Rhinoplasty is a surgery to correct the shape and/or structure of the nose. It is also commonly referred to as nose reshaping surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon may correct the nasal bone, cartilage, skin, or several of these structures in order to change the shape or size of the nose, or to improve its function.
Nose correction often also includes a functional aspect – septoplasty, which is performed to straighten the nasal septum and improve breathing through the nose. The extent of rhinoplasty surgery and the chosen method depend on the patient’s complaints and the desired result.
How is rhinoplasty, or nose correction surgery, performed?
Before the surgery, the patient is informed about the general anatomy of the nose, the individual anatomical features of their nose, and the best achievable result based on these features.
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgery is carried out using a minimally traumatic approach with a “Piezotome”, or ultrasonic bone-cutting device. This reduces the risk of haematomas, enables precise and predictable bone cutting, and helps avoid trauma to the surrounding soft tissues.
At the end of the surgery, silicone splints are inserted into the nose to create more favourable conditions for the healing process, and a fixation dressing is applied to the nasal dorsum.
Duration: 3–6 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.
Indications for rhinoplasty, or nose correction surgery:
congenital deformity of the external nose;
acquired deformity of the external nose, for example, as a result of trauma;
difficulty breathing through the nose.
Preparation for surgery:
consultation with an otolaryngologist, or ENT specialist;
computed tomography, or CT scan, of the paranasal sinuses;
standard examinations required before any surgery under general anaesthesia, including blood tests, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram, or ECG. The patient is informed in detail about the preparation process.
After the surgery
After the surgery, the patient spends one night in the inpatient department. The following morning, nasal care is performed, the patient is informed about all recommendations, and they are discharged from the hospital.
During the postoperative period, mucus discharge from the nose and difficulty breathing through the nose due to the silicone splints are typical. The splints are usually removed after approximately seven days. The fixation dressing on the nose is removed after two weeks. Haematomas, or bruising under the eyes and around the nasal dorsum, sensory disturbances in the area of the nasal tip, and swelling may occur. Swelling may persist longer in the area of the nasal tip.
It should be taken into account that for 2–3 months after the surgery, the patient must follow a rest regimen, actively care for the nasal cavity at home, and plan 3–5 postoperative visits to an ENT specialist. Detailed recommendations are provided to each patient individually.
