What Exactly Is Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to change the shape, size, or functional structure of the nose. This operation not only beautifies the external appearance but also ensures the correction of structural defects that cause breathing problems. During the surgery, bone, cartilage, and skin tissues are intervened with the aim of creating a profile that is compatible with the rest of the face. Thanks to modern techniques, much more natural results specific to the patient's facial features can now be obtained.
Who Are Suitable Candidates For Rhinoplasty?
The most suitable candidates for rhinoplasty are individuals who are unhappy with the shape of their nose, have realistic expectations, and whose general health status allows for a surgical procedure. In addition to aesthetic concerns, people who have difficulty breathing due to reasons such as nasal bone curvature (deviation) or turbinate enlargement are also ideal candidates. Furthermore, it is essential that the person's facial development is complete. This usually indicates suitability starting from age 17 in women and 18 in men. Psychological preparation before deciding on surgery is also of great importance.
What Should The Pre-Operative Preparation Process Be Like?
The key to a successful surgery lies in a correct preparation process. Smoking and alcohol consumption should be stopped at least two weeks before the surgery date because these substances slow down the healing speed and impair tissue nutrition. The use of aspirin, herbal teas, or certain vitamin supplements that have a blood-thinning effect should be stopped under doctor supervision. It is important that the clothes to be worn on the day of surgery are front-buttoned or have a wide collar to avoid pressure on the nasal area after the operation. In addition, pre-operative tests and anesthesia examinations must be completed without interruption.
What Is The Difference Between Open And Closed Rhinoplasty?
In the open rhinoplasty method, a small incision is made in the piece of skin between the two nostrils (columella), and the nasal skin is completely lifted. This method provides the surgeon with the opportunity to see the nasal structure directly and make more precise corrections; it is especially preferred in revision surgeries. In the closed method, all incisions are made inside the nostrils, and no stitch marks are seen from the outside. The closed technique stands out with less tissue damage and a shorter healing process. Which method will be chosen is determined by the surgeon according to the structure of the nose and the needs of the patient.
How Long Does Rhinoplasty Surgery Take?
The duration of the surgery varies depending on the scope of the intervention to be performed and the preferred technique. A standard primary (first-time) rhinoplasty operation is usually completed within 2 to 4 hours. However, if the patient has a serious breathing problem, if cartilage needs to be taken from the ribs, or if the procedure is a revision surgery, the duration can extend up to 5-6 hours. The surgeon's meticulousness and the anatomical complexity of the nose are the most fundamental factors determining the time. Rather than the duration of the operation, the permanence and functionality of the result are much more priority.
Is There An Age Limit For Rhinoplasty?
Due to medical and ethical rules, the lower age limit for rhinoplasty is accepted as the period when the skeletal system completes its development. While bone and cartilage growth continues in young people, interventions can lead to deformations in the future. For this reason, the limits are set as 16-17 for girls and 17-18 for boys. The upper age limit depends on the person's general health status and anesthesia capacity. Elderly individuals whose chronic diseases such as heart, blood pressure, or diabetes are under control can also safely undergo surgery.
Is The Surgery Performed Under General Anesthesia?
In modern medical practices, rhinoplasty is almost always performed under general anesthesia. General anesthesia ensures that the patient does not feel any pain or discomfort during the operation and allows the surgeon to work in a much more comfortable environment. A combination of local anesthesia and sedation may rarely be preferred only for very small nasal tip interventions (tipplasty). During the general anesthesia process, the patient's breathing and vital functions are constantly monitored by the anesthesiologist, which maximizes the safety of the operation.
How Long Does The Recovery Process Take?
Recovery after rhinoplasty is a stepwise process that requires patience. In the first week after surgery, "social recovery" is largely completed with the removal of the splint on the nose and the silicone tampons inside. Most of the swelling and bruising disappears within 10-14 days, and the patient can return to work. However, the complete healing of the tissues, the passing of edema, and the nose taking its final shape can take 6 months to 1 year, and sometimes up to 2 years in thick-skinned patients. Regular doctor check-ups during this process are critical for monitoring the recovery.
When Can I Return To Work After Surgery?
Patients working in desk jobs can usually return to their work 7 to 10 days after surgery. At the end of this period, the protective apparatus on the nose is removed and bruises fade to a level that can be covered with light makeup. However, those working in sectors that require physical strength, lifting heavy objects, or constant bending are recommended to rest for at least 3 weeks. Since the healing speed varies from person to person, doctor's approval must be obtained regarding the time to return to work. Excessive fatigue in the early period can trigger the risk of nasal bleeding by increasing blood pressure.
Is There Much Pain After Rhinoplasty?
Contrary to popular belief, severe pain is not experienced after rhinoplasty surgery. Most patients complain about the feeling of fullness in the nose and the dryness caused by breathing through the mouth rather than pain. Slight tingles that may occur after surgery can be easily controlled with simple painkillers prescribed by the doctor. If cartilage was taken from the rib or ear during the surgery, a little more sensitivity may be seen in those areas compared to the nose. In case of severe and persistent pain, a surgeon should be consulted without losing time.
When Do Post-Operative Bruising And Swelling Pass?
Bruising and swelling around the eyes after the operation develop depending on the surgical technique and the skin structure of the patient. Especially in surgeries performed with modern methods such as ultrasonic surgery (piezo), these complications have been minimized. Generally, edema peaks within the first 48-72 hours, then starts to decrease rapidly. At the end of the 1st week, 80% of the bruises disappear by turning yellow. At the end of the second week, it becomes quite difficult to understand that you had surgery when viewed from the outside. Applying cold compresses and sleeping with the head elevated are important factors that accelerate this process.
Is The Use Of Tampons Mandatory?
Old-style gauze tampons are almost never used today. They have been replaced by soft silicone splints with air channels in the middle. These silicone apparatuses both support the internal structure of the nose and allow the patient to breathe, albeit limitedly, after the surgery. It is also possible not to use tampons at all in some very simple aesthetic interventions. However, in cases where turbinate or bone curvature is intervened, the use of silicone is mandatory to prevent bleeding and keep the tissues in place. They do not cause any pain to the patient while being removed.
When Is The Nasal Bandage Removed After Surgery?
The thermoplastic splint (plaster-like protector) placed on the nose after the surgery and the bandages under it are usually removed on the 7th day. After this process, the doctor may apply thinner paper tapes (steri-strip) to support the new shape of the nose and help control the edema. This second taping process also stays on the nose for about 3-5 days. After the bandages are completely removed, the tip and bridge of the nose may look quite edematous; this situation is completely normal and improves as the nose thins over time.
Is Using Glasses Harmful After Rhinoplasty?
Since the nasal bone has not yet fused and the tissues are sensitive after the operation, the use of glasses is forbidden for a long time. The pressure that the glasses will put on the nasal bridge can cause the bones to fuse incorrectly or lead to permanent deformations. Generally, heavy bone glasses or sunglasses should be avoided for the first 2 months. If they must be used, apparatuses that tape the glasses to the forehead can be preferred or very light frames can be used. The safest alternative is to switch to using contact lenses during this process.
Will There Be A Surgical Scar?
In the closed rhinoplasty technique, all incisions remain inside the nose, so no visible scars are formed from the outside. In surgeries performed with the open technique, a very small "V" shaped or stepped incision is made in the columella region where the nostrils meet. This incision is closed with aesthetic stitching techniques and usually becomes completely indistinct within 3-6 months. In individuals with good skin quality, it is impossible to notice this scar unless looked at very closely. Using special creams and gels recommended by the doctor can be beneficial for faster healing of the scars.
What Is Revision Rhinoplasty?
The procedure performed on patients who have undergone one or more nose surgeries before but could not get the desired result or whose breathing problems continue is called revision rhinoplasty. Revision surgeries are much more complex than the first surgeries because the tissues have been processed before and sometimes there is not enough cartilage left in the nose. In such cases, missing cartilage tissue can be obtained from the ear or rib. Revision operations must be performed by experienced and expert surgeons; because the margin of error is much less than the first surgery.
Who Can Have Nasal Tip Aesthetics?
Nasal tip aesthetics, or tipplasty in medical terms, is a procedure where only the cartilage and soft tissues at the tip of the nose are shaped without touching the nasal bone structure. People who have a droopy nasal tip, a very wide ("box tip") or asymmetric nasal tip structure are suitable for this operation. Since the bone is not intervened, bruising and swelling are at a minimal level and the healing process is much faster compared to standard rhinoplasty. However, if there is a hump or curvature in the upper part of the nose, tipplasty alone will not be enough and a full rhinoplasty will be required.
How Is A Crooked Nasal Structure Corrected?
Crooked noses create both a visual discomfort and lead to serious respiratory problems. In this type of nose, the bone and cartilage structure has deviated from the midline. During the surgical procedure, "septoplasty" is performed to correct the nasal septum and then the external bone structure is made symmetrical by breaking or rasping it in a controlled manner. Correcting crooked noses completely is one of the most difficult surgical procedures because cartilages have a "memory" and may tend to return to their old positions over time. Therefore, it is important to use very strong cartilage supports during surgery.
Can Nasal Flesh And Bone Curvature Be Corrected With Surgery?
Yes, rhinoplasty surgery is usually combined with functional corrections. Nasal flesh enlargement (turbinate hypertrophy) and bone curvature (septum deviation) can be treated simultaneously with radiofrequency or surgical methods during the operation. Thus, the patient not only has a beautiful nose but also gains the opportunity to breathe quality air, which directly affects the quality of life. In the post-operative period, most patients give feedback like "I am breathing this comfortably for the first time in my life."
Is Surgery Difficult For Thick-Skinned Noses?
Rhinoplasty in patients with thick skin structure requires a special approach. Thick skin tends to hide the fine changes in the underlying cartilage structure and it takes longer for the edema to be removed. In these types of noses, excessive reduction of the nasal tip can cause the skin to remain empty underneath and create a "dead space." In this case, the surgeon should build the cartilage structure stronger and carefully thin the subcutaneous tissue. This is a group where patience is required; it can take 2 years for the final result to settle.
Why Is It Important To Be Protected From The Sun After Surgery?
In the post-operative period, sun rays can cause the sensitive skin on the nose to darken (hyperpigmentation) and make surgical scars permanent. Also, hot weather can delay healing by increasing edema. For the first 3 months after the operation, one should not go out in direct sunlight; when going out, wide-brimmed hats and high protection factor (SPF 50+) sunscreens should be used. It is also essential to avoid intense heat sources such as solariums for similar reasons. Protecting from the sun is critical for skin health and the quality of the aesthetic result.
When Can I Start Sports After Rhinoplasty?
The level of activity after surgery should be increased gradually. In the first week after surgery, only short and slow-paced indoor walks can be done. Starting from the second week, light-paced outdoor walks can be started. However, at least 1 month should be waited for heavy sports, weightlifting, cardio, or activities where the head is tilted down like yoga. For contact sports such as basketball and football where there is a risk of the nose receiving a blow, waiting at least 6 months is the safest way. It takes time for the nose to strengthen fully and a blow received in the early period can ruin the result.
When Does The Nose Shape Fully Settle?
The issue that patients are most impatient about is seeing the final state of their noses. When the plaster comes off, the nose usually looks coarse and upturned. In the first month, 50% of the edema, 70% in the 3rd month, and 90% in the 6th month dissipate. The emergence of the most elegant and detailed lines of the nose usually occurs after completing the 1-year period. During this time, it is normal for the nose to look more swollen in the mornings and thinner in the evenings. The healing process progresses at different speeds from bottom to top and top to bottom; the last area to heal is usually the nasal tip.
Is Nasal Massage Necessary After Surgery?
The subject of nasal massage is an application that varies among surgeons. Some doctors may recommend special massages starting from the 3rd or 4th week of the surgery to accelerate lymphatic drainage and ensure faster removal of edema. These massages can help the bridge of the nose thin and the skin settle better on the cartilage structure. However, since a wrongly performed massage can damage the shape of the nose, you should not massage on your own unless your doctor recommends it. If your doctor has recommended massage, it is important to strictly follow the technique and duration shown.
What Are The Risks Of Rhinoplasty?
Like every surgical procedure, rhinoplasty also has certain risks and complications. These include bleeding, infection, reactions related to anesthesia, and intra-nasal adhesions. From an aesthetic point of view, the biggest risk is that the obtained result does not meet the patient's expectations or asymmetries occur. In addition, irregularities on the bridge of the nose (such as "polly beak" deformity) or the continuation of breathing problems are also among the rare risks. Choosing an expert surgeon and full compliance with post-operative instructions ensure that these risks are minimized.
When Can Air Travel Be Done After Surgery?
It is usually recommended to wait at least 10-12 days for air travel after rhinoplasty. The main reason for this is that pressure changes inside the cabin can increase edema in the nose and, although rarely, trigger bleeding. Also, the dry air inside the plane can disturb the nasal mucosa. If there is a very urgent situation, travel can be made with doctor's approval after the tampons are removed in the 1st week; however, in this case, frequent use of nasal moisturizing sprays may be required. On long-duration flights, it is important to move inside the plane against the risk of clots.
What Determines Rhinoplasty Prices?
Rhinoplasty prices can vary in a very wide range. The most important factor determining the price is the experience of the surgeon and their expertise in this field. The equipment of the hospital where the surgery will be performed, the type of surgery (first surgery or revision), the degree of difficulty in the anatomical structure of the nose, and the additional materials to be used (such as the piezo device) directly affect the cost. It is a big mistake to choose a doctor by looking only at the price; it should not be forgotten that the revision of a failed surgery will be much more costly both financially and spiritually.
Does Smoking After Surgery Affect Healing?
Smoking is one of the worst choices that can be made after rhinoplasty. Nicotine constricts vessels and reduces blood flow, which prevents the tissues in the operated area from receiving enough oxygen. As a result, stitches heal later, the risk of infection increases, and serious complications such as tissue loss (necrosis) in the nasal tip can develop. Also, smoking can cause edema to become permanent. Staying completely away from smoking at least 2 weeks before and at least 1 month after the surgery is of vital importance for a healthy result.
Is Sneezing Dangerous After Rhinoplasty?
Sneezing in the first few weeks after surgery can pose a risk of bleeding because it will suddenly increase the internal nasal pressure. However, since sneezing is a natural reflex, it is not possible to stop it completely. Keeping the mouth as open as possible while sneezing allows the pressure to be evacuated from the mouth instead of the nose, thus protecting the nose. Also, using the ocean waters given by the doctor regularly to prevent drying and itching inside the nose will also reduce the sneezing reflex. You should avoid blowing your nose for at least 3 weeks.
What Is Functional Nose Surgery?
Functional nose surgery is a procedure that focuses on removing problems that block the airway inside the nose rather than aesthetic concerns. It usually includes deviation surgery (septoplasty) and turbinate reduction (conchaplasty) procedures. However, most of the time, functional problems and curvatures in the external appearance are related to each other. Therefore, the modern surgical approach envisages the correction of both function and aesthetics at the same time. Intervening only in the internal structure without correcting the external structure of the nose can sometimes be insufficient and lead to the collapse of the nasal roof.
What Is Piezo Rhinoplasty Technology?
Piezo surgery is an advanced technology that uses ultrasonic sound waves instead of traditional breaking methods to shape nasal bones. This device is sensitive only to bone tissue and does not cause any damage to surrounding vessels, nerves, or soft tissues. In this way, bleeding remains at a minimal level during surgery, and post-operative bruising and swelling are seen much less compared to classical methods. The Piezo method offers the surgeon a much more controlled and millimetric working area, ensuring more natural and smooth nasal bridge results.
When To Take A Bath After Rhinoplasty?
In the first days after surgery, the body can be washed from the neck down, provided that the splint on the nose does not get wet. If you want to wash your hair, you can wash it with the help of an assistant by leaning your head back in a hairdressing style. The protective apparatus on the nose is usually removed on the 7th day; after this stage, a normal bath can be taken with lukewarm water. However, it is recommended that the water is not very hot and that environments such as steam baths and saunas are avoided for at least 1 month. Hot water can expand blood vessels and increase edema in the nose or trigger bleeding.
What Should The Sleeping Position Be Like After Surgery?
It is necessary to pay attention to the sleeping position for the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. The most ideal position is to lie on the back and keep the head above the body by supporting it with two or three pillows. This position ensures that edema dissipates faster with the help of gravity and prevents the nose from being damaged by rubbing against the pillow. Lying on the side can cause asymmetrical swelling by increasing the pressure on the nose. Lying face down is strictly forbidden as it will create a serious trauma risk on the healing bone and cartilage structure.
What Is Nasal Tip Drop?
Nasal tip drop is the downward shifting of the nasal tip from the planned position a while after the surgery due to the effect of gravity and insufficient cartilage support. In old-style techniques, excessive weakening of the cartilages was frequently causing this problem. However, today, the nasal tip is being built much more solidly using support techniques such as "strut graft." The nasal tip may look slightly upturned immediately after the surgery; this is a conscious surgical planning that foresees the part that will "settle" a bit over time.
Does The Sense Of Smell Change After Rhinoplasty?
It is completely normal to have a temporary decrease in the sense of smell immediately after surgery due to edema inside the nose and silicone tampons. This situation is related to the inability of odor molecules to reach odor receptors and is a "conduction type" loss. As healing progresses and edema decreases, the sense of smell returns to its old state within 2-4 weeks. Permanent loss of smell (anosmia) is an extremely rare complication in rhinoplasty surgeries. Even patients with a blocked nose may notice that they smell better than before after surgery.
What Should Be Done If Not Satisfied With The Surgery Result?
It is a rule to wait for 1 year for the full result to emerge after rhinoplasty. Asymmetries or swellings seen in the first months are usually edema-sourced and improve over time. If there is still a clear deformity or dissatisfaction at the end of 1 year, revision surgery may come to the agenda. At this point, it is important for the patient to establish open and honest communication with their surgeon. Small corrections ("touch-up") can sometimes be made even with local anesthesia, while a second comprehensive surgery may be required for major problems. The most important rule is not to rush for a second procedure and wait for the tissues to soften.
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