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Cosmetic surgery of the
nose, also called rhinoplasty, can improve the shape, size and
general appearance of your nose. The goal is a nose that looks
natural and achieves a harmonious balance with your other facial
features. |
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| Considering Rhinoplasty |
Cosmetic surgeons usually
recommend that patients wait until they are at least 14 or 15
years and possibly older for boys, before undergoing rhinoplasty.
Some of the indications that you may be a good candidate for
rhinoplasty are: |
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Your nose appears too large for your face |
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In profile, there is a bump on the nasal bridge |
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From front, your nose seems too wide |
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Your nasal tip droops or plunges |
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The tip is thickened or enlarged |
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Your nostrils are excessively flared |
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Your nose is off-centre or crooked |
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Previous injury has made your nose asymmetrical |
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It is important
that you have a clear idea of how you would like your nose to
look and at the same time, realize that there are limitations
to the procedure. |
| How is rhinoplasty performed ? |
Because of individual factors,
not everyone will achieve the same results after rhinoplasty.
Alterations may be made to increase or decrease the nasal bridge,
reduce the size or width of the nose, narrow the nostrils, change
the angle between the nose and upper lip or reshape the tip.
Rhinoplasty is generally performed in a hospital, under suitable
anaesthesia. In most instances the incisions are placed inside
the nose. Sometimes, a very short incision is made across the
columella. If the base of the nose is narrowed or the nostrils
reduced small wedges of skin at the base of the nostrils will
be removed.
The cartilage and bone that forms the framework of your nose
are then modified. If your nose needs to be built up, this can
be done using nasal cartilage, bone or cartilage from other
sites or synthetic implants. The skin and soft tissues then
re-drape themselves over this new scaffolding.
A splint may be placed on your nose for holding the tissues
in place until they have stabilized. Packing or soft internal
splints are sometimes used inside the nostrils. |
| Post-operative recovery |
It is important to realize
that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies from patient
to patient. The first couple of days after surgery you should
restrict your activities and sleep with your head elevated.
This will help to minimize swelling. Generally, bruising around
the eyes and cheeks is most apparent during the first five days
after surgery. Most discoloration will disappear within a week.
Stitches may be removed by 5 to 7 days after surgery. You may
need to wear the nasal splint for a week, during which time
you should avoid getting it wet.
Straining, bending, sneezing and lifting of heavy objects should
be avoided for few days after surgery. You may be able to return
to work within a week after surgery and resume most normal activities
within 3 to 4 weeks. You must protect your reshaped nose from
direct sunlight for several months.
Occasionally, a touchup may be desired to further improve the
results. The results of rhinoplasty are permanent, except for
possible changes associated with the normal aging process. |
| Possible risks and complications |
You may have a detailed
discussion about this during your personal consultation. Some
of the possible complications include - anaesthesia related
complications, swelling & bruising (temporary), bleeding,
infection, implant exposure, unsatisfactory outcome (may require
touch-up) etc. |
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