Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) |
Candidates: Girls should be at least 14 or 15, boys 16 to 17 before they can have nose surgery, because the structures of the face change with growing and it is better to wait until full development of the face is achieved to perform the surgery. Younger patients should be advised carefully, to understand the reasons that motivate to want to change their noses. It is important to realize the change should satisfy the patient, avoiding influences from relatives and friends. The upper age limit for rhinoplasty depends on health conditions and psychological motivations that provoke the need for the change. A classical reason for nose surgery in older patients is the rejuvenating effect that can be produced to correct a drooping tip, when performed together with a facelift. Breathing problems can be corrected at the same time. If the nose has a "ball" at the tip, if it is too large for the face, if there is a hump in profile, or if it is too wide, crooked or asymmetrical. Objectives: Reshape the nose by reducing or increasing size, removing a hump, changing shape of tip or bridge, narrowing the nostrils, or changing the angle between nose and upper lip. It may also relieve some breathing problems. The skin quality and the size and shape of the nose in relationship to the face are studied. Sometimes correction of the chin can be done together with nose surgery to balance the face. Incisions and technique: Results from rhinoplasty will vary according to several factors, type of skin, shape of the nose, etc. Results are individual and should not be compared with others. The nose can be increased or decreased, nostrils can be narrowed, the tip reshaped and elevated. Usually all of the incisions will be placed inside the nose. To reduce the base of the nose or the nostrils small incisions are placed at base of the nostrils, hidden in the natural crease. Sometimes a small incision is made in the columella, the tissue that separates the nostrils. This can be used in more difficult cases or in re-operations. Though the small incisions cartilage and bone are treated to narrow and straight the nose. To augment the nose cartilage from the septum or the ear can be used. Operating Time: 1 to 2 hours or more. Anesthesia: Local with sedation, or general In/Outpatient: Usually inpatient. Side Effects: Temporary swelling, bruising around eyes and nose. Some bleeding. Recovery: Bruising around the eyes and cheeks can appear three days after surgery and should disappear around the second week. Cover-up makeup can be used to conceal the discolored skin. Most of the swelling disappears on the first month, but there can be residual swelling up to the sixth month. Usually the final result of rhinoplasty is obtained around the eighteenth month. Packing can be used in the first 24 hours to avoid bleeding although it is not absolutely necessary in every case. A nasal splint, when used is usually removed between the 5th and 7th day after surgery. Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous activities: 2 to 3 weeks. Sun exposure: one to two months. Risks: Serious complications from rhinoplasty are not common. Potential complications include hematoma (an accumulation of blood under the skin which may require removal), infection and reactions to anesthesia. Numbness of the skin following rhinoplasty may occur but is usually temporary. Details: There should be no pain after rhinoplasty. Dressings usually stay for seven days. Stitches usually reabsorb and do not have to be removed. During the first two days after surgery it is necessary to sleep with the head elevated to reduce swelling and the possibility of minor bleeding. A small amount of bleeding on the dressing is not uncommon on the first two days. Duration of Results: Permanent. |