Rhinoplasty

On this page, you can find the important points in the evaluation before rhinoplasty, the techniques used in the surgery, the duration of the operation, the post-operative process and dressings, and our post-operative recommendations. You are welcome to our practice in Adana Ziyapaşa for a rhinoplasty interview.

What is Rhinoplasty (Septorhinoplasty)?

Rhinoplasty is the surgical correction of nasal deformity. In addition to nasal deformity, there may be cartilaginous and/or bony deviation that prevents breathing in the nose. The surgical correction of these deviations is called septoplasty. Both procedures (aesthetic rhinoplasty and functional septoplasty) can be performed in the same session. This surgery is called septorhinoplasty surgery. However, the terms rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty can be used interchangeably.

What is the purpose of rhinoplasty surgery?

The aim is to make the most suitable nose for the face. Making a beautiful nose alone will not solve the problems. The nose should be in harmony with the other parts of the face.

What can be done for each nose is different. The thickness of the skin, the shape and thickness of the existing cartilages, wound healing and previous nose surgeries are important in determining what can be done and what to do.

What can be fixed with rhinoplasty?

Nasal humps, droopy nasal tips, wide nostrils, asymmetries on the nasal dorsum, defects due to previous rhinoplasty (depression, prominence and asymmetries), wide and large noses.

What is the age limit for rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can be performed after the age of 16-17, when cartilage-bone development is completed. However, the ideal is to perform rhinoplasty after the age of 18 or even 20.

Important points in the pre-operative evaluation

Before meeting with us, determine your expectations about the shape of your nose, and other accompanying complaints (nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, nasal discharge and headache), if any.

Please convey to us your complaints and expectations that you identified during the pre-operative interview.

Tell us about your complaints and expectations that you identified during the pre-operative interview.

Your expectations (problems you hope to be fixed) should match what we can do. Do not forget that your wishes and expectations that are within the limits of surgical feasibility can be realized. All your expectations may not be met. Expectations and their feasibility should be agreed with the doctor in preoperative interview. In this way, post-operative disappointments and dissatisfaction can be minimized. Therefore, pre-operative interviews are very important. If necessary, more than one interview should be made before the operation. If the interval between the interview and the surgery day is too long (more than 1-2 weeks), we definitely want to have an extra interview 1-2 days before the surgery. Sometimes, patients may request more than one interview. These conversations can be repeated until every question mark in the head is clarified.

Although rhinoplasty surgery is mainly performed for aesthetic purposes, you may also have functional complaints and these can be resolved. Endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic sinusitis can be performed together with rhinoplasty. On the other hand, your nasal congestion can be relieved by correcting your septal deviation. If it is large, your nasal concha can also be reduced (surgically or by radiofrequency). Both Otorhinolaryngology and Plastic Surgery specialists perform rhinoplasty operations successfully. However, having the chance to eliminate functional disorders provides an advantage in favor of the otolaryngologist.

We take your photos from 8 different angles before the surgery. We show the planned changes to be made during the surgery on these photos taken. Together we decide what to do or not to do.

In addition, during the interview, if any, you must inform us about your chronic diseases, the surgeries you have had, and the medications you use. Do not forget to inform us aspirin and other blood thinners if you are using it, as they may cause serious bleeding, especially during and after the surgery.

What kind of surgery is rhinoplasty?

Is the surgery performed under local or general anesthesia?

Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia. However, we prefer to perform our rhinoplasty surgeries under general anesthesia.

Open technique or closed technique?

Both techniques can be used. The closed technique may be preferred in cases where only the nasal hump will be removed. In revision rhinoplasty and in cases where serious interventions are planned on the nasal tip, the open technique is preferred.

Will there be any scars after the operation?

If the closed technique is to be used, no scars are left, because in this method, the entire operation is done through the nose. If the open technique is to be used, a thin scar of 3-4 mm in length may remain between the nostrils, but this scar usually disappear over time.

Which methods are used in surgery?

Different surgical techniques can be used in rhinoplasty:

Removal of nasal hump

Breaking the nasal bones inward fixates the gap between the nasal bones, which develops due to the removal of nasal hump.

Removal of cartilage tissues from the tip of the nose

Putting additional cartilage tissues at the tip of the nose

Reshaping the tip of the nose with stitches

Since each patient’s nose will be different, it should not be a routine surgical pattern used in all patients. Each patient should be evaluated individually and surgical techniques specific to that patient should be used.

Bruising and swelling

There may be bruising and swelling on the face after the surgery. The amount of these bruises and swellings may differ from patient to patient. Applying cold to the face after surgery reduces bruising and swelling. Ice packs placed in a plastic bag are applied on both cheeks and around the eyes intermittently (in 10-15 minute intervals). The bag filled with ice should not be in direct contact with the skin, and a paper towel or napkin should be placed between the ice bag and the skin.

On the 3rd day, with the removal of nasal packings, swelling and bruises on the face decrease rapidly. However, it takes about 1 week – 10 days for them to disappear completely.

In addition to the swellings on the face, there will also be swellings on the nasal dorsum. It takes longer (6 months -1 year) for the swelling of the nasal dorsum to disappear.

When will I start breathing comfortably after rhinoplasty?

We use silicone nasal tampons, which have lumens for nasal breathing. Through these lumens, you will continue to breathe through your nose, even partially, right after the surgery. On the 3rd day, we take your nasal tampons. However, this time, nasal congestion due to surgery-related tissue swelling and crusting is seen. With the reduction of tissue swelling, you start to breathe easily through the nose 10-15 days after the surgery.

When are the stitches removed?

Two different stitches can be used to close the columellar incision: absorbable or non-absorbable. There is no need to remove absorbable stitches. Non- absorbable stitches leave less scars, but these stitches need to be removed because they are not absorbed. If non- absorbable stitches are used to close the columellar incision, these stitches are removed on the 6th or 7th day after surgery.

How long does the external nasal splint stay?

A tiny splint (or plaster) is placed on the outside of your nose to fix the shape given in the surgery. However, this splint loosens after about 1 week and is taken in the 1st week control. Afterwards, a plaster cast is applied to the upper part of your nose, which will remain for 1 week. The duration of the plaster cast can be extended in patients with thick nasal skin and in patients whose tissue edema on the nasal dorsum does not decrease sufficiently in the 2nd week follow-up. After your nose cast is taken, you can clean the nose skin with liquid soap or special cleansing lotions. You can start doing face makeup.

Post-operative pain

You may have some pain in the first few days after the surgery. It usually does not require the use of very strong painkillers.

Bleeding after surgery

You may have a small amount of oozing nosebleed before and after the nasal packings are removed. It usually stops on its own.

Post-surgery considerations

When can I take a bath after surgery?

You can take a shower the day after your nasal tampons are removed (day 4). Your cast on the nasal dorsum will remain for 2 weeks. As the cast loosens, your doctor will change the cast. Although showering is not prohibited, be careful not to get the cast too wet. For example, don’t take a shower every day. Do not wash your face for 15 days. You can use cologne wipes for your face cleaning. Avoid environments and activities that may cause sweating or humidity (hot or humid environments, exercise that requires effort…).

Brushing teeth

You should brush your teeth very carefully for the first 10 days, especially your upper teeth. Make sure your brush is soft.

Daily physical activity

• Avoid excessive physical activities after surgery.

• Avoid excessive facial expressions and laughing for a week.

• Do not wear tight-necked clothes for the first 20 days after the operation. Choose clothes that fasten in the front or back.

• Protect your nose from impacts for up to 3 months. Avoid competitive sports during this time.

When can I return to work?

At the end of the 2nd week, when your nose cast is completely removed, you can start work as your bruises and swellings will be considerably relieved. This period can be kept longer for those who work in jobs that require heavy effort or in a dusty environment.

Is the sunlight harmful?

In the early postoperative period, the operated nose skin is more sensitive to sunlight than other parts of the face. Sunlight can cause swelling and discoloration of your nasal skin. You should stay away from excessive sunlight for 3 months following the operation and you should not sunbathe.

When can I use glasses?

Since glasses put pressure on the back of the nose, they should not be used for the first 3 months after surgery. If the use of glasses is necessary, light-framed glasses should be preferred. You can use your contact lens from the 5th day after surgery.