RHINOPLASTY (NOSE SURGERY)

WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY (NOSE SURGERY)?

Rhinoplasty or nose surgery is a surgical procedure applied to people who are not satisfied with the appearance of their nose. Rhinoplasty, as its name signifies, is an operation that is applied mostly for aesthetic concerns and corrects congenital or subsequent deformities in the external structure of the nose. However, when necessary, during rhinoplasty surgery, functional problems in the internal structure can also be intervened, making it easier and healthier for the patient to breathe. In such cases, since the underlying cause of respiratory distress and external deformities is the same, it is possible to eliminate both problems with a single operation.

HOW IS NOSE SURGERY PERFORMED? WHAT ARE THE TECHNIQUES USED IN RHINOPLASTY?

Two basic techniques called open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty are used in rhinoplasty operations. The difference between the two techniques is where the surgical incision is made. In the open rhinoplasty approach, the surgical incision is made at the neb of the nose and the nasal skin is completely removed with the help of this incision. In the closed rhinoplasty approach, the incision is made to the inner part of the nose. 

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF RHINOPLASTY?

Open Rhinoplasty

The open rhinoplasty technique is mostly preferred in patients with large and significant deformities at the neb of the nose or in patients who need a major intervention in the nasal septum and in revision rhinoplasty operations. The most important advantage of this approach is that it gives the surgeon a wider field of view. Open rhinoplasty is more preferred than closed Rhinoplasty.

In the open rhinoplasty technique, a small incision is made under the two nostrils. After the whole nasal skin is lifted with the help of this incision, the disfigurements are corrected by intervening in the cartilage and bones that make up the neb of the nose and the back of the nose. At the end of the surgery, after the nasal skin is sutured with a small suture, a splint is placed on the nose and a silicone pad is placed inside.

The disadvantage of the open rhinoplasty approach is that there is a scar after the operation. However, this scar becomes completely obscure and indistinct on an average of 2 months after the operation.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In the closed rhinoplasty technique, only an internal incision is made in the area to be intervened. In this technique, since an incision is made between the nostrils and the nasal skin is not removed, the operation time is shortened and swelling and oedema are less common after the operation. This ensures that the healing process is shorter than in open rhinoplasty. The disadvantage of closed rhinoplasty is that it is not suitable for everyone. This technique is suitable for patients who do not have a significant defect at the neb of the nose, who have not had rhinoplasty before, and who do not have a serious curvature in the septum region. The closed technique can be applied successfully only in patients who need to intervene in the protrusion on the nose, known as the nasal hump.

IN WHICH SITUATIONS SHOULD YOU HAVE NOSE SURGERY?

You may consider rhinoplasty when the size or shape of your nose bothers you, or if you have difficulty breathing normally through your nose.

Post-Procedure Healing Process

Rhinoplasty operations take an average of 2-3 hours, although it varies from patient to patient. Unless a serious complication is encountered after the surgery, patients are discharged on the same day or the next day. Since silicone tampons are used instead of large plastic or cloth tampons as before, the postoperative period is also comfortable for many patients. Tampons, splints, and plasters are removed within 1 week after the operation. Since silicone tampons do not stick to the nose, they do not cause any pain when taken.

After the rhinoplasty operation, the bruises and swellings disappear within 2 weeks at the latest. Patients considering rhinoplasty surgery, which can be easily applied at any time of the year, should choose a time period where they can take at least 10 days off from work or school and spend this time resting at home.

REVISION RHINOPLASTY

What is Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty or secondary rhinoplasty is an operation that is applied to patients who have undergone a previous rhinoplasty surgery and have not achieved the desired result. After the first rhinoplasty surgery, the expectations of the patient and the surgeon may not be met, or the new nose shape obtained may have changed over time. In this case, a second rhinoplasty surgery is needed to eliminate the emerging aesthetic or functional problems. Such revision surgeries are called minor. However, in some cases, major revision surgery may be needed.

HOW IS REVISION RHINOPLASTY SURGERY PERFORMED?

Revision surgery requires a more gentle and precise operation than the primary operation because the skin and tissue are very important in this surgery. In the previous surgery, some of the cartilage and bone tissues were removed and weakened. If there are not enough nasal cartilage left to be used, cartilage is taken from the ear or ribs.

While minor revision procedures can be performed under local anesthesia, major operations are always performed under general anesthesia with an open Rhinoplasty approach. The duration of surgery can vary between 30 minutes and 6 hours depending on the area to be studied and the magnitude of the problem.

IN WHICH SITUATIONS SHOULD YOU HAVE REVISION NOSE AESTHETICS?

You should have revision rhinoplasty in case of wide or asymmetrical nostrils, low, drooping, or excessively raised nasal tip, incompletely corrected nasal ridge, and collapse of nasal walls.

WHEN IS REVISION RHINOPLASTY SURGERY PERFORMED?

Rhinoplasty surgery has a long recovery period, so it is necessary to wait at least 6 months to 1 year to decide whether a secondary operation is needed. Most revision surgeries are performed one and a half years after the first surgery.

The patient's condition plays an important role in clearly determining when the surgery will be performed. If the complaints are only supported by aesthetic concerns, the completion of the healing process should be waited. It is more beneficial to intervene without losing time for functional complications that reduce the patient's quality of life, do not have a chance to improve over time, and cause respiratory distress.

Healing Process After Revision Rhinoplasty

As in the first rhinoplasty surgery, after the secondary rhinoplasty surgery, a splint is placed on the outside of the nose, a silicone pad and a plaster are placed inside the nose. Tampons and silicone splint are removed 6-7 days after the operation. After the operation, you need to rest for 10-14 days. During this time, you can try to sleep with a double pillow and keep your head elevated to reduce oedema and swelling. As with the first surgery, bruising and nosebleeds will subside within a few weeks. Patients usually return to their social and professional lives within 2 weeks. During this two-week period, they are expected not to tire themselves and to follow the recommendations