Rhinoplasty, also known as rhinoplasty, is a medical intervention mostly performed for aesthetic purposes. The nose has a complex anatomical structure and a deep understanding of this structure is important for rhinoplasty surgeons. The bones, cartilages and soft tissues that make up the structure of the nose are the main components that guide the surgical intervention. Rhinoplasty can be performed with different techniques, open or closed.
How is Nose Aesthetics Performed?
The procedure of rhinoplasty is as follows step by step:
- The first step is a thorough consultation between the patient and the surgeon. At this stage, the patient’s expectations, health history and nasal structure are evaluated. The surgeon creates an appropriate plan by understanding the patient’s wishes and taking into account their physical characteristics.
- The next step is anesthesia. General anesthesia allows the surgical procedure to be performed without unconsciousness and pain sensation for the patient. The anesthesiologist inserts an IV (intravenous) line before administering general anesthesia to the patient. Anesthetic drugs are then given into the patient’s veins through this IV line. When anesthesia drugs are administered, the patient becomes unconscious and enters a state of deep sleep. At this stage, the patient does not feel the surgeon performing the procedure and does not experience any pain or discomfort. In addition, the anesthetized patient’s breathing and other vital functions (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels) are carefully monitored.
- During the surgical procedure, incisions are made inside or outside the nose depending on the surgical approach chosen by the surgeon. The surgeon reshapes the cartilage and bone structure of the nose and can also correct the size or shape of the nostrils if necessary.
- One of the last steps of the operation is suturing. Tampons placed inside the nose are used to control bleeding inside the nose and stabilize the area where the nose is reshaped. The tampons are inserted immediately after surgery and removed after a few days. This process can often cause the patient to feel discomfort. A plaster or bandage applied over the nose helps to reduce swelling while maintaining the desired shape of the nose after surgery. These casts or bandages are usually placed over the nose and may stay on for a few days or a week. During this process, the patient’s nasal movements are limited.
- Once the surgical procedure is complete, the anesthesia drugs are discontinued and the patient begins the process of waking up. The anesthesiologist watches as the patient regains consciousness and breathing returns to normal.
What is a Failed Rhinoplasty?
A failed rhinoplasty is a rhinoplasty procedure that fails to meet the patient’s realistic expectations or may lead to other health problems. Failed rhinoplasties are usually performed by a team of people who are not experts in their field. The main reasons for the failure of rhinoplasty are as follows:
- The surgeon may have started the procedure without fully understanding the patient’s wishes and needs or without creating an accurate surgical plan.
- Technical errors by the surgeon may prevent the nose from taking the desired shape or lead to undesirable results. Incorrect interventions on cartilage or bone structure fall into this category.
- The patient’s utopian expectations may also cause rhinoplasty to fail. A patient who thoroughly reflects his/her expectations about the results of the surgery to the doctor in a realistic framework can get a good result from the surgery.
- The quality of the materials used is also one of the important factors for unsuccessful rhinoplasty. If the materials used are of poor quality, complications may arise.
What Should Be Considered After Rhinoplasty?
The period after rhinoplasty is very important. The main things to be considered after rhinoplasty are as follows:
- You should not smoke for at least 2 weeks after rhinoplasty. However, if the person is strong-willed, it is better to stay away from smoking for 4 weeks. Smoking can negatively affect the post-operative healing process. Smoking can impair circulation, prevent tissues from receiving oxygen and nutrients and increase the risk of infection. This can lead to the emergence of other problems and a reduction in yields.
- After the rhinoplasty operation, it is necessary not to eat foods that need to be chewed too much. The nasal area may swell and bruise after the operation. Food that needs to be chewed too much can cause your mouth and jaw to move more and this can increase swelling in the nasal area. Eating foods that require a lot of chewing increases jaw and mouth movements. This can increase the pressure in the nasal area and cause you to experience post-operative discomfort.
- You should not wet your face for at least 10 days after rhinoplasty. Stitches and plaster are used on the nose during the rhinoplasty procedure after the operation. It is important that these stitches and the cast remain in place throughout the healing process. Wetting the facial area or damaging the stitches can negatively affect this process. In addition, wetness of the nasal area can increase the risk of infection. Wetness can make it easier for bacteria or germs to enter these areas.
- Not lifting heavy and not bending forward for the first 15 days after rhinoplasty is vital to protect the postoperative healing process and prevent complications. Activities during this period can increase extra blood flow to the nasal area, increasing swelling and bruising. Heavy lifting can cause the stitches to open or distort the shape of the nose. Leaning forward can negatively affect the healing process by putting extra pressure on the nose and may cause the nose to be shaped in an unwanted direction.
- Air travel should be avoided within 1 week after nose surgery. As airplanes reach higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure decreases. These pressure changes can cause discomfort and pain in the tender and swollen nasal tissues after the operation.
Is Swelling Normal After Rhinoplasty?
Swelling after rhinoplasty is quite normal. Swelling after rhinoplasty occurs for several reasons. First, the nasal tissues are manipulated during the surgical intervention and this leads to tissue destruction, which causes the body to start the healing process. During this process, the body helps tissue repair by sending blood and lymph fluid to the operation site. However, during this process, accumulations are formed, leading to the appearance of swelling.
How Much Are Rhinoplasty Prices?
Rhinoplasty prices are shaped depending on multiple factors. The first of these factors is the hospital where you will have rhinoplasty, the experience of the doctor and the doctor’s team. The price of an operation with an experienced team is higher than a less experienced team. In addition, the quality of the materials used in the operation is also among the factors affecting prices. For example, there are many types and brands of tampon materials used for rhinoplasty . There are big price differences between these types and brands.
