rhinoplasty abroad
Rhinoplasty, or correction of the nose, is a cosmetic surgery which affects the appearance, structure and function of the nose. The nose can be remodelled to become bigger or smaller, to reshape its tip, decrease the width of the nostrils or change the angle between the upper lip and nose. Rhinoplasty helps to correct birth defects and nose injuries, and helps people who have problems with breathing. If you are not content with your appearance or suffer from a nose related condition, rhinoplasty can solve your problems.
Rhinoplasty procedure will be performed by our ear, nose & throat surgeon Dr. Aet Saarts.
Are you a suitable patient for rhinoplasty?
The best candidates for the surgery are people who wish to improve the appearance of their nose, but do not expect to have a perfect nose. In addition to realistic expectations, good health and psychological stability are important in a patient considering rhinoplasty. The best candidate for nose surgery is also at least 18 years old, because development of the nose has ended.
What is rhinoplasty exactly?
No unique universal nose surgery method exists which responds to the needs of every patient. Rhinoplasty is performed differently for every patient, adjusting the surgery according to the patient’s needs. There are two possible access points to the nose, in order to change its shape: the closed and open method.
In closed rhinoplasty, the incision is made in the nose, the skin and subdermal tissues are separated from the underlying structures to model the skeleton from bones and cartilage – the position of the bones is modified, cartilage is added, bones are removed, etc. In the open method, an incision is made in the columella skin (between nostrils), postoperative scars are very small.
If the patient also has problems with breathing through the nose, this can be corrected intranasally during the same procedure (septoplasty).
Usually the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
Are there any health risks related to rhinoplasty?
To a degree, there is a risk associated with all kinds of surgeries. The decision to undergo an operation should be made taking into considering the potential benefits and risks to the patient.
You may have problems with postoperative bleeding, although this is uncommon. If postoperative bleeding occurs, emergency first aid or even a blood transfusion may be necessary. Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs for a period of ten days prior to and following the procedure, as this increases the possible risk of bleeding. Poorly controlled hypertension may also cause bleeding during or after the surgery. If blood collects under the skin, it may prolong the duration of healing and cause the formation of scars.
In rare cases inflammation occurs after surgery. In this case, additional therapy with antibiotics is necessary.
Although surgical wounds generally heal well, abnormal scars may develop on the skin as well as in deeper tissues. The scars may differ from the rest of the skin in terms of colour. The structure of the nose may reveal visible changes.
It is possible that you will not be satisfied with the results of the rhinoplasty; again, realistic expectations towards the surgery are of great importance. The surgery may result in unexpected visible or palpable deformations, loss of functions or displacement of structures. If the results of the surgery fail to meet your expectations, a repeat surgery may be performed.
With rhinoplasty it is possible that the skin of the nose will be numb following the surgery, but it is impossible to predict if this will really happen. A loss of or decrease in the sensitivity of the nose may be partly or fully persistent after rhinoplasty.
Chronic pain is often present after rhinoplasty.
In rare cases, local allergies to tape, suture or other devices and materials are reported.
Wound dehiscence or delayed healing is also possible. Some areas of the skin may remain numb.
Local and general anaesthesia are each accompanied by specific risks. The risk for numb skin and complications in wound healing is higher in smokers.
If complications occur, additional procedures or treatment may be necessary. In rare cases a repeat surgery is necessary to correct the results.
How to prepare for the surgery?
To get the best results from the nose correction, it is very important to follow your doctor’s advice. This may include the following.
• Do not smoke for several weeks prior to and following the surgery
• Avoid certain medicines like aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 10 days prior to the surgery
What to expect during healing?
It is important to rest in bed after the surgery, and the head should be kept higher than the thorax to prevent bleeding and swelling. For fast and successful healing you must follow the following precautions for several weeks:
• Avoid physical exercises such as training, yoga, etc.
• Do not swim
• Do not blow your nose
• Avoid foods requiring strong chewing
• Avoid strong facial emotions such as laughing and crying
• Brush your teeth gently so that your upper lip does not move
• Wear clothes which can be put on without pulling them over your head
Additionally, do not wear glasses or sunglasses for at least 4 weeks after the surgery to avoid excess pressure on your nose. Avoid direct sunlight for at least 3 months – too much sun may cause persistent discoloration of the skin.
Results
Very small changes in the structure of your nose, often only measured in millimetres, may greatly change your nose and all of the face. The development of the final result may take up to an entire year, and your nose may change slightly during that time. For the most part, patients are very satisfied with the job of an experienced surgeon.
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