Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, is a procedure used to correct structural deformities in the existing nose, thereby offering the patient an improvement in the shape or size of the nose. Typical cosmetic issues addressed by Rhinoplasty include larger noses, or noses with bumps or enlarged tips. Rhinoplasty can also be used for more functional purposes, such as remedying nasal breathing problems or the effects of a facial trauma.

Most surgeons will refuse to perform rhinoplasty on individuals of less than 16 years of age, by which time the nasal structure has fully developed.

Why Have Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty is an increasingly common procedure, and the majority of individuals who undertake the procedure do so for primarily cosmetic purposes. In the vast majority of instances, the patient will feel that their current nose is either too large, uneven or generally not in proportion to the rest of their face. The other main reason that an individual may wish to undertake rhinoplasty is due to the effects of a facial trauma such as a broken nose.

Preparing For The Surgery, And The Procedure:

It is possible to have a rhinoplasty procedure under either local or general anesthetic, and this is something that your surgeon will discuss with you in your initial consultation. Rhinoplasty surgery usually lasts between one and two hours. It is likely you will be required to remain at the clinic overnight before being allowed to return home the following morning.

In rhinoplasty surgery, the skin of the nose is seperated from the surrounding framework of cartlidge and bone. From here, the rescuplting of the nose structure will depend on the individual requirements of the patient. When this process of structural resculpting has finished, the skin is draped back over the new shaped nose.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Period:

Whilst Rhinoplasty surgery is relatively painless, your face and nasal region in particular are likely to remain swollen for a day or two immediately following your rhinoplasty surgery. However, it is likely that your surgeon will prescribe some form of medication to aid any discomfort you may experience.

The initial swelling should start to subside after a period of 2-3 days, although it is likely to take approximately 2 weeks before the majority of the swelling and bruising has subsided. With all rhinoplasty surgery, it does take an extended period before the final results of the surgery are fully apparent, and some more subtle bruising many even take a number of months to subside fully.

Your surgeon will advise you to avoid strenous activity for a period of two to three weeks following your rhinoplasty surgery. In the majority of instances, rhinoplasty patients will be able to return to work after only a few days vacation.

The Risks Of Rhinoplasty Surgery:

As with all operations, particularly those carried out under general anesthetic, there is a minor element of risk. Other complications such as heavy bleeding or a slight difficulty breathing through the nose may occur. The complications tend to subside as the majority of the swelling and bruising reduce over the weeks following the surgery.