Rhinoplasty Not Something You Find In The Zoo

Rhinoplasty - Not Something You Find in the Zoo!

Rhinoplasty is surgery to the nose. For the most part, it is done for cosmetic purposes, such as to make a nose smaller are to make it straighter. In some cases, it is also performed to help a patient breath better, as well.

The Consultation

Before undergoing rhinoplasty, it is important for the patient to communicate openly with the surgeon. During the initial consultation, the surgeon asks the patient what he or she would like his or her nose to look like following surgery. After evaluating the structure of the patient's face and nose, the surgeon will then determine what cosmetic surgical procedures are possible for improving the size or shape of the patient's nose.

As part of this consultation, the surgeon will also inform the patient of factors that may influence the outcome of the surgical procedure. For example, the general shape of the patient's face has an impact on the possible results of rhinoplasty. In addition, the structure of the cartilage and the nasal bone will limit what procedures can be completed. The patient's age and the thickness of the skin are also factors affecting the final outcome. Perhaps the most important factor in the outcome is the patient's expectations. It is extremely important that the patient be realistic about the possible results of rhinoplasty.

The surgeon will also explain the various techniques used in rhinoplasty, including the facility that will be used for the surgery and the type of anesthesia to be used. In addition, the patient should be thoroughly knowledgeable of all potential risks involved with rhinoplasty and prepared to cover all of the costs because most insurance companies do not cover plastic surgery. In the case of a person undergoing rhinoplasty in order to correct breathing problems or to fix a deformity, the insurance company may be willing to cover the costs.

It is also important for the patient to make the surgeon aware of any previous injuries to the nose or nose surgeries previously completed. These incidents should be reported even if they happened several years ago, as the scar tissue and other factors can have an impact on the rhinoplasty results. Any current breathing difficulties or allergies should also be reported, as well as if the patient is taking any vitamins, medications, or drugs.

Finally, the patient must be sure to ask any questions prior to the surgery. The day of the surgery is too late. It is important to go into the surgery fully aware of the procedure and knowledgeable of outcomes, both good and bad.

Preparing for Surgery

When preparing for surgery, the patient will be provided with specific instructions to follow. Most often, guidelines include eating and drinking restrictions. In addition, the patient may be expected to refrain from smoking or told to take certain medications or vitamins. In addition, the patient may be told to wash his or her face. Following these directions carefully helps ensure a more successful surgery and outcome.

A rhinoplasty patient should also make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive after the surgery. Due to the anesthesia, the patient may be groggy for several hours. In addition, it is a good idea to arrange for someone to help out with personal care for a few days following the procedure.

The Surgery

The actual rhinoplasty surgery may take place at an outpatient surgery center, at the surgeon's own facility in his office, or at a hospital. Generally, rhinoplasty is completed on an outpatient basis. This helps keep the costs down and add in the convenience. More complex procedures, however, may require the patient to stay for monitoring for a few days.

Either general or local anesthesia may be used in rhinoplasty procedures. Which type is used depends on the procedure and on the personal preference of the surgeon and the patient. In the case of local anesthesia, the patient will be only lightly sedated and the nose and surrounding area will be numbed. In this case, the patient is fully awake during the procedure, but feels relaxed and unable to feel pain. With general anesthesia, the patient remains asleep throughout the procedure, which generally takes one to two hours.

During the procedure, the surgeon separates the skin of the nose from the bone and cartilage. The skin is then shaped to desired design. Exactly how this part of the procedure takes place depends on the surgeon's particular technique. After the skin has been reshaped, the surgeon replaces it on the bone and cartilage framework of the nose.

Several surgeons also perform this surgery entirely from within the nose by making incisions inside the nostrils. This reduces the amount of scarring. For certain procedures, however, the open procedure is necessary.