Rhinoplasty, practical information
- Type: modifies nose size and type
- Anaesthesia: neuroleptanalgesia or general anaesthesia
- Stay: outpatient or 24 h
- De-socialization: 8 days
- Advantages: It gives you a nose that looks just like you...
Rhinoplasty: objectives
The aim of the procedure is to modify the morphology of the nasal pyramid (either partially or as a whole), and sometimes to correct nasal breathing problems.
Rhinoplasty can be performed on its own or, if necessary, in conjunction with other complementary procedures on the face, in particular genioplasty (chin modification, sometimes performed at the same time to improve the overall profile).
The aim is toachieve a natural-looking nose that harmonizes with the rest of the face, suits the patient's psychology and personality, and meets the patient's requirements.
Using incisions concealed in the nostrils, the principle is to reshape the bone and cartilage that form the solid infrastructure of the nose and give it its distinctive shape. The skin covering the nose will have to readapt and re-drape itself thanks to its elasticity on this modified osteo-cartilaginous framework. This last point underlines the importance of skin quality in achieving the final result. As a result, rhinoplasty does not usually leave a visible scar on the skin.
If nasal obstruction is present, it will be treated during the same operation, whether due to a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates (bony formations in the nasal cavity).
The procedure, which can be performed on both men and women, can be carried out from the end of growth, i.e. from the age of around 16. It may be covered by health insurance under certain conditions.
Rhinoplasty: before the procedure
- The patient's motivations and requests will have been analyzed.
- A careful study of the nasal pyramid and its relationship with the rest of the face will have been carried out, as well as an endonasal examination. The usual pre-operative check-up is carried out as prescribed.
- The anaesthetist will be consulted no later than 48 hours before the operation.
- No aspirin-containing medication should be taken for 10 days prior to surgery. It is essential to fast (eat and drink nothing) for 6 hours before the operation.
Rhinoplasty: after surgery
A nose job is a common request for cosmetic surgery. At Clinique du Lac, patients always receive clear information on the post-operative course, any scarring and the expected outcome of the operation.
What is the postoperative course of rhinoplasty?
After nose surgery, bruising and swelling of the nose and eyelids are common. Some patients may experience very moderate bleeding in the first few hours after surgery. For the first few days, it may also be difficult to breathe through the nose.
The respiratory discomfort associated with edema may persist for a few weeks, and nasal sprays can be used to reduce it. Blowing one's nose and cleaning one's nose are perfectly acceptable.
The plastic surgeon removes the protective splint at the end of the operation after 6 to 10 days. During this post-operative consultation, the surgeon can already appreciate the initial results of the correction made, even if the nose remains swollen and does not yet have its definitive shape.For your comfort, it's best to allow 7 days' rest after rhinoplasty. You should avoid strenuous exercise for a month after the operation, and protect your face from the sun for as long as the bruising persists.
What are the scars after rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty scars are barely visible and vary according to the surgical technique. They are most often located on the inside of the nose (closed rhinoplasty) or on the columella, the space between the nostrils (open rhinoplasty). The scars can also be located in the hollow of the nose wing, in the case of blunt nose wings.
If a cartilage graft is required, additional scars may be left on one ear (the scar is then hidden behind the ear), the chest or the scalp. Most often, the surgeon removes the grafts from the nasal septum, leaving no scar and therefore no cosmetic damage.
What results can I expect from rhinoplasty?
The first results of rhinoplasty can generally be appreciated 3 months after the operation for the upper part of the nose, and 6 to 12 months for the lower part and tip.
The final appearance of your nose can therefore only be judged after a year, or even a little later in the case of thick skin.
Cosmetic surgery permanently alters the appearance of your nose, with the aim of restoring a certain harmony to your face. The result of this correction is irreversible, but facial aging can lead to changes in the shape of the nose over the years.
Do you think a rhinoplasty would help you reconcile with your nose? Make an appointment at Clinique du Lac for a cosmetic surgery consultation, during which you can ask your questions and share your expectations with your surgeon.
Rhinoplasty: type of anesthesia and hospitalization conditions
Type of anesthesia
The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthetic. However, in some cases, a thorough local anesthetic using intravenous tranquilizers ("vigile" anesthesia) may suffice.
The choice between these different techniques will be the fruit of a discussion between you, the surgeon and the anaesthetist.
Hospitalization arrangements
The procedure is performed on an "outpatient" basis, i.e. as a day hospitalization, with discharge the same day after a few hours of monitoring. However, depending on the case, a shorter hospital stay may be preferable.