Rhynoplasty

Nose skin is separated from its supporting skeleton, composed of bone and cartilage, by using different surgical techniques, which allows accessing to reshape the nose structure. Different maneuvers are then performed to re-shape this bone-cartilaginous structure. The skin is finally redistributed on this new support. If it is performed by closed approach, incisions are made inside the nostrils, but, if it is done by opened approach; an incision is made at the columella base.

There are two approaches for rhinoplasty:

• Open or external approach: a small incision is made in the columella to raise widely the skin from the tip to the nasal dorsum.
• Closed or endonasal approach: based on internal incisions (endonasal).

The closed approach allows the surgery being carried out faster, and with lower risk of inflammation and edema, producing a less visible scar because it is located at the vestibular level. On the other hand, the external approach consumes more time but allows correcting deformities and being more thorough in the treatment of the nasal tip, as this is easier to manipulate.

The technique must be chosen by your surgeon according to different factors (kind of problem to be solved, patient’s clinical history, etc.), because different techniques are indicated depending on the case. Communication with your surgeon is vital in any treatment. During the first visit, your case will be evaluated, and the surgeon will explain you how is going to be the complete process, including the surgical technique.

It can be done from early ages (14-15 years in girls and a little older in boys), because in the puberty, the nose is almost completely developed.

The procedure lasts from 1 to 3 hours, although it depends on the case complexity. It may be longer.

Patients will usually spend one night after the surgery, being discharged the following day. However, it will depend on the type of anesthesia used (local with sedation or, more frequently, general anesthesia) and the evolution of the patient.

A splint is usually placed in order to help maintain the new shape of the nose. Dr. Tarragona usually does not place plugs. Nevertheless, they may be necessary in cases of associated septoplasty, or when obtaining septal cartilages for a nasal reconstruction. The patient should remain at rest with the head elevated during the first day. Local cold should be applied. Bruises will disappear in about 2 weeks. Nasal splint and stitches will be removed in about 1 week.

Most of patients who undergo rhinoplasty feel good in 2 days, being able to make normal life in about a week.

Yes. Improvement is progressive and gradual. Nevertheless, a minimum swelling can be maintained for few months, especially at the nose tip, and between the eyebrows for few weeks. The final result is obtained in 1 year approximately.

When rhinoplasty is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, the complications are infrequent and, if there are, they are usually minor. However, it is very important to be in good hands, as the nose is the most prominent and visible structure of the face, and any defect will be perceived by the patient and the others.

As a surgical procedure, complications may occur such as bruising, nose bleeding, asymmetries, contour irregularities, or reactions to anesthesia.

In prior sessions to the intervention, the patient should inform the surgeon about the reasons for undergoing the treatment, as well as his wishes and expectations. Dr. Tarragona will inform you about the impact that this procedure can have on your life.

If the intervention is due to an aesthetic purpose, your surgeon, according to his experience and knowledge, will evaluate if your expectations are real, taking into account the nasal structure, texture, and thickness of the skin, which are different in each patient. Therefore, bidirectional communication between patient and surgeon is essential. The objective will be to achieve a harmonious result with the patient’s own features.