-operatively.
HOW WILL YOU FEEL AFTER A RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE?
Whilst a rhinoplasty procedure is usually considered a
reasonably pain free one, the operated area is often quite tender
for several months following surgery. Analgesic tablets (pain
killers) are always provided for any discomfort and customers are
encouraged to stay as upright as possible during their early
recovery stage to help diminish residual swelling and bruising.
Customers usually describe the way they feel as similar to having a
heavy head cold, rather than experiencing specific pain. These
symptoms diminish rapidly after the first week and as internal
wounds heal.
In the early days following discharge, customers are strongly
advised to avoid any level of activity that would put undue strain
on the newly operated area. Post-operative customers are also
advised to only blow their nose gently and to pay meticulous
attention to their personal hygiene during their recovery
period.
Customers will also be advised to take a specific amount of
recovery time away from work dependent on the type of work they
perform, but it is usual to take at least a week to rest and
recover at home whilst wearing the nasal splint.
It is often reported that altered sensitivity and numbness to
the tip of the nose is a common side effect for up to 12 months
following nose reshaping surgery.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED IN NOSE RESHAPING
SURGERY?
All surgery involves an element of risk from developing
complications. However, cosmetic surgery is usually undertaken
voluntarily and only when customers are in good health. Therefore,
the probability of developing complications with this kind of
surgery are substantially lower than when surgery is performed due
to ill health.
Risks such as irregularity, asymmetry, bleeding, alteration in
sensitivity, infection and scarring will all be discussed quite
openly at consultation, as well as our scrupulous efforts to manage
and minimise these risks to their lowest possible potential.
Mostly, the fine incisions and subsequent surgical scars that
are made during this procedure are well hidden inside the nasal
passages, however, the appearance of scars are a highly individual
matter. Usually these fine scars mature, soften and fade to a
negligible level. Very occasionally however, customers can develop
firm internal scarring, known as hypertrophic scarring, which may
require further corrective treatment.
WHAT NEXT?
The importance of a thorough pre-operative consultation with the
Consultant Plastic or Specialist Surgeon who will perform your
operation cannot be over stressed. You need time to consider all
the benefits and risks of rhinoplasty surgery and the opportunity
to reflect and consider all the information your Consultant surgeon
offers you before you make a decision regarding your potential
procedure.
At VIve Life Care each consultation is tailored
to an individual’s needs, but the consultation will always involve
a thorough evaluation of your present and past medical history and
a physical examination of the problem area. Your surgeon will take
time to listen to your concerns and will take care to ensure that
you have a thorough understanding of what can be done to help, the
procedure itself, the recovery stages and a clear explanation of
the risks involved.
You are positively encouraged to ask any questions that you may
have and to look at photographs of others who have had the same
type of surgery that you are considering.