Rhinoplasty - Risk Factors, Types and Treatment

Overview:

Rhinoplasty is a surgery that alters the shape of the nose. It is done for esthetic purposes and also improvement of functional breathing. Earlier, rhinoplasty was done by models and actors for esthetics. Now it is done by many people. The rhinoplasty process involves a surgical procedure in which there will be alteration done to the skin, bone, and cartilage. In some of the procedures, changes are done to all three structures. This surgery becomes mandatory if the patient is suffering from severe problems.

When Is Rhinoplasty Done?

The possible cause for rhinoplasty would be the need to reshape the nose. The thought to repair and reshape the nose might be induced after a surgery. In some patients, the doctors recommend the patient to correct the nasal septal defects. So that the patient will be able to breathe probably. The other reasons for rhinoplasty are:

• A change in angle.

• Narrowing of the nostrils.

• Change in size.

• Reshaping of the tip.

• Straightening of the bridge.

If rhinoplasty is done to improve breathing, it can be performed at a younger age. If it is done for esthetic appearance, then the patient has to wait till there is complete growth of the nasal bone. It might take about 15 years for the complete formation of the nasal bone in girls. For boys, complete growth takes for a longer period of time.

What Are the Health Risks of a Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Even though rhinoplasty is a safe surgical procedure compared to others, complications and risks might occur during or after surgery. The most common risk involved in rhinoplasty are:

• Bad reactions to anesthesia.

• Infection.

• Difficulty breathing.

• Septal perforation (hole in the septum).

• Scarring.

• Chronic nosebleeds.

• Burst blood vessels.

• Blood clots.

• Death.

• The need for revision rhinoplasty.

• Unsatisfactory results.

• Swelling and pain that might present in the nose for a long duration.

• Prolonged numbness in the nasal region.

• Bleeding infection.

What are the Types of Rhinoplasty?

There are several types of rhinoplasty, and they are discussed below:

• Open Rhinoplasty: In open rhinoplasty, a horizontal incision is made so that the nose's tip can be shaped and lifted. But the disadvantage of this procedure is that it leaves a scar on the nose's bottom surface. Open rhinoplasty provides a large area of access to the bony structures so that the doctors can perform surgery effectively.

• Closed Rhinoplasty: In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the columella part of the nose. It is a minimally invasive surgery and does not cause any scars on the tissue. After the incision is made, the doctors get access to the internal nasal passage.

Based on the needs of the patient, rhinoplasty plastic surgery is classified into different types:

• Revision Rhinoplasty: It is also called secondary rhinoplasty because it is done in patients who have already had rhinoplasty surgery. After the completion of the first surgery, the flaws in that surgery can be rectified in the revision surgery. This is an optional one, and it is done based on the requirements of the patient.

• Reduction Rhinoplasty: If the patient feels that his or her nose is larger than normal and if they seem to be flared up, the patient will be advised to have a reduction rhinoplasty surgery. In this procedure, the excess bone will be removed, and the nose will be shaped so that they are proportionate on both sides. The nose will be reshaped according to the facial profile of the patient. If there is a need to remove excess cartilage, the doctors will plan the treatment accordingly.

• Augmentation Rhinoplasty: If the patient feels that his or her nose is smaller than normal, then the patient can go for augmentation rhinoplasty. Qualified plastic surgeons will do this procedure. The doctor will take the help of a tissue graft or a bone graft to achieve the nose's desired shape. This procedure is known to show beneficial results.

• Reconstruction Rhinoplasty: Some patients would have lost a major or minor part of the nose in accidents or any surgical procedure. A part of the nose might be removed in some patients due to pathological conditions like cancer. In such cases, the patient would like to reconstruct their nose so that they will look pleasant and confident. Reconstruction rhinoplasty is a complicated procedure and has to be done carefully. The doctors have to perform more than one surgery to reconstruct the nose completely. It is an advanced procedure, and it is known to be good in providing proper esthetic appearance.

• Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty: Post-traumatic rhinoplasty is a procedure that is done in patients who have undergone an injury. After the trauma, the patient might not be able to breathe properly. The facial appearance of the patient will also be lost. If the nasal septum is completely damaged, then the doctors will plan to perform a post-traumatic rhinoplasty.

How Is a Patient Prepared for Rhinoplasty?

The first and foremost thing is that the patient should discuss all the surgery details with the doctor. The patient should well understand the pros and cons before proceeding for the rhinoplasty surgery. The past medical history should be considered a critical one. If the patient is known to have severe breathing problems or health conditions like hemophilia, then the surgery should be planned along with the availability of emergency medical equipment. Additional blood tests would be required before surgery. Additional surgical procedures that would be required at the time of surgery would be evaluated. Several photographs of the nose will be taken at different angles. Pain killers should be avoided two weeks before the surgery. This is due to the fact that the pain killers can slow down the process of clotting of the blood. This might result in excessive bleeding in the later years. Smokers are at the highest risk of healing from rhinoplasty because cigarettes' nicotine content will slow down recovery. Nicotine also causes constriction of blood vessels that might result in the low oxidation. It might, in turn, lead to poor healing of the tissues. Therefore, the patient will be advised to quit smoking before surgery.

How Is the Patient Recovered From Rhinoplasty?

After the completion of the surgery, a metal splint or plastic splint will be placed on the nose. This helps in retaining the new shape given to the nose. After it heals, the nasal septum will remain stable. Several hours after the surgery, the health condition of the patient will be regularly monitored. If you are physically healthy, the patient will be discharged in one or two days. However, you will be advised to avoid the following activities:

• Aggressive tooth brushing.

• Excessive chewing.

• Difficult physical activities, like running and swimming.

• Wearing spectacles on the nose.

• Excessive exposure to sunlight.

It is necessary to have regular follow-ups with the doctor. For more help, you can contact icliniq.com.