The quest for the perfect nose has popularised 'nose jobs'. Once the prerogative of celebrites, more people are opting for surgical correction of the shape of the nose.
Today, people can get that look through the surgical procedure of Rhinoplasty. This surgery is a branch of plastic or cosmetic surgery.
However, there is more to Rhinoplasty than just reshaping an individual’s nose for cosmetic reasons. Patients with severe nasal obstruction and difficulty in breathing can also avail the benefits of this procedure. Functional rhinoplasty improves the quality of life of such patients.
Who is an Otolaryngologist?
Rhinoplasty is usually conducted by a plastic surgeon, also known as an Otolaryngologist. Plastic surgeons perform this operation with different levels of skill and the only way you can determine your surgeon's skill is by seeing his actual results.
Procedure of Rhinoplasty
The operation can be conducted under local or general anesthesia
. An opening is made within the nose in 'closed rhinoplasty' or outside, in the portion between the two nostrils in the 'open rhinoplasty'.
The surgeon then works on the soft tissue and cartilage or bone. If necessary, cartilage or bone grafts taken from elsewhere in the patient’s body is used to reshape the nose.
Splints may be used to retain the newly-aligned grafts in its position. Then the opening in the skin is closed. Its important to get some laboratory tests done before the operation. The length of the procedure is 1 to 2 hours while recovery time may last for 2 to 4 weeks.
Statistics reveal that 41 patients reported significant improvements over their pro-operative evaluation on the Nasal Obstruction Symptoms Evaluation, at University of Washington.
Aftereffects of Rhinoplasty
Patients can expect bleeding, pain, loss of sensation or bruising of the skin over the nose for some time after the surgery. Sometimes secondary rhinoplasty has to be done at a later stage for better results.
Caution must be exercised to prevent stress or strain on the incision lines. There may be swelling for a few days after the surgery.
Cost of Rhinoplasty
The cost of this popular surgery varies between countries and surgeons. It generally falls between 2000 to 10000 dollars. So, opt for both the surgeon and cost as per your choice. But remember, it is your nose at stake.
It must be borne in mind that 5 to 20 percent of rhinoplasties do not have a satisfactory outcome. It is important to be realistic about the goal of the surgery and to synchronize it with what is surgically possible.
Surgeons suggest the patients those who are undergoing this surgery must be above 15 years. Rhinoplasty varies from people residing in different parts of the world. While Asians want to make their nose a bit narrower, Africans usually choose a broader shape.
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