Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)

Rhinoplasty — is a plastic surgery that allows changing the shape, size, or proportions of the nose and, if necessary, simultaneously correcting the structures that affect nasal breathing. With the help of surgery, it is possible to remove a hump, change the shape of the tip or bridge of the nose, correct asymmetry, congenital features, or the consequences of injuries.

At «Oxford Medical», nose shape plastic surgery is performed by plastic surgeons with many years of experience, using modern correction techniques. Operations are performed on the basis of a modern surgical inpatient facility, where the necessary conditions have been created for performing the intervention, anesthesiological support, and postoperative monitoring.

Make an appointment for a consultation at «Oxford Medical» to discuss the desired changes and the possible result of the operation. The doctor will answer all your questions and explain how the rhinoplasty and recovery after it will proceed.

Rhinoplasty is performed only after an assessment of the general state of health. The operation may be postponed if there are factors that increase the risk of bleeding, anesthesia complications, or problems with healing.

The main contraindications include:

• acute infectious diseases;
• active inflammatory processes in the area of the nose or paranasal sinuses;
• blood clotting disorders;
• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus;
• severe cardiovascular or respiratory diseases in the stage of decompensation;
• active oncological diseases;
• pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding.

If the state of health allows the contraindications to be eliminated or the disease to be brought under control, the question of rhinoplasty can be revisited later. Whether it is safe to perform the operation in a specific case is determined after a preoperative examination.

Preparation for rhinoplasty begins with a consultation with a plastic surgeon. The doctor performs an examination, assesses the shape of the nose, and clarifies the patient's wishes regarding aesthetic changes. After that, the doctor explains what changes can be achieved with the help of surgery.

Before the intervention, it is necessary to undergo a standard preoperative examination. Usually, it includes:

• a general blood and urine test;
• a biochemical blood test;
• a coagulogram;
• testing for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C;
• an electrocardiogram;
• additional tests according to indications.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» note: if a person complains of constant nasal congestion or difficulty with nasal breathing, a consultation with an otolaryngologist may be necessary. The cause of such symptoms may be a deviated nasal septum, chronic diseases of the paranasal sinuses, polyps in the nose, and other ENT pathologies. It is important to identify them before plastic surgery, since rhinoplasty does not eliminate such causes of breathing disorders.

Plastic surgery of the nose is performed under general anesthesia. Food must not be consumed for 8 hours before the operation, and drinking clean non-carbonated water is stopped 2 hours before the intervention. Before hospitalization, the patient receives all the necessary recommendations regarding preparation.

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. On average, nose surgery lasts about 1–3 hours, but complex or repeat correction may require more time. The main stages of rhinoplasty depend on the selected approach and the changes that need to be made.

The operation takes place in several stages:

• Anesthesia. The patient is put under general anesthesia. Throughout the entire intervention, the anesthesiologist monitors breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and other main indicators.
• Surgical approach. In closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are made inside the nose. In open rhinoplasty, an additional small incision is made on the columella to obtain wider access to the cartilage and bone structures.
• Shape correction. The surgeon changes the position, shape, or volume of the cartilage and bone tissue in accordance with the planned result. If necessary, the patient's own cartilage may be used to support or shape individual areas.
• Completion of the operation. After forming the required contours, the surgeon sutures the incisions. If necessary, splints are placed inside the nose, and a fixation splint is placed externally.

After the operation is completed, the patient is transferred to the postoperative ward, where the patient remains under the supervision of medical personnel until full recovery from anesthesia.

After rhinoplasty, recovery takes place gradually. In the first days, swelling of the nose may persist, and bruises may appear under the eyes. Nasal breathing may temporarily worsen due to swelling of the mucous membrane.

The external splint is usually worn for 7–10 days. After it is removed, the main changes in the shape of the nose are already visible, although slight swelling may persist.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» note: during the first 2-3 weeks, bruising and a significant part of the swelling gradually decrease. Swelling in the area of the nasal tip may subside more slowly. The result can usually be fully assessed after 2-3 months, after complete recovery.

How to care for the nose after rhinoplasty

During the first 2 weeks, it is recommended to:

• sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated to reduce swelling;
• not remove or displace the fixation splint;
• wash your face carefully without getting the bandage wet until it is removed;
• care for the postoperative sutures in accordance with the doctor’s instructions;
• attend follow-up examinations within the specified timeframes.

After the splint is removed, care becomes easier, and the return to the usual routine takes place gradually.

What not to do after rhinoplasty

During the first weeks after the operation, it is necessary to avoid actions that may increase swelling and raise the risk of bleeding.

After rhinoplasty, it is not recommended to:

• blow your nose during the first days after the operation;
• lower your head and bend forward sharply;
• engage in intensive training for approximately 4–6 weeks;
• wear glasses that rest on the bridge of the nose;
• visit a sauna or bathhouse and take very hot baths for 1-2 weeks;
• sunbathe and stay in direct sunlight for a long time.

Returning to sports, wearing glasses, and other usual activities should be gradual. The specific timeframes depend on the extent of the operation and how the healing process proceeds.

After rhinoplasty, complications occur infrequently, especially if the operation is performed by an experienced surgeon and the patient follows the recommendations during the recovery period. At the same time, as after any surgical intervention, certain risks remain.

Possible complications include:

• bleeding or formation of a hematoma;
• infection in the surgical area;
• prolonged or uneven swelling;
• impaired sensitivity of the skin of the nose;
• noticeable scars after open rhinoplasty;
• asymmetry or irregularities of the contours;
• difficulty with nasal breathing;
• an unsatisfactory aesthetic result, which in rare cases may require repeat correction.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend consulting a surgeon if severe pain, pronounced bleeding, fever, a sudden increase in swelling, or other unusual symptoms appear after the operation. A timely examination helps quickly assess the situation and, if necessary, adjust the treatment.

The price of rhinoplasty depends on the complexity of the correction, the extent of the intervention, and the chosen technique. The exact cost of the operation can be determined after a consultation with a plastic surgeon, when the doctor assesses the condition of the nose and forms a treatment plan. The current cost of the consultation can be viewed here. To make an appointment with a doctor at «Oxford Medical», use the online appointment form on the website or contact the contact center.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• NCBI Bookshelf
• U.S. National Library of Medicine