Rhinoplasty: all you Need to Know

Rhinoplasty—or nose corrective surgery is done not only for cosmetic purposes but also to help people with nasal issues, injuries and birth defects who have trouble breathing. Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures—yet the most difficult one. If not done correctly by an expert plastic surgeon or ENT specialist in Lahore it can lead to permanent deformity.

What are the risks of the surgery?

Rhinoplasty carries the same risks as any major surgery would, namely: bleeding, allergic reaction to anesthesia, and infarction. Additionally, there can be post-operative complications including scarring, septal perforation, nerve damage leading to permanent numbness around the nose and persistent swelling or pain. For every individual the risk factors vary, and you need to clarify with your healthcare provider which risk factors apply to you.

To avoid these complications, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider your concerns regarding the surgery and following their instructions completely. Your doctor will require you to quit smoking if you smoke, as it can compromise healing and the blood flow to the skin. Your doctor will also discontinue temporarily certain medications you are on, like NSAIDs, and the herbal preparations like gingko, vitamin E, green tea and omega-3 fatty acids. These medications can increase the risk of bleeding, hence must be stopped for a short period of time.

What are the types of rhinoplasties?

There are several types of nose reshaping surgeries, including two types of primary rhinoplasty—open and closed. Then there is secondary rhinoplasty, and filler rhinoplasty.

Open rhinoplasty is when a vertical incision is made in the columella—the strip of skin separating the nostrils. Thereafter the soft tissue and skin is lifted to operate on the nasal anatomy. In closed rhinoplasty on the other hand, the incisions are made within the nose. This procedure focuses on reshaping the cartilage and bone which form the supporting framework of the nose.

Secondary rhinoplasty is done to eliminate problems from the primary surgery. Filler rhinoplasty involves injecting temporary fillers to improve the appearance of the nose. The results are not permanent but some people prefer it over open procedures.

What to expect from the surgery?

Before you undergo the procedure, your healthcare provider will do a complete health check-up and take a complete medical history and perform physical exam. Your doctor will also take images of your nose and use software manipulation to come up with expected results. The focus of your doctor would be for the nose to look natural and symmetrical on the face. It’s important to discuss your expectations with your doctor and what you are hoping to get out of this procedure.

The surgery is performed with local or general anesthesia. Every procedure is unique and there are no ordered set of steps that are followed for rhinoplasty.

After the procedure, rest is mandated, with the head elevated more than the chest. During this period the nose is congested because of swelling and internal dressing. Sometimes splints are also placed inside the nose during surgery. It is common to have slight bleeding and mucus drippings from the nose.

To avoid complications after the procedure, it’s important to follow the directive of the ENT specialist in Islamabad. For instance, it’s better to avoid strenuous activities, avoid excessive laughing, and taking baths instead of showers while the nose is bandaged.