There are several steps to prepare a patient before rhinoplasty surgery. The first step involves a consultation with the doctor, during which the patient discusses their goals for the surgery. Then, necessary tests, such as blood tests, are conducted.
Patients also undergo a physical examination, where the surgeon examines the skin, inside, and outside of the nose to determine what changes need to be made. During this session, the patient’s medical history is reviewed to identify any risk factors. For example, a history of breathing problems or nasal obstruction can affect the surgery.
Before the procedure, photographs of the patient’s nose are taken from multiple angles. Using these photos and editing software, the potential outcomes of the surgery are shown to the patient. The patient must avoid taking certain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, for two weeks before and after the surgery. Additionally, they should refrain from smoking, as quitting smoking before the procedure reduces the risk of infection and speeds up recovery.
Since rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure requiring anesthesia, someone should assist the patient with daily tasks for one to two days after the surgery.
Choosing the Right Surgeon for Nose surgery
Selecting a surgeon is one of the most critical steps to ensure a successful Nose surgery. First, confirm that the surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery or otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). Reviewing the surgeon’s educational background, certifications, and experience with similar rhinoplasty procedures is essential. Additionally, examining the surgeon’s portfolio, such as before-and-after photos of previous patients, can help you assess their skill.
The Difference Between Open and Closed Nose surgery
Nose surgery is performed in two ways: open and closed.
Generally, surgeons recommend open Nose surgery. In the open method, the surgeon has greater control over the nose, allowing for more complex changes. Open rhinoplasty may cause swelling and bruising.
In contrast, in closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon has limited access to certain parts, particularly the tip of the nose. This method is suitable for individuals with minor nasal imperfections and does not require an incision on the nasal columella.
Steps of Open Nose surgery
Open rhinoplasty surgery includes the following steps:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered to ensure the patient’s comfort during the surgery. These may include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. The doctor will recommend the best option.
Step 2 – Incision
This step is performed using either the open or closed method. In the closed method, incisions are hidden inside the nose. In the open method, an incision is made across the narrow strip of tissue separating the nostrils (columella), allowing the skin covering the nasal bones and cartilage to be gently lifted, providing access to reshape the nasal structure.
Step 3 – Reshaping the Nasal Structure
The size of the nose is reduced to the desired extent by removing bone or cartilage. Some noses may require cartilage grafting, typically using cartilage from the nasal septum, ear, or, rarely, rib cartilage.
Step 4 – Correcting Nasal Deviation
If the nose is deviated, the deviation is corrected, which also improves breathing.
Step 5 – Closing the Incision
Once the underlying nasal structure is shaped as desired, the incisions are closed. Depending on the extent of the surgery, additional incisions may be made in the natural creases of the nose to minimize visible scarring.
Step 6 – Observing Results
For a few days after the surgery, a splint is placed on the nose, and the nose is bandaged. The bandaging method depends on the surgical technique and the doctor’s preference. The time to see results depends on the recovery period, which may vary for each individual.
How Long Does Open Nose surgery Take?
Generally, rhinoplasty takes 1.5 to 3 hours and is an outpatient procedure. If more extensive changes are needed, it may take 3 to 4 hours. The decision to use local or general anesthesia depends on the patient and the doctor’s recommendation.
Steps of Closed Rhinoplasty
Closed Nose surgery is a complex procedure, with incisions hidden inside the patient’s nose. These internal incisions are made along the inner edges of the nostrils. This method is typically recommended for patients needing bridge correction.
How Long Does Closed Nose surgery Take?
The simplest open Nose surgery can take less than two hours. Rarely does any rhinoplasty procedure exceed three hours.
Post-Rhinoplasty Care
The recovery period after rhinoplasty is crucial for achieving optimal results. After the surgery, the patient should keep their head elevated, even during sleep, to reduce swelling and bruising. Applying a cold compress in the first 48 hours can help minimize swelling. Additionally, heavy activities such as exercise or lifting heavy objects should be avoided for at least two weeks.A light and nutritious diet, especially foods rich in vitamin C and protein, aids in speeding up the recovery process. The patient should avoid touching the nose or cleaning it improperly and must strictly follow the surgeon’s instructions regarding nasal irrigation or dressing changes. Regular follow-up visits with the surgeon are essential to monitor the recovery progress.
Cost of Rhinoplasty and Influencing Factors
The cost of rhinoplasty depends on several factors. The surgeon’s experience is a primary factor; highly experienced and specialized surgeons typically charge more. The type of surgery (open or closed) also affects the cost, as open rhinoplasty is generally more complex and time-consuming. Additionally, ancillary costs such as pre-operative tests, anesthesia, clinic or hospital facilities, and post-operative care should be considered.
Health insurance typically does not cover cosmetic rhinoplasty, but if the surgery is performed to address breathing issues or nasal deviation, some costs may be covered by insurance.
