RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty is a type of surgery to aesthetically reshape the nose. In this surgery, as the nose is sculpted, the breathing problems of the patient are taken into account and remedied. An ideal nose in rhinoplasty is one that is devoid of breathing problems, compatible with the facial structure of the person, is natural-looking, and is indiscernible from a natural nose.

Rhinoplasty can be performed in ways: Open Technique and Closed Technique

In the closed technique, all incisions are made through the nose. In the open technique, unlike the closed technique, a small incision of about 3 mm is made on the tip of the nose and the tip of the nose is opened. Today, the open technique is the one that is used most frequently throughout the world.

In my personal opinion, the surgeon should apply whichever technique will get the best result. In my own practice, my choice is made in accordance with the wishes of the patient and the patient’s nasal structure.

REVISION RHINOPLASTY

For patients who have had aesthetic nose surgery before but have not achieved the desired result, a second, third, or more surgeries may be needed. We call this “revision” or “corrective rhinoplasty”.

No matter how experienced the surgeon is, there is a certain probability of a second operation in aesthetic rhinoplasties. This rate varies according to the knowledge and experience of the physician, the patient, and the patient’s nasal structure.

The important thing here is the size of the revision. At times, there may just be a small problem that can be remedied with a simple rasp, and at times, there may be major problems involving the cartilage and/or nasal dorsum. In such a case, if there is not enough cartilage in the nose, it may be necessary to take donor cartilage from the ribs or auricle.

In revision surgeries, the risks increase as the number of surgeries increases with regards to which the patient should be informed at length and in detail.

Rhinoplasty for men is different from Rhinoplasty for women. In male rhinoplasty, it is important to correct the existing defect in the nose and preserve the masculine appearance without changing the resting facial expression.

In order to avoid the creation of a feminine appearance, the changes made to the lip to nose angle, nasal dorsum, and nasal bones differ in comparison to women.

In men, a straight nasal dorsum is desirable, and the tip of the nose and the nasal dorsum should be at the same level.

While the ideal angle between the nose and the lip is 95 -100 degrees in women, this angle ideally does not exceed 90 degrees in men.

Unlike women, the nasal bones of men should not be made excessively thin.

PRE-OPERATIVE PROCESS IN NOSE AESTHETICS

In my pre-operative interview with the rhinoplasty patient, after inquiring about the patient’s complaint, what specific parts of the nose are not ideal, and what kind of nose the patient wants to have, I conduct a detailed ear, nose, and throat examination. In this examination, I evaluate the patient’s nose both aesthetically and functionally.

I do a detailed facial analysis by taking photographs of the patient. I give the necessary information to the patient about the forehead, cheekbones, chin, and facial symmetry.

Then, I share the details with the patient on the simulation program with which I designed the new nose, taking into account the patient’s wishes. Thus, the patient can see approximately what kind of nose he/she will have after the operation.

In this meeting, I inform my patient about the surgical technique I will apply, the hospital in which I will perform the operation, the preparations to be made before the operation, and the possible risks and complications of the operation.

POSTOPERATIVE PROCESS IN NOSE AESTHETICS

In the post-op process, the patient should opt to lie on the back on a high pillow and avoid rotating or turning the head as much as possible. After the operation, a slight bloody discharge from the nostrils, a feeling of fullness in the nose, and mild pain can be expected.

Swelling around the eyes and, very rarely, bruises under the eyes can be seen in some patients after surgery. This swelling reaches its peak on the second and third days. Applying ice compresses to the forehead and under the eyes immediately after the operation will aid in reducing the swelling. The swelling and bruising, if any, will usually go away within a week. It takes six months to a year for the swelling to go away completely. For very thick skins, this period may exceed a year and a half.

Silicone pads are removed after 72-96 hours, and the plastic splint on the back of the nose is removed after a week. Because dissolvable stitches are used, stitches do not need to be removed. The patient can eat soft foods 3-4 hours after the surgery and can switch to normal nutrition in the following days. Very hot drinks are not recommended in the first days.

The patient should be careful while brushing and wearing clothes and avoid putting excessive pressure on the nose. The patient can return to his daily activities after a week. Activities that require excessive effort should be avoided for at least 2 weeks.

The patient should not use eyeglasses that protect the nose from impacts for 2 months. Contact lenses can be used two days after the surgery. The patient can wash his face or hair the next day, being sure to avoid getting the bandages wet. The patient can take a shower from the neck down, again, being sure to avoid getting the bandages wet.

For a week, excessive laughing and exaggerated facial expressions should be avoided. Wearing tight clothes should be avoided for a few weeks. The patient should protect the skin from the sun for one to two months and use high-SPF sunscreen. After the operation, the patient should avoid smoking for one to two months, if it is not possible, a reduction in frequency should be attempted. Swimming pools, saunas, and solariums should be avoided for 2 months. However, in two weeks, the patient may swim in the sea.

Only the drugs recommended by the doctor should be used, and a control examination should be performed at 1,3, and 6 months unless specified otherwise.