Rhinoplasty / Septorhinoplasty
Why rhinoplasty is done?
Rhinoplasty (also called nose job) is a kind of surgery which aims to change shape of the nose and to improve its function, therefore it is not only an aesthetic surgery it is also a functional surgery.
Health is a state of being in a good condition physically, psychologically and socially. If someone thinks his/ her nose is not beautiful and thinks everybody is looking at his/ her nose, we can not talk about being in a good condition psychologically and socially. So, we perform this surgery for health, whether the patient suffers from aesthetic problems or breathing problems.
Rhinoplasty corrects appearance of your nose, correct breathing problems and also birth defects.
How to prepare for rhinoplasty ?
The first step of rhinoplasty is patient determination. The second step is finding an experienced surgeon who you can communicate with.
Medical history: I will ask you about your medical history, medication you take and your previous surgeries. Especially evaluation of risk factors as diabetes, hypertension and bleeding disorders is important.
Physical examination: A complete physical examination will be conducted by me. The structure of your nose and other facial features will also be evaluated.
Photography and discussion: I or my assistant will take the photographs of your nose from various angels. These photographs will be used for before-and -after assessment by photoshop programs. The patient may want an additional surgery or procedures such as chin augmentation or lip lifting surgery, these ideas will all be considered by me. I and the patient finally discuss about realistic expectations.
Rhinoplasty procedure:
Rhinoplasty should be performed under general anesthesia, in a hospital. It generally takes 3 hours. Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure but in some cases overnight stay is needed.
Basically, there are 2 techniques to perform this surgery, open and closed techniques. I will decide which method is suitable for you.
Most of the patients watch the videos of rhinoplasty on social media before they come to us and they mostly have the anxiety of “my nose will be broken by a surgical hammer”. For several years, I am not using surgical hammers, I use Piezzo ultrasonic devices instead for reshaping nasal bones.
Recovery:
After surgery, I place thermoplastic splint on your nose which will stabilize your nose and will keep its shape, thermoplastic splint also avoids external trauma. There will be silicone nasal splints inside your nostrils which will avoid bleeding and edema. Silicone nasal splints inside your nose have integral airway canals that allow nasal breathing during packed.
I keep internal nasal splints for 2 or 3 days and keep thermoplastic splint for a week. The patient should rest with his/ her head elevated about 30 degrees to reduce swelling and congestion. Edema and bruises around your eyelids can occur after surgery for two weeks.
FAQ
I had rhinoplasty before and I am not satisfied with the new appearance of my nose, can I have revision surgery?
Yes you may, at least one year after your primary surgery, you may have revision rhinoplasty.
Does my insurance cover rhinoplasty?
Most of the insurance policies don’t cover aesthetic surgeries.
How long do I have to stay in hospital?
Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure but in some cases overnight stay is needed.
Are septoplasty and rhinoplasty same operations?
No they are not same. Septoplasty is a functional operation, rhinoplasty is an aesthetic operation. But during rhinoplasty, septoplasty can also be performed together.