Rhinoplasty

Your nose is a vital element in determining your overall facial looks. A perfect nose would be one which looks good by itself and complements other facial features. Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that can make your nose shorter, thinner, larger, straighter and smaller.

Statistics disclose that amongst both men and women, rhinoplasty surgery takes a slot within the top five popular plastic surgeries. Leonardo da Vinci was the first man to conduct extensive research on the aesthetic size of the nose for each of his creations. Rhinoplasty is derived from Greek words rhinos - nose and plastikos - to shape.

In simple words rhinoplasty refers to plastic surgery that facilitates to better the function of the nose or improve the appearance of a person's nose. When the surgery is done to improve the nose function, it is called reconstructive surgery. When surgery is used for aesthetic purposes, it is termed cosmetic surgery. Rhinoplasty is also referred to as nose job and is performed to promote aesthetic appearance and to resolve any birth defects or breathing troubles.

Rhinoplasty

Sushruta, a physician who lived in ancient India around 500 BC, also proclaimed as the father of surgery, first developed the rhinoplasty process. Proof of this is established in his written text 'Susrutha Samhita' where it is understood that he and his disciples practiced rhinoplasty on people whose noses were amputated as a penalty for offenses they committed. In 1887, John Orlando Roe was the first surgeon to perform intranasal rhinoplasty. Jacques Joseph was considered the pioneer in altering shapes and sizes of noses as per the requirements of the patient.

Rhinoplasty techniques

Closed technique: The nasal bones are reached by making incisions within the nostril. After the incision is made, the skin is separated from the underlying bones and cartilage. This method leaves back no visible scar. This method brings out the real talent of a surgeon as the visibility is practically zero.

Open technique: The nasal bones are reached by making incisions within the nostril and via the columella. Columella is the skin that segregates the nostril. This routine is chosen for complicated rhinoplasty procedure.

Every year around half a million people take the assistance of plastic surgeons to enhance their looks by working on their nose. Either they don't like the nose they possess by birth or they have some defect that needs to be rectified. Rhinoplasty procedure is not very difficult though it is very challenging and requires skilled hands. The procedure is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure.

• The patient can be given either local or general anesthesia depending on the complexity of the procedure.
  
  
• Incisions are made to reach the bone and the cartilage support structure of the nose.
  
  
• Next the underlying bone and cartilage are removed or added to or reorganized to give the nose an improved appearance and shape. This can include making changes to the tip of the nose; adjust angle between the nose and the lip, dorsal bone (bridge of the nose) and base of the nose.
  
  
• The tissues are swathed over the fresh framework and the incisions closed with dissolving sutures.
  
  
• A splint is used in the nose to maintain the new shape while the nose heals.
  
  
• Inside the nose, porous material might be placed to sustain the firmness beside the septum (dividing walls of the air passages).
  
  
• To allow good nasal breathing, soft nasal supports might be used post-operatively.
  
  
• The whole procedure can take an hour or two depending on the repair work involved.
  

Post-operative care

• Bleeding signs are checked for and if warranted the outside dressing is changed.
  
  
• Until the packing gauze is removed, breathing has to be through your mouth.
  
  
• There will be swelling and bruising and it will settle down within a couple of weeks. Applying cold compresses might help.
  
  
• You will be able to eat or drink only after five hours after the procedure is completed.
  
  
• Hold your head erect as much as possible.
  
  
• Do not blow your nose and let your surgeon remove all the gauze he has placed within your nose.
  
  
• If you have set a broken nasal bone then you may have to bear the pain for eight weeks. A mended nose is not the same as your original nose so take care.
  
  
• Do not take aspirin as it might increase the risk of nasal bleeds.
  
  
• Do not jog, run or indulge in any tiring exercises. Avoid rubbing and sunburns too.

You might face these problems of pain, swelling, bruising, a feeling of stuffy nose, numbness for a few months. Abrupt nose bleeds or an infection or late healing are not common, so ensure you can reach your doctor when ever necessary.

Cost of rhinoplasty

On an average, cost of rhinoplasty ranges from $4000 - $12000.

Rhinoplasty - $4100

Primary open rhinoplasty - $3200 - $6500

Primary closed rhinoplasty - $2900 - $5800

Secondary open rhinoplasty - $7000 - $9000

Secondary closed rhinoplasty - $2700 - $10000