What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is the name given to surgery that alters one or more structures of the nose . Because this is such a prominent organ on the face, it is common for its appearance to stand out, and, therefore, many people seek remodeling in search of a more harmonious and beautiful nose.

In addition to providing a new appearance to the nose, rhinoplasty can be a functional surgery, performed with the aim of correcting deviations in the septum and problems that can cause breathing difficulties or discomfort.

In Brazil, it is one of the most popular plastic surgeries among women and men, as its results are visible and long-lasting.

How is rhinoplasty surgery performed?

The surgery can be performed in an open or closed procedure. It must be performed under intravenous sedation or even general anesthesia, a criterion that must be evaluated by the doctor according to the patient’s health status. This type of analysis must be done based on preliminary assessments and examinations. The duration of the surgery varies between one and two hours, on average.

Open rhinoplasty, also called exorhinoplasty, is performed using an incision in the area that separates the two nostrils. This way, the surgeon can perform the desired procedure with precision, as it is a technique that allows the skin to be lifted to expose the structures of the nose.

Closed technique rhinoplasty is performed using incisions made only inside the nostrils and, from there, the procedures to remodel the structures of the nose will be carried out. The procedure is chosen according to the purpose of the surgery and the patient’s characteristics.

What are the types of rhinoplasty?

Of the plastic surgeries, rhinoplasty is one of those with the most purposes and benefits. Depending on the objective of performing nose surgery, we can say that there are two main types of rhinoplasty: aesthetic and functional.

This is because remodeling the structures of the nose can also bring benefits related to the functioning of the organ as part of the respiratory system. Therefore, there is the possibility of recommending rhinoplasty for purposes that go beyond aesthetics. The types of nose surgery are classified into:

Aesthetic rhinoplasty

Recommended when the patient wishes to remodel the nose for aesthetic purposes, making it more harmonious with the facial features. It can be performed to reduce (the most common) or enlarge the nose. The reduction is usually done by removing cartilage and scraping the bone, while the increase can be done through grafts.

Functional rhinoplasty

Functional rhinoplasty, in turn, is indicated in cases where remodeling or reconstruction of some structure of the nose is necessary, as well as correction of problems such as a deviated septum. Functional rhinoplasty does not depend solely on the patient’s wishes, but rather on the need for treatment indicated by the doctor during consultation and examinations .

Indications for rhinoplasty

Men and women look for professionals to perform rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons. The ideal minimum age for surgery is 13 years old, while patients over 60 years old can undergo the procedure as long as age-appropriate assessment is performed.

People who are dissatisfied with the natural shape of their nose and people who have experienced trauma or any situation that has caused a deformity in their nose may also be recommended rhinoplasty for aesthetic purposes.

Rhinoplasties with functional purposes may be indicated for patients who need to correct a problem in the nose or reconstruct some structure. In these cases, it is not always the patient who seeks out a doctor for an evaluation of rhinoplasty, and may be referred by specialists who have identified the need for treatment.

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Post-operative care after rhinoplasty

Recovery from rhinoplasty is not usually complicated or painful. After surgery, the patient does not stay hospitalized for long, being released, on average, 12 to 24 hours after surgery. A bandage is applied and the nose is immobilized.

Specific pain can be treated with analgesics previously prescribed by the surgeon. There may be swelling and small bleeding in the region, especially in the first few days after surgery, which can cause minor breathing discomfort.

The main care after rhinoplasty surgery are:

• Avoid exposure to the sun;
• Avoid wetting the dressing;
• Sleep with your head elevated in relation to the rest of your body;
• Avoid exertion in the first seven days;
• Maintain a balanced diet;
• Take the indicated medications;
• Notify your doctor of any suspicious symptoms or changes.

Rhinoplasty results

The results of rhinoplasty begin to be visible as the swelling decreases . In the first 5 or 6 weeks, it is possible to notice a big visual difference as expected, if the recovery has gone smoothly and all the requirements have been met.

The result will only be achieved within a year after the surgery, and will depend on several factors, such as the healing of the patient’s skin. Scars are usually discreet and almost imperceptible, without affecting the appearance of the face.

Possible risks and complications

Rhinoplasty is a surgery that does not present many serious risks. The main one is the presentation of abnormal bleeding due to ruptured vessels in the nose. Although some minor bleeding is normal, it may intensify and a doctor should be contacted.

Changes in sensitivity, infection in areas with stitches and prolonged pain are other complications that can occur post-operatively and require special attention.

Any change that is different from what was expected or a symptom of a complication must be reported to the doctor as soon as possible, so that the appropriate procedures can be taken to correct it and prevent the situation from worsening even further.