If you are unhappy with the size, shape or asymmetry of your nose, rhinoplasty can help improve your self-esteem and help you enjoy a more positive body image. Although many people have a general idea about rhinoplasty, they are often surprised to learn some of the elements behind this popular plastic surgery procedure.

If you are considering rhinoplasty for cosmetic or medical reasons, you would have guessed that the questions you have in mind are also in the minds of many patients who have undergone this surgery before. Let's take a look at the frequently asked questions and answers about rhinoplasty.

What Is Nose Aesthetics?

Rhinoplasty is the general name of medical and surgical procedures performed to correct or change the appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty is usually preferred for aesthetic concerns, but sometimes medical reasons such as congenital deformities or nasal damage may also require this surgery. Rhinoplasty surgery is called rhinoplasty and aims to improve not only the appearance of the nose but also the overall balance and proportions of the face.

Rhinoplasty is a comprehensive surgical procedure that can make changes to the nasal bone, cartilage structure and skin.

How Is Rhinoplasty Surgery Performed?

There are hundreds of different surgical techniques described for rhinoplasty operation. Although the details of the surgical operation vary from procedure to procedure, we can give general information about the general way of performing rhinoplasty. There are some basic stages in rhinoplasty surgery (rhinoplasty).

• Surgical preparations and anaesthesia phase. At this stage the patient is in the operating theatre. Preparations for the operation and anaesthesia are made. This is the stage before the start of the surgical part of the operation.
• Surgical separation (dissection) stage. In this stage, surgical incisions are made and the tissues are separated from each other. Cartilages and bones are separated from soft tissue. Structural problems are seen and the final diagnosis is made.
• Tissue reduction (resection) stage. At this stage, tissues are reduced in accordance with the preoperative planning. Nasal bone filing, nasal tip cartilage reduction, nasal arch lowering manoeuvres are performed at this stage.
• Reconstruction (reconstruction) stage. In this stage, the structure of the nose is reconstructed with various grafts, bone shaping techniques and suturing techniques.
• Closure phase. In this stage, the tissues separated during the steering are closed with sutures. Nasal tampons and nasal plaster (splint) are placed. Dressing is applied.
• Recovery phase. This stage is the time spent in the operating theatre after the surgical part of the operation is over.

Which Techniques Are Used for Rhinoplasty Surgery?

I mentioned that there are many techniques used for rhinoplasty surgery. I only have 4 different surgical techniques that have entered the medical literature in rhinoplasty surgery. You can access the scientific articles of these techniques by searching my name in the pubmed database. Nose surgery techniques are grouped in 2 basic families as open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. I have a separate article on the blog explaining the differences between open and closed techniques. In the open rhinoplasty technique, the skin of the nose is lifted and everything is done by seeing directly. In the closed rhinoplasty technique, the nose is viewed from the outside and the surgery is performed through the nostrils.

Beyond this basic grouping, there are many different techniques, approaches and surgical philosophies. For example, tip rhinoplasty, in which only the tip of the nose is shaped by surgery, is a simpler technique. Sometimes very minor defects of the first operations can be treated with minor revision rhinoplasty. I use the open, structural, ultrasonic (piezzo) rhinoplasty approach in my own surgeries. You can find articles with detailed information on these topics in the blog.

Who Are Suitable Candidates For Rhinoplasty?

Suitable candidates for rhinoplasty are those with the following features:

1. Physical health: Rhinoplasty surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. Therefore, the general health of the candidates should be suitable for the surgery. People with serious health problems may need to correct these problems before surgery.
2. Nose structure Rhinoplasty is performed to change the shape and size of the nose. However, not every nose structure is suitable for rhinoplasty.
3. Age: Rhinoplasty surgery is usually performed after puberty when the development of the nose is completed.
4. Realistic expectations: Rhinoplasty candidates should have realistic expectations.

How Long Does Rhinoplasty Surgery Take?

The duration of rhinoplasty surgery may vary depending on many factors. Generally, factors such as the complexity of the surgery, surgical technique, anatomical features of the person, experience and care of the surgeon can affect the duration of the surgery. In my practice, the operation takes 2.5-3 hours in people who have not undergone surgery before and who do not have severe curvature inside and outside the nose. In severely curved noses or in cases accompanied by intranasal problems, rhinoplasty surgery takes an average of 3.5-4 hours. In secondary and complex cases, especially in cases where the nose is reconstructed with rib cartilage graft, the operation time may even increase to 8-10 hours.

 

 

Will There Be a Scar After Rhinoplasty?

All incisions made in the skin leave scars. Closed rhinoplasty surgeries do not leave surgical suture scars. In open rhinoplasty surgeries, a thin scar remains on the bridge tissue (columella) between the two nostrils. This scar heals at a level that cannot be seen even if you look very closely with a magnifying glass after the 6th month of surgery. In cases where the wings and holes of the nose are reduced, a hidden scar remains in the fold at the junction of the nose wing and cheek. This scar heals almost invisibly after my surgeries.

How Painful Is Rhinoplasty Surgery?

The level of pain after my operations is usually very, very low. Patients feel a pain level of 2-3 out of 10 at most and this discomfort can be controlled with simple painkillers. My preferred ultrasonic full open rhinoplasty creates a temporary numbness in the nose. I think this is the reason why the pain is very low.

How Is The Healing Process After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

After rhinoplasty surgery, there is an early recovery period of approximately 7-10 days, a medium recovery period between 10-90, and a long recovery period between 90-500 days. The technique and scope of the surgery significantly affect the healing process. After an uncomplicated surgery, you go to your room with very little swelling on your face, very mild bruising and very mild pain. Most patients say that they feel as if they have never had surgery and a dressing has been applied to their face.

This picture changes in the following hours and a peak swelling occurs around 48 hours, sometimes the eyes may close. Between 3-4 days of the operation, the dressing on the tip of the nose is opened and you start to breathe comfortably. Between 7-10 days, internal tampons, external protectors and stitches will be removed. At this stage, the early period of the surgery ends. The nose will still be swollen, but this swelling will decrease in the following days and weeks. On the 14th day, you can usually return to work and social life. In the third month, you will look as if you have never had surgery. It may take up to 1.5 years for the edema in the nose to completely subside and fine aesthetic details to become apparent. The ultrasonic, fully open and structural technique I use heals in this way. A different process may occur in other surgical techniques.

Are There Any Age Restrictions For Rhinoplasty Surgery?

There are certain age restrictions for rhinoplasty surgery. Generally, this operation is performed after the completion of the development of the nose and face of the individual. In this way, it is aimed that the results obtained as a result of the surgery are permanent and not affected by the physical growth process of the person. Many surgeons recommend the period between 18-21 as the appropriate age for rhinoplasty surgery. This age range is usually the period when young people complete their growth period and their nasal structures are almost completely developed. However, since the development of each individual may be different, there may be some exceptional cases. Especially for some medical or aesthetic reasons, rhinoplasty surgery can be performed at an early age. In this case, surgeons will usually evaluate the general health status, physical and psychological development of the individual to ensure that the growth process is complete. Especially in elite athletes, surgery can be performed at the end of puberty to improve performance.

Is There a Breathing Problem After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

There is a possibility of breathing problems after rhinoplasty surgery. This type of surgery can change the anatomy of the nose and sometimes a temporary breathing difficulty may occur due to swelling or oedema of the tissues inside the nose. As the swelling and oedema in the nose decreases during the healing process, breathing problems gradually begin to improve. However, if breathing problems persist for a long time or worsen gradually after surgery, you should contact your surgeon. In this case, your surgeon will determine the cause of the problem and recommend appropriate treatment.

Which Activities Should Be Paid Attention to After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

It is important to pay attention to certain activities during the recovery process after rhinoplasty surgery. These activities include the following:

1. Rest: Resting after surgery will help your body focus on the healing process. Pay attention to the rest period after the operation to get enough sleep and recover your energy.
2. Cleaning You may need to clean inside the nose after rhinoplasty surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions and clean gently. At the same time, it is important to pay attention to your facial cleansing in order not to damage your nose and skin after surgery.
3. Medication Take the medication prescribed by your doctor regularly. Medicines such as antibiotics, painkillers or nasal sprays can be used to support your recovery. However, do not use any medication other than prescribed and do not change the dosage without your doctor's permission.
4. Nutrition: It is important to follow a healthy diet after surgery. Consuming protein- rich foods can help cell regeneration and recovery. It is also important to drink enough water to maintain hydration and support your body.
5. Sports and physical activity: Ask your doctor when you can do sports after surgery. It is usually recommended that you avoid heavy sports for a week or more after surgery. Low-impact activities such as light exercises and walking can contribute to your recovery process. However, do not start any physical activity without consulting your doctor. During the early recovery period, you should absolutely avoid blows to the nose.
6. Avoiding sun exposure: Post-operative nasal skin can be sensitive and sun exposure may adversely affect the healing process. It is important to use sunscreen and protect the nose before going out in the sun.
7. Compliance with your doctor's follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up appointments during the operation are important for monitoring the healing process and intervening when necessary. Strictly follow the follow-up appointments recommended by your doctor and consult your doctor in case of any problems.

When Can I Return To Work After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Most patients can easily return to work on the 14th day after surgery. You can return to work at the computer much earlier. In cases where recovery is delayed for individual reasons, return to work may be delayed up to 21 days.

Can a Revision Procedure Be Performed After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Yes, revision surgery can be performed after rhinoplasty surgery. Revision surgery is a procedure performed to correct the remaining deficiencies or undesirable results after the first rhinoplasty surgery. Revision surgeries are not performed to achieve perfection. No nose surgery can create a perfect symmetry, and the results of rhinoplasty often do not match the nose of the patient's dreams.

Revision can be a more complex and expensive procedure than primary rhinoplasty surgery. Not every problem can be solved with revision. Working on a previously operated nose is technically much more difficult and may require additional cartilage resources.

Revision after rhinoplasty surgery is usually performed by waiting 6 to 12 months after the primary surgery. This period allows the nose to complete the healing process and the tissue structure to stabilise. Before the revision procedure, it is important for patients to discuss their expectations and postoperative results with their doctor in detail.

Whatİs The Range Of Rhinoplasty Prices?

There is a wide price range in rhinoplasty surgery. You can have this surgery for 1-1.5 minimum wage in state hospitals. Since rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery, it is not covered by insurance. It is a patient-paid aesthetic procedure. Prices in the private sector can be 2-3 times higher than public hospitals. Turkey is the most developed country in the world without any exaggeration in rhinoplasty. In our country, there are physicians who have made a career in this field and apply very advanced surgical techniques. These physicians have an international patient portfolio and their surgery fees are generally above the public and private sector average.

Is Rhinoplasty Surgery Being Performed More Frequently?

Rhinoplasty continues to be one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, according to the annual report of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 200,000 men and women preferred rhinoplasty in 2016 alone. In Turkey, this number is estimated to be between 100,000-150,000 per year. In fact, for various reasons, rhinoplasty is becoming increasingly popular among both women and men.

Is Rhinoplasty Different For Men And Women?

Surgical techniques are different for men and womenSince men and women have different physical characteristics and often have different desires, rhinoplasty (nose aesthetics) techniques in men and women are also different. Men tend to want straighter angles and a more masculine shape, while women generally prefer softer lines and a more feminine appearance. To help you achieve a healthy, natural, balanced appearance, we tailor the rhinoplasty design to the needs of each patient.

Can Rhinoplasty Surgery Be Performed Due to Health Problems?

Rhinoplasty is not only cosmetic. Although many people think of rhinoplasty as a purely cosmetic procedure, there are a number of medical reasons that cause most of our patients to consider this procedure. For example, a curvature in the middle cartilage wall of the nose (septum deviation) can cause breathing problems and sleep apnoea, growths in the nasal flesh can cause similar complaints and these conditions can be resolved during rhinoplasty surgery. People who have undergone a trauma that has changed the aesthetics or function of the nose can have rhinoplasty to restore the normal shape and function of the nose. A significant proportion of nasal curvatures have a traumatic cause, but sometimes this cause may have occurred at an early age that the patient cannot remember.

Will My Voice Change After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Your voice will not change. Despite a common myth about rhinoplasty, as long as you work with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, this procedure will not cause your voice to change. It is true that rhinoplasty often involves removing or reshaping the soft tissue and bone surrounding your nose, but when done properly, these changes should not affect your voice. To choose the right plastic surgeon, look at their training institutions, qualifications such as certificates of competence, accreditation and membership of reputable medical societies, and before and after photos.

Which Medicines Should I Stop Before Rhinoplasty Surgery?

You should avoid taking certain medications before rhinoplasty. As with most other cosmetic procedures, you will need to avoid taking certain medications that dilute your blood about 2 weeks before and a few weeks after your rhinoplasty. This is because these medications can increase the risk of complications during surgery and can also cause bruising. Here are some medicines you should avoid taking during this period:

• Painkillers including aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen
• Blood thinners such as coumadin, clexane
• Thistle and other herbal remedies
• Vitamin E supplement

What Should I Pay Attention to When Choosing Rhinoplasty Doctors?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a complex surgical procedure. This procedure requires a surgical plan and meticulous application determined according to the nasal structure and needs of each patient. Rhinoplasty is not a surgery in which almost the same procedure is performed in every operation, as in an appendectomy or gall bladder surgery, for example. It is essential to choose an experienced plastic surgeon. Although rhinoplasty can create very flawless and natural-looking results, this procedure requires advanced surgical techniques and mastery to create a balanced look. Therefore, it is important to carefully select a plastic surgeon who focuses on this type of procedure and has sufficient experience.

In this article, we aimed to give you a general idea about the surgery by giving superficial answers to frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty surgery. In the content of my blog, you can find articles containing much more detailed information about different topics of rhinoplasty. I recommend you to take a look at these.

You can contact us for more detailed information about nose aesthetic surgery (rhinoplasty) and for a special planning for you.

Stay with love, stay beautiful.

O.B.