Rhinoplasty Rhinoplasty,
Nose Job, Augmentation Rhinoplasty, Reduction Rhinoplasty WHO
WOULD CONSIDER A NOSE JOB? The
shape of a person's nose is largely an inherited characteristic. The shape
is determined by the bone and cartilage which make up the skeleton of the nose,
over which the skin is draped. Some people are unhappy with the size or
shape of their nose. Injury can also lead to an unsightly appearance.
A rhinoplasty can help in all of these situations. However, rhinoplasty
is not an effective treatment for snoring or for sleep apnoea. The nose
doesn't stop growing and changing until age 16 and it is therefore inadvisable
to consider surgery before this. WHAT
IS INVOLVED IN THE OPERATION? To
change the shape of the nose, the underlying bone and cartilage need to be adjusted.
Small cuts are made on the inside of the nose or in the skin under the nose.
This allows the surgeon to reach the bone and cartilage under the skin and to
reduce or reshape as required. The bridge of the nose, the nostrils and
the tip of the nose can all be adjusted. In some situations areas of the nose
need to be built up. This is known as an augmentation rhinoplasty, using
bone, cartilage or synthetic materials. Bone can be taken from another area of
the body such as the hip or ribs. Cartilage may be taken from the ear or
from another part of the nose. Many cases are performed under a general anaesthetic
which means that the patient is asleep during the procedure. In some situations
a local anaesthetic can be used which means that the patient remains conscious.
Some light sedation might also be used in this situation. It may be possible to
have the surgery as a day case, avoiding the need for an overnight stay in hospital.
For more extensive surgery, some patients may need to stay for one or two nights.
If you decide on surgery you will be required to undergo some simple health checks
and photos will be taken to record the shape of your nose before surgery. You
will be asked to sign a consent form giving permission for the operation. This
requires that you are aware of the risks and complications involved with the procedure.
WHAT
ARE THE RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS? There
are general risks associated with a general anaesthetic including chest infection
especially in smokers. Deep Vein Thrombosis (also known as DVTs or clots
in the veins of the legs) can also occur which can break off and travel to the
lungs. This is known as a pulmonary embolus and can, although very rare,
be life threatening. Bleeding, particularly heavy nose bleeds, can happen shortly
after the operation or even up to 10 days later. This may require hospital
treatment. Infection may require antibiotics and if any synthetic material
has been used to build up the nose, this might have to be removed. Specific to
rhinoplasty, it is possible that there may be altered sense of smell after the
operation or difficulty breathing through your nose. In a few cases these
problems can be permanent. The sensation in the skin of the nose may also
be changed and in particular the tip may feel numb. Even after surgery, some
patients will be dissatisfied with the outcome and a second operation may be required
to make adjustments. The size of you nose and nostrils may limit the amount
of adjustment that can be realistically achieved. You should discuss your
expectations and the limitations of the operation with your surgeon before the
operation. WHAT
HAPPENS AFTER THE OPERATION? You
will probably need some simple painkillers to help with any discomfort.
There will be a splint over your nose which must be worn for up to two weeks.
You will also have packs in your nostrils and you will need these for a few days.
This means that you cannot breathe through your nose. You should expect
that it may also be difficult to breathe through your nose at first, even after
the packs have been removed, due to swelling. It is normal to experience
minor bleeding from the nostrils in the first few days. This should simply
be dabbed away. You must avoid blowing your nose and you will be advised
not to have hot baths as this increases the risk of a serious nosebleed.
WHEN
CAN NORMAL ACTIVITIES BE RESUMED? You
can go back to work after a few days but you must expect significant bruising,
especially around the eyes and many people prefer to take a couple of weeks off
until the bruising has settled. Once the splint has been removed, your nose
is very vulnerable and contact sport should be avoided for a few months and you
should generally try to avoid activities that might lead to your nose being knocked
for six weeks. The
British Association of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.baps.co.uk/ More
Information ... |
