Rhinoplasty
(Medical Procedures and Examinations)
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.
