Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is not a single standardize procedure for all patients requesting aesthetic improvement of the nose area. As plastic surgeon we divide the nose into 3 general parts, the nasal dorsum, nasal tip and alar lobule area. Depending not only on your surgeon’s preferences, but also on the desired results. Cosmetic enhancement of the nose would vary, base on the area that is of great concern to the patient. For the nasal dorsal area, this would require dorsal augmentation for an Asian patient but would require a reduction rhinoplasty for a Caucasian patient. Round nasal tip would require better contour and definition, which would be address with tip rhinoplasty. Alterations may be made to increase or decrease the nasal bridge, reduce the size or the width of the nose, narrow the nostrils, reshape the tip, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip.
Not all nasal procedure require implant placement or alar trimming, this will depend on the patien’s desired external appearance of the nose. Nasal implants could be in many forms e.g. silicon block, gortex, medpore etc. These implants are biocompatible, can be contoured and removable. We plastic surgeons don’t use silicon oil injection for nasal augmentation due to many complications accompanying its use, just to mention; infection, extrusion and unpredictable result are among its complication.
Surgery can be performed as an outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia or intravenous sedation. You may be required to wear a splint in the form of tapes or plaster of paris on your nose for approximately a week or longer depending on the type or extent of operation and surgeon’s preference. Some bruising and swelling should be expected on the first 2 to 3 days after the procedure but will subside after 1 to 2 wks. It may take several months for your nose to fully settle, so it takes time before you may appreciate the full effect of the procedure.