Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty may be performed for many reasons, some of which are purely cosmetic and some of which are medical. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which the shape or slope of the nose is changed by making specific changes to the nasal bones.

Common reasons for rhinoplasty and the problems it can fix:

A narrow nostril that obstructs breathing. A broken nose. Congenital problems with the structure of the nose. Certain changes in the shape of the nose, such as tilt or size. A crooked nasal bone.

Rhinoplasty steps

Local anesthesia is used for the patient, which causes complete numbness in the facial area; however, if the patient is a child, general anesthesia is used.
An incision is made in the skin of the nose from the outside, which is then pulled back to expose the bone.
The surgeon begins working on reshaping and correcting the nasal bone, which may include adding cartilage or removing excess bone, depending on the needs of the case.
The surgeon finishes within 1–2 hours, but in more complex cases, it may take slightly longer.

Additionally, some tests are requested, and the nose is examined both internally and externally, with photos taken beforehand. It is also preferred to quit smoking before the surgery, as the recovery period is longer for smokers.

Rhinoplasty recovery

The doctor will often place a special splint on the nose until the nose stabilizes in its new shape. He may also need to place splints inside the nose, which may remain with the patient for a full week.
The patient is monitored for a few hours after the procedure and may be sent home on the same day or 1-2 days after the procedure, depending on the patient's condition.
The patient must lie down for extended periods after the operation with the head elevated above chest level.
The doctor uses stitches that do not need to be removed, which blend with your skin and dissolve over time. If the doctor used non-dissolving stitches, you will need to visit the doctor a week after the procedure to have the stitches removed.
The patient may feel nasal congestion or even mild, recurrent bleeding, and this is normal.
You may need to cover your nostril with a special medical cloth to absorb mucus and any remaining blood.
The patient may experience a type of headache and memory problems, in addition to swelling or even numbness in the face, all of which are normal occurrences.
Your doctor will prescribe appropriate pain relievers and prevent you from doing certain activities, such as: running, blowing your nose into a tissue, swimming, chewing vigorously, brushing your teeth vigorously, or laughing.
It is preferable to avoid sun exposure during the recovery period for fear of skin pigmentation.
You can use compresses on swelling and bloating after consulting your doctor about their safety.
You must take the medications prescribed by your doctor regularly and as directed.
Contact your doctor in case of any emergency, such as sudden nosebleeds.

You should be aware that nasal bone pain may last for up to 8 weeks. You can relieve the pain by using painkillers after consulting your doctor about what is appropriate for you.

Most frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to modify the shape of the nose for cosmetic or functional reasons. The procedure may involve changing the size of the nose, reshaping the bridge or tip of the nose, correcting a deviated septum, or improving breathing.

Who is the ideal candidate for rhinoplasty?