Your rhinoplasty specialist may be limited in what he or she can do according to the nasal shape, skin texture and thickness, chin, lip and forehead angle, any previous surgery, and the patient’s general ability to heal along with their age, weight, and general health. The goal of rhinoplasty is not to give people an obviously operated nose, but to maintain harmony with the face as a whole, allowing the nose to blend in normally and not stand out as peculiar. Many people might feel that the nose jobs undertaken by some members of the famous Jackson family are too extreme and obvious.
During nose surgery, small incisions are made in the nose, usually inside the nasal passages where they will never be noticed. Occasionally, thin, inconspicuous incisions are also made on the columella, the strut of skin separating the nostrils, in order to give the rhinoplasty specialist a better view and improved access. The operation is performed through these incisions. Soft tissues are then separated from the underlying structures and the re-shaping of the bone or cartilage can begin.
If you’re having your nose reduced in size the bone and cartilage will be re-shaped and the skin left untouched. If the size of the nostrils also needs to be made smaller, further cuts may be made on the outside leaving fine scars, but these will usually heal to almost invisible lines. If the nose shape needs to be strengthened or increased it may be necessary to use a small bone implant. This can either be taken from a site on the patient’s own body, such as the hip, a rib, or the back of the elbow, or it can be harvested from a donor. If cartilage needs to be added the graft sites include the ears, spare nose cartilage, or sometimes artificial implants are used.
After the operation the surgeon will close the incisions with dissolvable stitches and may insert soft packing to help prevent bleeding. You may also have a plastic splint on the outside of your nose for a few days to maintain the shape and protect it from damage.
The type of your skin, your age, the shape and nature of your nose and requirements for surgery will influence surgical choice. For more information about nose surgery please speak to your rhinoplasty specialist.
Rhinoplasty information summary:
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Anaesthetic
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Usually general
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Time in hospital
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1 night or day case
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Time off work
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Two weeks
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Time before you can wear glasses again
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4 weeks, unless the frames are very light
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| Nose feels sensitive for |
1 - 2 weeks |
| Time for bruising to fade |
7 - 10 days |
| Time for swelling to settle |
10 - 14 days |
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Time until plastic splint removed
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4 - 7 days
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Time to resumption of normal activities (including sports)
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6 weeks
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