Rhinoplasty

Author: Dr. Oreste Di Mattei Di Matteo

Date: 20/01/2020

What is
 rhinoplasty? It is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures.
There are many people (both men and women) who choose to change the appearance of their nose through rhinoplasty.

When is rhinoplasty indicated?
Rhinoplasty is indicated when the nose is not very attractive, not very harmonious or misshapen.

Good rhinoplasty surgery can successfully change the shape of the nose, when:

  • it is deformed from birth
  • after an accident, such as an injury
  • to improve functionality and correct breathing defects

Nevertheless, the functional purpose behind the surgery can easily go hand in hand with an aesthetic one also.

The contraindications of rhinoplasty

There are some cases in which it CANNOT be done.

These include:

  • taking anti-coagulant medication. If you take medications that affect coagulation – the blood clotting process – or anti-coagulants you CANNOT undergo rhinoplasty surgery
  • Systemic diseases with coagulation disorders
  • pregnancy
  • Disorders affecting the nasal septum

How is rhinoplasty surgery carried out, before and after? 

As with all surgery, it requires some preliminary medical check-ups to ensure that the patient can undergo the operation without problems.
The procedure requires the use of anaesthesia.
In the most common rhinoplasty procedures, i.e. those in which the patient wishes to eliminate an unsightly bump, or if the volume of the nose is to be reduced, the surgeon essentially intervenes by removing the nasal bone from the skin tissue and "wearing it down" with special instruments.


The results: rhinoplasty before and after

If performed correctly and, above all, by an experienced professional, rhinoplasty can improve:

  • the aesthetic appearance of the face
  • quality of life

A significant result can be seen immediately after the operation; however, for the nose to permanently settle to its new shape it takes many weeks, if not months. Post-operative pain can be managed with the appropriate medication. 
What is certainly important, is that the end-result is to have a new nose with a natural look. A "perfect" nose would not suit the face and would seem "fake".


Side effects of Rhinoplasty

If you stick to an experienced and specialised surgeon, the chances of problems arising are rare.
Among the most common side effects, are:

  • swelling
  • reddening
  • localised discomfort (this is completely normal, and will disappear in a short space of time)
  • dark circles around the eyes. Dark circles around the eyes, can be an obvious but temporary aesthetic problem and usually disappear within a few days
  • bleeding is completely normal (it is the surgeon's job to reduce it as much as possible)
  • haemorrhages and infections are rare
  • corrective procedures

Before and after rhinoplasty surgery

There are certain guidelines to be followed after rhinoplasty surgery which help you to feel better and above all not to compromise the results achieved.
These include:

  • Rest
  • Medication: taking painkillers as prescribed by the surgeon is recommended
  • Alcohol: no alcohol for 3 weeks
  • The head should be kept upright and raised as much as possible
  • Ice every 15 minutes for 48 hours
  • Personal hygiene: You can wash your face 24 hours after surgery, making sure to avoid wetting the dressing
  • Speak little, avoid laughing or crying
  • Do not blow your nose or sneeze
  • Sun exposure is strictly prohibited
  • Do not smoke, smoking increases the risk of complications and slows down recovery
  • Do not wear contact lenses (in the first week) or glasses
  • Do not drive
  • You can go back to work in 1-2 weeks
  • Avoid any strenuous activities
  • Avoid any activities that increase blood pressure
  • Avoid contact sports
  • avoid any banging, rubbing or burns
  • Do not use makeup
  • Feeling depressed after surgery is normal
  • Diet: For the first 2 weeks you should eat soft foods, even better if cold, to avoid chewing
  • walking helps reduce swelling and the risk of blood clots, as well as improving mood


What should I expect after surgery?

  • Slight temperature increase during the first 48 hours.
  • swelling, but this will gradually decrease up unti week 6, although the final result cannot be assessed until after 6 months.
  • bruises around the nose and eyes (which gradually disappear in 3 to 4 weeks)
  • blood and serum dripping in the first 48 hours, but can be dabbed with a pad

The non-surgical alternative: rhinofiller

Recently, an innovative non-surgical rhinoplasty has come onto the scene which allows for the appearance of the nose to be modified, avoiding traditional procedures.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty
uses fillers for greater tone and volumising action. It can be used to change the shape of the nose in order to make it more harmonious and more attractive, but it can't correct too large a shape or the classic hump.

Rhinoplasty requiresa good psycho-physical balance, as you need both time and patience to see the final results.

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