Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty encompasses all those procedures designed to alter the size and
shape of the nose... nose reshaping.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty involves making the nose larger, often utilising
specially shaped silicone implants.
The much more commonly performed Reduction Rhinoplasty involves reducing the
bone and cartilage ‘skeleton’ of the nose in order to improve the overall size
and shape of the nose.
If the patient also has difficulty breathing, then the wall of tissue that
separates one side of the nose from the other may require adjustment
(Septoplasty).
Occasionally, it is necessary to shorten the nose and slim down a particularly
bulky tip (the so-called Rhino-tip procedure). In addition, the shape and size
of the nostrils may be altered.
Who is suitable for Reduction Rhinoplasty?
- Men and women who are dissatisfied with the size and shape of their nose
- If there is a bump on the bridge of the nose
- If the nasal tip droops
- If the tip of the nose is thickened and enlarged
- If the nostrils are excessively wide
- If the nose is off centre or asymmetrical
- The nose continues to grow until the age of about 16 years. Therefore, most
surgeons recommend postponing surgery until at least this age.
What to think about at this stage
It is important that before you see the surgeon, you consider what you are
trying to achieve from your surgery.
In many ways, this is of particular importance with Rhinoplasty, where patients
may have been self-conscious about their nose for many years. The nose, being
the most central prominent feature of the face, can produce all manner of
emotions for the patient. The aim of nose reshaping surgery is to make the nose
more acceptable in the eyes of the patient. Therefore, before you see the
surgeon, you must be absolutely certain regarding what it is about your nose
that concerns you. It is only when the surgeon knows exactly what you wish to
achieve that he is able to determine whether it is technically possible.
Also remember that other facial features have implications for the overall
appearance of your face. In order to keep your face in proportion, your surgeon
may advise altering the chin or cheek etc.
How is Rhinoplasty performed?
- The operation may be performed under local anaesthetic with sedation. However,
the majority of patients have general anaesthetic.
- Incisions are made inside the nostrils. There are no external incisions. Both
bone and cartilage are excised to make the bridge of the nose straighter, and
where the bones of the nose join the check is cut so that the nose may be made
narrower
- It takes about sixty minutes
- Most patients stay in hospital for one night
- If your work is not physical, expect to return to work within one to two weeks
- Expect to be back to normal physical exercise within four to six weeks
Following the operation
As with all surgery, after nose reshaping you must expect to feel bruised and
sore, especially around the eyes. Patients are adivsed to keep their head up as
much as possible. You will have to wear a splint over your nose for about seven
to ten days. This is to hold the nasal bones in their new position. Most
patients report that the operation is surprisingly painless. In most cases, it
takes three to six months for the swelling to go down completely and for the
appearance of the new nose to appear.
Risks & Complications
Cosmetic surgery is amongst the very safest of medical procedures. However, all
patients must understand and accept that no surgical procedure is absolutely
free from risk.
At Consultation, Mr Malik will discuss these risks with you. In addition, they
are all fully outlined in the “Patient Guide” for Rhinoplasty.
How long will the results of your Rhinoplasty last?
The result of Reduction Rhinoplasty is permanent. Any revisional surgery that
might be recommended is only likely to take place after the healing process is
complete. Most surgeons advise waiting at least a year.