RHINOPLASTY (NOSE JOB)

It is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose.

Nose job can be carried out for the following reason: 1. Large nose: if the nose is disproportionately large compared to rest of the face. 2. Crooked nose. 3. Hump nose: when viewed from the side there is a bump on the nose. 4. Small nose: when the nose is small compared to rest of the face. Special implants can be used to increase the height of the nose.5. Large or bulbous tip of the nose. So a rhinoplasty can make a large nose more proportionate, straighten the profile of a hump nose, straighten a crooked nose, increase the height of a small nose and refine a bulbous tip of the nose.

Surgery is the only option to change the shape and size of the nose.

Blood tests are required prior to any surgery. Additional tests such as x-ray, cardiogram, physician check-up, etc may be required depending on your health status. These tests are carried out for your safety.

You will be put to sleep (general anesthesia) for the rhinoplasty.

The incision (cut) is made on the inside of the nose and the skin is freed from the underlying bone and cartilage framework. The necessary modification is made in the framework. For instance in large, humped or crooked nose the bony framework is filled down with the aid of a rasp. The cartilagenous framework is then lowered by trimming with scissors to match the bony framework profile. In order to restore the sharpness of the top of nose the bones are fractured and brought together. Sometimes the midline partition (septum) on the inside of the nose is crooked and blocks the airway. This can be dealt with at the same time as the nose job. Often an ENT surgeon treats this septum, either excising the crooked bits of the septum (Submucous resection of the septum) or straightening it (septoplasty). As the cuts are on the inside of the nose it leaves no external marks on the nose.

There is usually a dressing inside the nose (nasal pack) which is removed in 24 to 48 hours. The nose is often covered with plaster to maintain the newly acquired shape of the bony framework. The plaster is removed in few days time.

You will be discharged few days following the operation.

You will be up and about within 24 hours of the operation. You can resume light activity within a week’s time. Usually, a heavy activity like going to the gymnasium and heavy exercises can be safely done after a few weeks. However, every individual is different. You should increase your level of activity according to your comfort level. Excessive bending down or lifting of heavyweight should be avoided for the first few weeks. Also one has to protect the nose from any direct trauma for the first few weeks. During this period avoid going to a crowded place and avoid contact sports.

Rhinoplasty is a safe procedure. However as is true for any operation rhinoplasty can be associated with certain side effects. Swelling and bruising on the nose and around the eyes can last for few weeks. The skin of the nose may feel numb for some time due to surgical dissection involved. The sensation eventually comes back. The nasal passage may feel blocked for a week or so, especially if septum work has been done. This is treated by nasal drops till the nasal passage clears up.

As the swelling subsides and the overlying skin shrinks the new shape of the nose becomes evident. It may take approximately few months for the final result to become evident. Majority of the patients are satisfied with the final outcome.