Rhinoplasty
About the Rhinoplasty Procedure
Most plastic surgeons agree that rhinoplasty is among the most challenging of all cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Not only is there a very delicate internal structure that must be protected, the nose is the most prominent feature of the face. There is no hiding a nose job that is disappointing.
Middle Eastern Rhinoplasty
Common traits of a Middle Eastern nose may include a:
- Pronounced nasal hump
- Wide or round tip
- Downward sloping or drooping tip
All of these can be addressed with a Middle Eastern Rhinoplasty that preserves the traditional bone structure and classic, defined profile in a balanced and ethnically sensitive manner.
The open-tip or open-nose technique is the preferred rhinoplasty method by most plastic surgeon. During the open-tip rhinoplasty, a minor incision is made across the vertical strip of tissue that separates the nostril cavities. This is called the columella. By doing an open-nose method, surgeons allow a more direct view of the nasal structure and can control the result with even more precision.
Rhinoplasty is not usually recommended until the patient has finished their growth spurt, usually during the mid teen years, or 14 or 15 years of age for girls and 16 for boys.
The nose job procedure is performed in either a hospital or an outpatient surgical facility. It takes about two – three hours though more complex procedures can take longer. For example, rhinoplasty may performed in combination with other procedures designed to address the functionality of the nose by removing nasal obstructions. Generally, we recommend our patients undergo general anesthesia for the majority of rhinoplasty procedures we performs.
When the surgery is complete, a splint is applied to give structure to the nose and keep the nasal structures from moving. The splint also helps the nose maintain its new shape.
Rhinoplasty Healing & Recovery
Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned for six months. You must remember that for the initial period after surgery your nose will be more sensitive to the sun and you will have to take special precautions. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics.
The discomfort after rhinoplasty is normally best managed by pain medication. The head will need to remain elevated. Cold compresses applied to the eyes reduces the normal bruising and swelling that occurs as a result of nose surgery. Some bleeding is normal during the first few days after surgery. It is also normal to feel congested for several weeks after your rhinoplasty.
Nasal packing is commonly used to control the minor bleeding that occurs after surgery. However, it can lead to additional unnecessary pain, swelling, bleeding and discoloration that can be minimized by avoiding packing the nose. At the end of one to two weeks, all stitches, dressings and splints will be removed.
It’s important to be gentle with your new nose. This means avoiding rubbing, bumping or hitting your nose. You should also avoid getting it sunburned for at least six months. Your nose will be more sensitive to sunlight post-surgery, so you will need to take additional measures to ensure your nose is protected from the sun, including the use of sunblock, hats, shades, etc. When washing your face and hair and using cosmetics, take care to protect your nose from unnecessarily rough contact.
Most patients are able to move around their house in two days. Rhinoplasty patients normally return to school or sedentary work about a week after the surgery. It will take several weeks before your energy returns entirely and you feel back to normal.
You will see results in two to three weeks, but full results will not be seen for 6 to 12 months as swelling will continue to reduce and the enhanced contour and form of your nose will become more evident.
Functional Nasal Surgery
Within the nose, there are two primary structures which influence the flow of air through the nose. These are the septum, which is the tissue that divides the nostrils into two chambers, and the turbinates, several curved, shelf-like bones inside the nose.
During your consultation, Dr. Goravanchi will examine the internal framework of your nose and can make suggestions for structural improvements based on your specific nasal issues if there are any. If you are experiencing trouble breathing, there may be a blockage in one or both nasal passages. Surgery to correct these issues can be performed in combination with cosmetic rhinoplasty or as an independent procedure.
Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Goravanchi today to discuss your options for rhinoplasty. Call our office at (+98) 912 038 6704 today.
Our Rhinoplasty Philosophy
The philosophy of the physician that performs your rhinoplasty is just as important as his skill, as the viewpoint of the surgeon will greatly affect your results. There are some cosmetic surgery procedures that are expected to produce dramatic results, as in the cases of liposuction or sometimes breast augmentation. However, cosmetic nasal surgery is not usually one of these procedures. Instead, subtlety is essential.
Results of rhinoplasty should be balanced and attractive–not overdone or mismatched to other facial features. For males, the ideal nose is strong. This means straight, symmetrical and streamlined but not delicate, feminine or upturned. Ideal female noses are small and tilt slightly upward, in balance with the shape of the face.
The success in achieving these results depends on mere millimeters of tissue. Thus artistic judgment and experience plays a major role in nasal surgery.
A Comment on Rhinoplasty Fees
Rhinoplasty fees vary significantly from surgeon to surgeon and across geographic zones. Similarly, talent, judgment, experience and skill also vary significantly among rhinoplasty plastic surgeons. It has happened that patients choose the surgeon with the lowest fees and end up with results they are completely unhappy with–forcing them to pay twice as much or more for corrective surgery, if they are even a candidate for correction.
In the case of face surgery, it is very often not the best choice to get the cheapest surgery.
Visit several doctors, review their credentials, study their before and after photos of actual patients and choose the doctor who you feel is the best fit for you and who makes you the most comfortable and confident in your decision. Honestly, this may not be the person with the highest fees. Keeping the primary criteria above in mind, fees should be the secondary concern.
Nose Job Risks
The pain associated with rhinoplasty is classified as minimal to moderate. When necessary, this pain can be controlled with oral medication. Rhinoplasty complications are unusual but may include infection or nosebleed. You can reduce the likelihood of experiencing complications by following your doctor’s instructions carefully.
When people are unhappy with rhinoplasty results, it is often the result of a miscommunication between the doctor and the patient or overzealous surgical methods.
Rhinoplasty frequently asked questions
Deciding on having any cosmetic surgery is a big decision. Unlike medically necessary surgery, the risks should be carefully weighed to ensure the reward will be worth the cost and the time commitment for full recovery.
What follows are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions concerning rhinoplasty. The specific questions that refer to your specific concerns will be fully discussed during the consultations before any surgery is scheduled.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a nose reshaping procedure that not only deals with cosmetic concerns, but also can improve the function of the nose. The structure of the nose is composed of bone and cartilage. The top third of the nose that forms the bridge is composed of bone with the lower two thirds being made up of cartilage.
Cosmetically, Dr. Goravanchi can bring the nose into balance with the rest of the face by narrowing areas that are out of proportions, removing a bump, creating a higher bridge or refining the tip. Functionally, any obstructions within the nose which impede breathing can be corrected, usually at the same time that the cosmetic approach is done.
Will there be visible scars?
There are two surgical techniques used in rhinoplasty; the closed technique and the open technique. In a closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are made inside the nose so there are no visible scars. The open technique creates an incision in the cartilage dividing the nostrils allowing clear access to the internal structure. The technique that will accomplish the goals of the surgery depends on specific physical anatomy not on personal choice.
How long before I can be seen in public?
If the goal is to be able to attend a major social event such as a wedding, you should allow a month before the event. People heal at different rates. While some patients are quite presentable within two weeks of surgery, to be ‘high school reunion’ ready might take an additional two weeks. Patients can almost always go out to run errands or meet friends within two weeks.
When can I return to work or school?
As long as the activity level at work or school is the equivalent of a desk job, a week’s recovery should be enough time for any bruising or swelling to diminish enough to enable a return to work. For those with physically demanding jobs, we will provide a timetable for recovery that matches work place or social activity level.
Much depends on whether or not you want the procedure to remain confidential. In this case a return to work or school without raising the curiosity of fellow workers or students would need a solid two weeks of recovery.
What about exercise and sports following rhinoplasty surgery?
In order to achieve the aesthetic and functional goals, the nose must be allowed to heal without any trauma or stress for the first year. The early weeks are most critical and during this time strenuous physical activity will need to be avoided to keep the blood pressure even.
How painful is the recovery?
Most patients mention how surprised they were with the ease of recovery. Although the early stages of rhinoplasty can look very dramatic to close friends or family, the pain is actually minimal. It is well managed with a few days of prescription pain medication followed by the use of approved over-the-counter remedies that do not contain ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an anti inflammatory that thins the blood which can interfere with the healing process. The most common complaint is a very stuffy nose and pressure for the first few days.
Who is the ideal rhinoplasty candidate?
There is no specific criterion that defines the best candidates for rhinoplasty. Generally patients must be in good health and must have attained full growth and development in the face. Younger patients must be accessed to determine if their facial features are still growing, but a good rule of thumb is if the shoe size hasn’t changed in a year, they may be old enough for the procedure.
Another category of rhinoplasty patient is someone who is unhappy with their previous result. As revision rhinoplasty is more difficult and requires the highest level of skill.
If you are concerned whether or not you are a candidate for either primary or revision rhinoplasty, make an appointment to consult with Dr. Goravanchi. He will give you his honest opinion on your unique requirements by discussing your specific health issues and examining your nose to determine the best course of action.
Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Goravanchi today to discuss your options for rhinoplasty. Call our office at (+98) 912 038 6704 today.