This topic will help you learn about rhinoplasty and how to prepare for it.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that alters the shape and size of the nose.
There are two main types of rhinoplasty procedures:
- Open rhinoplasty: A major reconstructive procedure in which the surgeon makes incisions to completely separate the nasal skin from the underlying bone and cartilage, allowing direct visualization of the nasal anatomy.
- Closed rhinoplasty: A simpler reshaping procedure in which the surgeon makes incisions inside the nose to separate the skin from the bones and cartilage in order to reshape them.
Other types of rhinoplasty include:
- Functional rhinoplasty: Restores the shape and function of the nose after illness, cancer treatments ، or painful injuries.
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty (filler rhinoplasty): It is a type of cosmetic rhinoplasty that uses skin fillers to fill the depressions.
When Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
Rhinoplasty is performed for several reasons, including:
- Correction of congenital defects.
- Enhancement of overall appearance.
- Opening of obstructed nasal passages (deviated septum correction).
- Repair of facial fractures, such as a broken nose.
- Restoration of nasal breathing function following illness, cancer therapy, traumatic injury, or burns.
How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty?
Before the procedure:
- Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form granting permission to perform the procedure. Read it carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
- You will be asked about the last time you ate or drank. If general anesthesia is required, you will be instructed not to eat or drink for 8 hours before the surgery.
- Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to medications or anesthetics.
- Inform your healthcare provider of all medications you are currently taking, including prescribed and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements.
- Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders, or if you are taking blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), aspirin, or other drugs that affect blood clotting. You may be advised to discontinue these medications prior to the procedure.
- Follow any other instructions provided by your physician to ensure proper preparation for surgery.
After the Procedure
- You may have a small plastic splint to reduce swelling and maintain the new shape of your nose as it heals. You will wear a splint for a week or two.
- Cotton gauze can be placed inside your nose. You can remove the package according to the surgeon's instructions, usually within 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
- Swelling and bruising may occur around your nose and eyes, which takes several weeks to resolve. You may experience mild swelling of the face, especially in the morning, for up to a year after surgery.
