Rhinoplasty is derived from the german word “rhinoplastik” which means to alter the shape of the nose.
The first step to any Rhinoplasty surgery, is a consultation with a surgeon. After gaining a better understanding of the surgery procedure, cost estimates and healing time, you are ready to find a surgeon that will provide your with a Rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty is a very delicate procedure that not only requires the technical know-how and experience, but artistic hands as well. This surgery is as much of an art as it is a medical procedure. Finding the right rhinoplasty surgeon with years of experience can make you feel safe and secure, knowing that you are in good hands. Rhinoplasty is one of the hardest surgeries to perform and this is why finding the right surgeon is of extreme importance.
Rhinoplasty Surgery
Before getting a Rhinoplasty surgery, it is smart to understand the 2 different types of Rhinoplasty surgery. Most doctors and rhinoplasty surgeons agree that both methods produce great results and they will choose the right type of surgery based on the clients needs. The 2 types of rhinoplasty surgery are open and closed rhinoplasty.
Open Rhinoplasty Surgery: External
The open rhinoplasty surgery is performed by making a incision on the trans-columellar, which is the lining of skin that separates both nostrils. In this form of the surgery, your surgeon will make a very small incision on the columella allowing the doctor to fold the skin upwards and have greater visibility while performing the rhinoplasty. This makes it easier to perform the surgery because the nasal structure is “open” and can reduce damage to the nasal cartilage that you could possibly see in a closed rhinoplasty.
Depending on the extent of the changes you would like to perform on your nose, Open Rhinoplasty is the best way to get the results that you want. Some doctors still prefer the closed method, but if you have extensive alterations that need to be made, then open rhinoplasty would make it easier for the surgeon to produce the results that you are looking for. Always consult your doctor first about which type of rhinoplasty surgery you should have and trust their judgement.
Closed Rhinoplasty Surgery: Endonasal
The closed rhinoplasty surgery, or technically referred to as endonasal rhinoplasty, is performed by making all the incisions inside the nose to reduce the amount of exterior visual scarring. In this form of the surgery, your surgeon will have limited visibility and access to the inside of your nose, which can make the surgery more difficult for your surgeon.
This method is best used for patients that don’t require extensive changes to their nasal structure or have complicated procedure requirements.
Choosing Closed or Open Rhinoplasty Surgery
There are some advantages and disadvantages of each type of surgery, but both can produce great results either way. Depending on how you would like to alter your nose, a doctor might suggest one surgery type over another. Always consult your doctor about which type of Rhinoplasty surgery will suit you best!
Rhinoplasty Surgery Post-Procedure
After the completion of the Rhinoplasty surgery, you are usually placed in a recovery room until anesthesia wears off and then you will be discharged from the hospital once you are ready. The first few days after the surgery, you might have some slight swelling and trouble breathing through your nose from intranasal swelling, but these symptoms are usually very mild and will only last a few days. Also, you will be given some type of pain medication to help with the first week of recovery, but as said before, the pain from Rhinoplasty is very minimal and you might not experience too much pain.
With current Rhinoplasty surgeries, most sutures used in the surgery are absorbable and will dissolve after a few days. Outside sutures will be removed during your first checkup visit along with any nasal splints. The time during a post procedure can be very important and it is crucial that you gain enough rest for the optimal healing results.