How is Nose Surgery Done? Life After Surgery

Nose surgery is a surgical procedure performed to change the shape and size of the nose. It can be done for aesthetic reasons as well as to treat functional problems. Careful postoperative care and compliance with the doctor’s recommendations are important to achieve successful results.

What is Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty, also known as nasal aesthetics, can be performed for aesthetic purposes as well as to correct functional problems in the nose that are congenital or occur due to traumatic reasons. There are two main methods to perform rhinoplasty: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. In open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made on the outside of the nostrils and the nasal bones and cartilages under the skin are made visible. In this way, the surgeon can directly see and shape the structure of the nose. In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made through the nostrils and the nose structure is reshaped. In this method, there is no external incision scar.

In what cases is nose surgery performed?

Rhinoplasty surgery can be performed for many aesthetic or medical reasons. The reasons for nose surgery are as follows:

• Aesthetic Reasons: Aesthetic conditions such as arched nose, drooping nose tip, nose asymmetry, nose width or nose size not generally suitable for the person are among the reasons for nose surgery. Rhinoplasty, performed for aesthetic purposes, aims to obtain a nose shape that suits the patient’s facial features.
• Post-Traumatic Corrections: Problems occurring in the nose as a result of accidents, sports injuries and other traumatic events can be corrected with surgery.
• Functional Problems: Rhinoplasty can be applied not only for aesthetic reasons but also to correct functional problems. Functional problems such as nasal septum curvature, nasal congestion and breathing problems can be resolved with surgery.

How is Rhinoplasty Surgery Performed?

When it is determined that the patient is suitable for surgery, the changes to be made, the surgery technique and the type of anesthesia are determined according to the current condition of the nose. The surgical procedure is generally as follows:

• For the surgery, the patient is first given an appropriate anesthesia.
• The surgeon determines the location of the appropriate incisions on the nose in accordance with the preferred technique for rhinoplasty surgery (open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty).
• In the open rhinoplasty method, a small incision is made on the outside of the nostrils. In the closed rhinoplasty method, incisions are made through the nostrils.
• The nasal tissue is accessed through incisions.
• The surgeon shapes the nasal bones or cartilage tissue by cutting them.
• At the end of the surgery, stitches are placed around the nose and a plaster cast or splint is applied to preserve the new shape of the nose.
• After about a week, the nose cast and stitches are removed.

How Long Does Rhinoplasty Surgery Take?

The duration of rhinoplasty surgery varies depending on the patient’s condition, the scope of the surgery and the surgeon’s experience. Since each patient’s needs are different, the surgery duration is also different. However, this duration is approximately 1-4 hours on average. Factors affecting surgery time are:

• The reason for the surgery,
• The technique used,
• The patient’s nose structure,
• Surgeon’s experience.

What Preparations Are Made Before Rhinoplasty Surgery?

For rhinoplasty surgery, you should first consult a specialist plastic surgeon. During the examination, a detailed evaluation is made about the patient’s surgery expectations, health history, current nose structure and suitability of the surgery. A surgery plan is created taking into account the patient’s wishes and needs. This plan includes how the rhinoplasty surgery will be performed and the prediction of the results to be achieved. The technical details and process of the surgery are explained to the patient in detail. Before surgery, patients must convey important information to the surgeon, such as smoking and medication intake, as these may negatively affect healing. At the same time, the surgeon gives the patient recommendations about eating and drinking before the surgery.

What is Closed Rhinoplasty?

Closed rhinoplasty is a technique of rhinoplasty surgery that allows the nose to be shaped and corrected through incisions made through the nostrils. This technique, which is suitable for some corrections made for aesthetic purposes, is less invasive than open rhinoplasty. Since the incisions are made on the inside of the nose, not on the outside, it is easier to hide the surgical scar.

How is Closed Rhinoplasty Done?

The patient is given anesthesia before the surgery. To access the internal structure of the nose, small incisions are made through the nostril and where the nostrils meet. Bones and cartilages are accessed through these incisions. The surgeon achieves the desired shape of the nose by cutting the nasal bones and arranging the cartilage tissue. Changes made for aesthetic purposes aim to obtain a nose shape that suits the patient’s facial features. When the surgical procedure is completed, the incisions inside the nose are closed.

Who Cannot Have Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty surgery may not be suitable for everyone. Conditions that prevent rhinoplasty surgery include:

• Presence of serious health problems such as heart disease, lung problems, high blood pressure,
• Being at an age when the nose structure is not fully mature,
• Previous nose surgeries and physical traumas,
• The skin is not suitable for surgery,
• Having chronic diseases such as diabetes, bleeding disorders and immune system problems.

Life After Rhinoplasty Surgery

The period after rhinoplasty surgery is an important process to support recovery. After the surgery, the patient should have regular check-ups and follow the doctor’s recommendations in order to minimize the effects of the surgery and get the most out of the surgery results. After surgery, patients are usually discharged within a few days. There may be swelling, bruising and mild pain in the first days. Discomfort can be reduced by using painkillers and medications prescribed by the surgeon. If closed rhinoplasty surgery is performed, the stitches do not need to be removed because the stitches can fuse inside the nostrils. However, if open rhinoplasty surgery was performed, the stitches should usually be removed after a week. It is important to avoid any impact or physical trauma to the nose after the surgery, to use medications regularly as recommended by the doctor, and to have regular check-ups.

How Many Days Does It Take to Heal After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Although the full recovery process varies from person to person, it usually takes several months. After rhinoplasty surgery, time is needed to see the full results. During this process, it is important to comply with the surgeon’s instructions and recommendations and successfully manage the postoperative process to get the most out of the surgery results. Consulting a surgeon in case of any post-operative problems or concerns helps patients complete the recovery process safely.

What Should Be Considered After Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Each patient’s healing process may be different, so it is important to follow the surgeon’s recommendations. In general, things to consider after nose surgery are as follows:

• Taking care to get enough rest,
• Preferring a position in bed where the head is elevated,
• Regular use of painkillers prescribed by the surgeon,
• Failure to remove the cast or splint for the period specified by the doctor,
• Keeping the stitch areas clean and dry after the stitches are removed,
• Paying attention to a healthy and balanced diet,
• Performing physical activity at the level recommended by the doctor,
• Using sunscreen during the healing process and not staying under direct sunlight for a long time,
• It is important to go for regular doctor check-ups after the surgery.

Rhinoplasty is generally a safe and successful procedure when performed by a well-trained and experienced surgeon. But like any surgery, there are potential risks and complications. Therefore, it is important for patients to obtain accurate information about the procedure and to apply to a healthcare institution as soon as possible in case of an unexpected complication in the postoperative period.