We all think about the appearance of our face. Among them, the nose is the most prominent feature of the face. Sometimes you may also feel a little unhappy with the shape of your nose. Also, some people may have difficulty breathing due to the shape of their nose. So for such reasons, you may have heard of a surgery that changes the shape and size of the nose. Today we are talking about this "nose job", or in medical terms, rhinoplasty.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Simply put, rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that changes the shape and size of your nose. This is done for two main reasons.
1. Cosmetic reasons: People who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose undergo this surgery to achieve a more beautiful nose that better suits their face.
2. Functional reasons: People who have difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum undergo this surgery to resolve the problem and make breathing easier.
These surgeries are performed by doctors who have received specialized training in plastic surgery or facial plastic surgery.
Who is thinking of having this surgery?
There are several reasons why someone might be tempted to have rhinoplasty surgery. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Reason for surgery | Description |
|---|---|
| Improving appearance | To achieve facial balance when you are unhappy with the shape or size of your nose. |
| Difficulty breathing | To correct any obstruction in the airway due to a deviated septum. |
| Damage caused by an accident | To restore the nose after an accident such as a broken nose. |
| Problems from birth | To correct congenital abnormalities of the nose that have been present since birth. |
| Other illnesses | To restore the function or shape of the nose when it has been damaged by cancer treatment, severe infections, or burns. |
Are you suitable for rhinoplasty?
You need to take care of a few things before having this surgery.
- Age and health: Your body development (especially your facial bones) should be fully completed. It is also essential that you are in good physical health.
- Smoking: If you are a smoker, it can greatly hinder the healing process after surgery. Therefore, it is very important to avoid smoking.
- Realistic expectations: While this surgery can improve your appearance, don't expect to look like an actor/actress overnight. It's important to understand the limitations of the surgery and have realistic expectations .
- Own decision: This is your body. Therefore, you should make this decision of your own free will, for your own happiness, not under the influence of someone else.
Methods and types of surgery
There are two main surgical techniques for performing rhinoplasty.
- Open Rhinoplasty: This is a procedure that is mainly used when major changes are needed. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small incision in the lower part of the nose (between the nostrils) and removes the skin of the nose completely, along with the bone and cartilage. This allows the internal structure of the nose to be clearly visible, making it easier to make complex changes.
- Closed Rhinoplasty: This is a procedure used for relatively minor changes. All incisions are made inside the nose, so there are no visible scars.
In addition to these two main methods, rhinoplasty can be divided into several types depending on the reason for which it is performed.
| Type | A brief introduction |
| :--- | :--- |
| Cosmetic Rhinoplasty | Surgery performed with the aim of beautifying the appearance. |
| Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty | Correcting minor nosebleeds and bumps by temporarily injecting dermal fillers without surgery. |
| Functional Rhinoplasty | To correct breathing difficulties or damage caused by an accident and restore the function of the nose. |
| Secondary Rhinoplasty | A second surgery to correct a problem or result that occurred after the first surgery. |
Important: Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are two different things. Septoplasty is mainly done to make the inside wall of the nose (septum) easier to breathe in. However, if necessary, both of these surgeries can be done at the same time.
What happens before and during the surgery?
Before the surgery, you should have a consultation with your doctor. There, you can discuss your expectations, what the surgery will entail, and the risks. The doctor will examine your face, take measurements, and take photos. If you have any photos of the medications you are taking and the shape of your desired nose, bring them with you.
The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure where you can go home the same day . You may be given general anesthesia or intravenous sedation to numb your nose and make you sleepy. The surgery can take about one to three hours.
What to expect after surgery?
You will feel some discomfort after the surgery. This is normal.
- A splint: To control swelling and keep the new shape of the nose, a small plastic splint is placed over the nose. This will be worn for about a week or two.
- Swelling and bruising: Expect swelling and blue/black discoloration around the nose and eyes. This will gradually subside over a few weeks.
- Pain: There is no unbearable pain. Usually there may be mild pain. You can use painkillers prescribed by the doctor for that.
Swelling healing stages
This is something that many people worry about. It can take up to a year for the swelling to completely go down and for the final results of the nose to be seen .
| Time | Swelling condition |
|---|---|
| 4-6 weeks | The nose will be very swollen and feel large. At this time, the nose may also appear to be flattened (asymmetrical healing). This is normal. |
| 3 months | About 90% of the swelling has gone down. The shape of the nose is now much clearer. |
| Up to a year | There may still be some slight swelling. The full and permanent results will be seen after about a year. |
Speed up recovery time and reduce risks
Your support during the first few weeks is very important to the healing process.
- Sleep with your head up.
- Apply cool compresses to your cheeks or under your eyes, not directly to your nose.
- Don't pick your nose.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about 4-6 weeks.
- If you wear glasses, be careful not to put pressure on your nose.
- Minimize sun exposure.
Like any surgery, rhinoplasty has some risks. In rare cases, infection, excessive bleeding, scarring, delayed healing, or not achieving the desired appearance may occur. Sometimes, a second surgery (revision surgery) may be necessary to correct minor changes.
When should I see a doctor immediately?
If you experience these symptoms after surgery, call your doctor immediately.
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Bleeding that cannot be stopped
- Severe pain
- Signs of infection, such as fever or yellow discharge from the nose
Take-Home Message
- Rhinoplasty is a surgery performed to improve the appearance and function of the nose.
- This is a big decision, so choose an experienced doctor and discuss your expectations and the limitations of the surgery.
- Swelling is normal after surgery. It takes about a year to see the full results. It is important to be patient.
- For best results, follow your doctor's instructions exactly during your recovery period.


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