What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose. It can make the nose larger or smaller; change the angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip; alter the tip of the nose; or correct bumps, indentations, or other defects in the nose.
Why is it done?
Rhinoplasty enhances facial harmony and the proportions of your nose. It can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose . Rhinoplasty can change:
➞ Nose size in relation to facial balance
➞ Nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils
➞ Nose profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge
➞ Nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked
➞ Nostrils that are large, wide, or upturned
➞ Nasal asymmetry
How is a Rhinoplasty done?
During rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions to access the bones and cartilage that support the nose. The incisions are usually made inside the nose so that they are invisible after the surgery. Depending on the desired result, some bone and cartilage may be removed, or tissue may be added (either from another part of the body or using a synthetic filler). After the surgeon has rearranged and reshaped the bone and cartilage, the skin and tissue is redraped over the structure of the nose. A splint is placed outside the nose to support the new shape of the nose as it heals.
Post Operative care
The splint and bandaging around your nose will be removed in about a week. Your face will feel puffy and the area around your eyes and nose will be bruised and swollen for several days. Cold compresses can help minimize the swelling and reduce pain. Your doctor may also recommend pain medicine. It takes about 10 to 14 days before most of the swelling and bruising improves. You will need to keep your head elevated and relatively still for the first few days after surgery. It may be several weeks before you can return to strenuous activities.
