What Is Nasal Reshaping?
Nasal reshaping is done through plastic surgery that changes the shape and size of the nose. The nasal reshaping procedure is also known as rhinoplasty or nose job. It can be corrected both surgically and non-surgically by a facial plastic surgeon.
Why Is It Necessary to Consult a Plastic Surgeon for Nasal Reshaping?
Individuals desire to get nasal reshaping for various reasons like trouble breathing through the nose, asymmetry of the nose due to traumatic injury to the face, and others to improve their appearance by altering the shape or size of the nose to make the features look more harmonious. The deviated septum and broken nose can be corrected through nasal reshaping. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a facial plastic surgeon for nasal reshaping. During the consultation, photographs are taken by the surgeon, who enquires about the individual's skin type, age, history of previous surgery or trauma, ethnic background, and history of breathing problems or nasal obstruction.
What Should the Surgeon Explain Regarding the Nasal Reshaping to the Individual?
The surgeon should explain to the individuals that the nose can be reshaped by sculpting the cartilage and nasal bones, what can be expected by the individual from the procedure, different options for anesthesia, place where the surgery will take place, and possibly complications due to surgery.
When Is Nasal Reshaping Indicated?
The indications of nasal reshaping are to correct a birth defect, open nasal passages that are blocked, improve the overall appearance, repair facial fractures such as broken nose, and improve breathing functions after cancer treatments, disease, traumatic injuries, or burns. The candidates undergoing nasal reshaping should be in good physical health and finished growing, quit smoking, know the limitations of the nose surgery, and accordingly have reasonable goals for the procedure.
What Are the Different Surgical and Non-surgical Approaches to Nasal Reshaping?
The nasal reshaping procedure has two main types: open and closed. For major nasal reshaping, open rhinoplasty is done where the surgeon will make incisions to separate the skin of the nose from the cartilage and bone completely, allowing them to see the underlying anatomy of the nose clearly. The minor reshaping procedure is done through closed rhinoplasty, where the surgeon makes an incision within the nose to separate the skin from the bone and cartilage to reshape it.
Non-surgical nasal reshaping is a cosmetic procedure that uses dermal fillers to fill the dips and irregularities in the nose temporarily. This procedure can lift a droopy nasal tip, or a small bump can be corrected.
How Is the Nasal Reshaping Procedure Done?
The surgeon will consult the patient before the procedure and examine and measure the face. Photographs are taken of the patient. This procedure is outpatient and is done under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. In closed nasal reshaping, an incision is made inside the nostrils, whereas in open nasal reshaping, an incision is made across the base of the nose. After which, the skin is raised, covering the nasal bones and cartilage. In order to create a new shape or fix a deviated septum, underlying bone and cartilage are reduced, added, or rearranged. Then, the skin is replaced, covering the nasal bones and cartilage. Small stitches are given to secure the skin in place.
What Happens After the Nasal Reshaping Procedure?
After the nasal reshaping surgery, a small plastic splint is placed to minimize the swelling and maintain the shape of the nose while it heals. The splint is worn for one to two weeks. Cotton gauze may be placed inside the nose and is removed according to the surgeon’s instructions, usually within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. There might be swelling and bruising around the nose and ears, which takes several weeks to resolve. In the mornings, there might be mild facial swelling that usually lasts a year after surgery. For the nose to heal properly in the first few weeks, cool compresses should be applied to the cheeks or under the eyes, impact to the face should be avoided, and pressure should not be applied on the bridge of the nose by wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses.
What Are the Stages of Swelling After Nasal Reshaping?
Immediately after the nasal reshaping surgery, there will be swelling because the fluid accumulates within and underneath the skin. Stages of swelling after the surgery: are the nose will look swollen for four to six weeks after surgery, and there might be bruising or color changes to the skin around the nose while it heals. Between one to three months, the swelling decreases slowly. After three months, most of the swelling subsides to 90%. Minimal swelling is present on the nose for up to a year. The healing will vary from person to person.
What Are the Post Surgery Instructions After the Procedure?
It is essential to follow the post-surgery instructions carefully, such as:
Avoid nose blowing for two or three weeks after surgery.
The head should be kept elevated for the first three days while sleeping.
Should stay away from the sun.
Care should be taken to avoid exertion and minimize the risk of injuries.
It is necessary to inform the surgeon if there is fever, uncontrolled pain, excessive bleeding, visual disturbances, skin rash, and any other unsuspected disturbances.
What Is the Difference Between Nasal Shaping and Septoplasty?
Nasal shaping is done to improve the appearance and structure of the nose. Septoplasty is similar to nasal reshaping that will repair the deep, internal structural complications within the nose the nasal septum. One of the complications in the nasal septum is breathing can be affected. Both procedures can be done simultaneously to improve the look and function of the nose.
What Are the Advantages of Nasal Reshaping?
The advantages of nasal reshaping are:
It changes the size and shape of the nose.
Corrects the structural deformities of the nose like a deviated septum.
Improves the facial appearance.
Improves the breathing pattern out of the nose.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Nasal Reshaping?
There are some degree of risks in all surgical procedures, and potential complications after nasal reshaping are bleeding from the nose, infections, a hole in the nasal septum, skin discoloration, poor wound healing, scarring, pain, alteration of the sense of smell, and unsatisfactory appearance.
Conclusion:
Nasal reshaping is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries, which reshapes the nose to improve the appearance or to fix the medical issues that interfere with breathing and can also correct a deviated septum.
