Rhinoplasty

There are various reasons for undergoing rhinoplasty, ranging from aesthetic concerns to functional issues affecting breathing. Common motivations for this surgery include the correction of a nasal hump, tip ptosis (drooping of the nose tip), excessive length or size of the nose, and wide nostrils.

Moreover, disharmony between the nose and the rest of the facial features is another significant reason for surgery. Patients often perceive their nose as not being harmonious with their facial aesthetics, prompting them to opt for surgery due to aesthetic concerns. In addition to these cosmetic reasons, functional issues that impede

In the preparation phase for the surgery process, the first crucial step is to stop the use of blood-thinning medications. These should be discontinued at least one week before the surgery. For surgeries scheduled on a shorter notice, it’s essential to inform the surgeon about any medications being taken. Therefore, only medications recommended or prescribed by the surgeon performing the operation should be used.

Additionally, the use of natural or herbal medicines should also be ceased. Similarly, it’s important to avoid taking supplementary products. If you are a smoker, pausing smoking for a period before surgery or quitting altogether is beneficial. Smoking before the operation negatively affects the postoperative healing process, slowing down recovery and, most importantly, significantly increasing the risk of infection. Hence, stopping smoking or quitting altogether before the operation would be a wise decision.

It’s accurate to say that there are various claims about whether rhinoplasty should be performed by ENT specialists or Plastic Surgeons. Generally, the most important factor is that the surgery is carried out by professionals specialized in their field. ENT specialists witness many different nasal surgeries during their residency, which are usually focused on resolving breathing issues. On the other hand, Plastic Surgeons are more involved in surgeries with an aesthetic purpose during their specialization. In operations that also require correcting deviations within the nose, Plastic Surgeons may have an advantage.

The conclusion is that if aesthetic concerns are more prominent during the operation, it should ideally be performed by Plastic Surgeons. This is because Plastic Surgeons can effectively and successfully address both the aesthetic issues of the nose and any breathing problems simultaneously.

The optimal age for rhinoplasty is considered to be around 17. This has various reasons, the primary one being that the nose typically continues to grow until around the age of 17. Thus, cosmetic operations performed on the nose before this age may result in unsatisfactory outcomes as the nose may continue to grow. Continued growth after surgery can lead to adverse effects on the facial appearance. Additionally, undergoing rhinoplasty at an early age could lead to crowding of the upper and lower teeth and cause misalignment, affecting dental arrangement.

Therefore, it is important to advise young individuals who insist on nasal aesthetics due to peer pressure or societal influences to wait until the optimal age for a more beneficial outcome. This guidance helps in ensuring that the results of the surgery are stable and harmonious with the final growth and development of the facial structures.

To minimize risks in rhinoplasty surgeries, it’s crucial to have the operation performed by a specialist with expertise and experience in the field. However, despite all precautions, rhinoplasty can still carry certain risks. Some of these include infections and bleeding that may occur after the operation. Minor leakages are normal and can last for a couple of days. Additionally, although rare, some patients may experience a loss of smell after rhinoplasty. Conversely, there are cases where individuals who couldn’t smell before the surgery report an improvement in their ability to smell afterward.

The information provided here aims to enlighten those considering rhinoplasty. For more detailed information, it’s recommended to consult with your doctor.

After rhinoplasty, the placement of silicone splints inside the nose helps ensure a more comfortable post-operative period. Additionally, it is recommended to consume liquid and soft foods in the first few days following the surgery. Drinking plenty of lukewarm water and moisturizing the lips are also advisable actions during the post-operative period.

The healing process begins once the patient is moved to the recovery room. It’s important to keep the head elevated while resting, as this can reduce bleeding and prevent bruising. After the surgery, there may be a splint over the nose and tampons inside it. A small pad may be used to collect any blood that may leak from the nostrils. It’s normal to experience some leakage from the nose in the first few days. Breathing through the mouth may be difficult during the first few days after the operation; rinsing the nose with saline can provide relief.

Protecting the nose from potential impacts for a while is crucial. Lifting anything heavier than 2 kilograms (about 4.4 pounds) is not advisable during this time. It’s important to avoid medications like aspirin and ibuprofen, and not to remove the nasal tampons without a doctor’s supervision.

Swelling becomes significantly less noticeable one week into the recovery and substantially reduces after about a month. Day by day, the swelling in the nose decreases further, leading to the emergence of a refined nasal appearance. Especially, as the swelling on the nasal bridge subsides, the true shape of the nose begins to emerge, with the majority of edema resolving around six months after the operation. One to two years post-operation, the nose will have reached its final shape with virtually no swelling remaining, and surgical scars will have become invisible, resulting in an aesthetic appearance.

Patients should also take care to keep their heads elevated while lying down or resting. Sleeping with at least two pillows to support the head is important. Experiencing some bleeding in the form of leakage during the first few days after surgery is normal, but in case of excessive bleeding, it is crucial to contact the surgeon immediately.

Moreover, resuming exercises or activities should wait until 3 weeks after the operation, and heavy exercises should be avoided for at least 1.5 months.