Indications
Rhinoplasty is a nose reshaping procedure and is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. The rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the nose or the hump of the nose, narrow the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose and upper lip. A birth defect or injury can also be corrected. Finally, the diaphragm can be formed and nasal breathing restored.
Surgical technique
Rhinoplasty usually lasts 1-2 hours. During the procedure, the skin of the nose is separated from its skeleton (bones and cartilage) and reshaped into the desired shape. Rhinoplasty (closed rhinoplasty) is done with the incision inside the nostrils and so nothing looks outward. When surgery requires complex manipulations, a small external incision is made between the two nostrils (open rhinoplasty). When the procedure is complete, a splint is applied externally and special gauzes into the nostrils to help the nose maintain its new shape as well as to stop the bleeding in the operating room.
Type of anesthesia
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in an organized clinic. In some cases where only the tip of the nose is to be corrected, surgery can also be performed with local anesthesia.
Duration of intervention
Rhinoplasty usually lasts 1-2 hours.
Stay at the clinic
In some cases the patients may leave the evening of the same day, after consulting with their plastic surgeon Dr. Achilleas Chantes.
Postoperative period
After the operation, especially during the first twenty-four hours, you will feel the face swollen, your nose may ache a little and you may feel a slight difficulty breathing. All this is easily treated with a simple painkiller. It is preferable to stay in bed with the head elevated on the first day. Around the eyes there is almost always swelling and bruises that completely recede in about ten days. The gauze inside your nostrils will be removed 1-2 days after surgery. You will feel your nose stuffed for a few days and the saline wash will relieve you. The splint is removed in about a week and then you feel much more comfortable.
Back to daily activities
By the next day of surgery, most patients are up and out of bed. In 1 week you can go back to school or office. Intense activities (eg swimming, jogging, ball sports or physical contact) should be avoided for approximately 1 month. Also, nose blowing, sneezing if possible and sun exposure should also be avoided. Facial care can be done with gentle movements. Contact lenses can be used, but it takes more than 6 weeks to allow the glasses to rest on the nose.
Results
In the first few days after surgery the face is swollen. It is very difficult to understand that there is indeed an improvement. But everyday your nose will start to look better and your mood will change. Within 1-2 weeks it will no longer seem to be an operation. Healing is a slow and gradual process. The final results of the rhinoplasty may appear after 2-3 months.