Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
Primary Rhinoplasty
Surgery for reshaping of nose in a patient who has never undergone nasal surgery. It can be either a cosmetic procedure performed to improve the appearance of the nose or a medically indicated procedure to improve nasal breathing or a combination of both.
Secondary Rhinoplasty
Corrective reshaping of a nose which has been operated earlier by a different surgeon. It requires exceptional analytical and surgical skill. Only surgeons with extensive training and significant rhinoplasty experience can restore breathing function and improve less-than-desirable results from a previous nose surgery.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Further changes (augmentation or reduction) by the same surgeon in a previously operated nose.
Procedure
- Rhinoplastydoes not need hospitalization and the patient can go home the same day as the procedure.
- It can be performed from either inside the nose which is the ‘closed’ approach or through a small external cut at the base of the nose between the nostrils which is the ‘open’ approach.
- Through the opening, thesurgeon will readjust the bone and/or cartilage underneath the skin.
- As per the change desired, the surgeon either removes the excess tissue or adds extra material as per availability in the surrounding tissues.
- Sometimes small pieces of cartilage or bone are harvested from distant areas and placed as ‘grafts’ for the desired result.
- The tissues and skin of the nose are placed back and sutured.
- If the wall between the two sides of the nose (septum) is bent or crooked (deviated), the surgeon can correct it in the same sitting.
Recovery
- A packing or support material is placed inside the nose and a bandage or splint on the outsidefor up to a weekto facilitate healing.
- Medicines are prescribed to reduceswelling and prevent infection.
Side Effects and Risks
- Slight bleeding and drainage of mucus and old blood are common after removing the dressing which may last for a few days.
- Sometimes numbness and pain may be felt in the treated area or the entire nose. This can be controlled with medications.
- Air flow from the nose may be disrupted causing difficulty in breathing, which is temporary.
- Infection in the postoperative period may delay the process of healing.
- Strenuous activity and swimming should be avoided for a few weeks.
Results
- The changes in the nose structure will start appearing slowly over a period of a year.The results are refined and mostly permanent.
- There is a possibility of unpredictable tissue healing, trauma or issues in breathing in the postoperative period.
- If desired an additional revision surgery can be planned for minor changes after a year.
Dr Amit Bhalotia is an expert surgeon who has performed multiple successful cosmetic and plastic surgeries. Patients need not worry at all as they are in good hands.