Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty can be for aesthetic reasons only or may be a reconstructive procedure to improve structure and function.As the nose is the centre of the face, an abnormal nose(too large, misshapen) can affect self confidence. Rhinoplasty refers to the reshaping of the nose.
Rhinoplasty consultation
discusses the shape of the nose, its relation to the rest of the face and the ability of the patient to breathe through his/her nose. Sometimes Xrays or a CT Scan will be required.
Rhinoplasty surgery
is performed under general anaesthetic. The structures of the nose can be approached from inside the nose or through an incision in the collumella( the part of the nose between the nostrils) - open rhinoplasty . Depending on the problem with the nose the internal structures will be altered by either removing or adding cartilage, bone. Sometimes artificial products may be used to support the nose. At the end of surgery the nose is packed and a splint placed on the nose.
Removing the hump on the dorsum may require shaving or cutting of the cartilage or bone.After surgery
patients usually spend 1 night in hospital. It is common to have a small amount of bleeding from the nose after surgery. The packing is usually removed after 2-3 days. Breathing at this early stage will be difficult because of the swelling. The face and nose will be swollen and there is often bruising present, these usually settle after 10 days.
The patient should not blow his/her nose for 1 week and avoid strenuous activities for 3 weeks.
Images contained in this page have been reproduced courtesy of RACS and Mi-tec Medical Publishing. The complete pamphlet "Rhinoplasty" is available from Dr Stephen Mills