Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also known as rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to change the shape, size, or structure of the nose to improve its appearance or function. It involves several steps and techniques:

1. Anesthesia: Rhinoplasty can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient's preference.

2. Incision placement: rhinoplasty can be performed using either an open or closed technique, depending on where the incisions are made.

a. Open Rhinoplasty: In this technique, an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils. This approach allows the surgeon a better view and access to the underlying structures of the nose.

b. Closed rhinoplasty: In this technique, all incisions are made inside the nose, so there are no visible external scars. It is usually used for less complex nose-reshaping procedures.

3. Reshaping the nose: once the incisions are made, the surgeon carefully reshapes the nasal structures to achieve the desired result. This may include removing or adding cartilage and bone, relocating or altering the nasal septum (the partition between the nasal passages), or modifying the tip of the nose.

4. Support and structural enhancement: in cases where additional support or structure is needed, the surgeon may use grafts. These grafts may be taken from the patient's own nasal septum or ear cartilage, or synthetic materials may be used.

5. Closure of the incisions: The incisions are then closed with fine sutures. If dissolvable suture material is used, it will be naturally absorbed over time.

6. Nasal splint and dressing: after surgery, a nasal splint or external dressing is applied to support and maintain the new shape of the nose during the initial healing period. Internal nasal splints may also be used to support the nasal passages.

Rhinoplasty techniques may vary depending on the specific goals and needs of the patient. Some common techniques include:

- Reduction rhinoplasty: this technique reduces the size of the nose, either by removing excess bone and cartilage or by reshaping and refining the existing structures.

- Augmentation rhinoplasty: this technique enlarges the nose or increases its projection. Grafts or implants may be used to improve the contours of the nose.

- Septoplasty: when a crooked or slanted nasal septum causes breathing difficulties, a septoplasty may be performed along with rhinoplasty to correct the alignment of the nasal septum.

- Ethnic Rhinoplasty: Ethnic rhinoplasty techniques are tailored to the specific nasal characteristics and esthetic preferences of people from different ethnic backgrounds.

It is important to consult a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty to discuss your goals, assess your nasal anatomy, and determine the most appropriate techniques to achieve the desired results.

Open and closed rhinoplasty are two different surgical techniques used in reshaping the nose. Here you will find a comparison of the two methods:

Open Rhinoplasty:

Placement of the incision: in open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made over the columella, the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils. This allows the surgeon to lift the skin and better view the underlying structures of the nose.

Visibility and access: the open technique provides a direct view of the nasal structures and allows the surgeon to make a more comprehensive assessment and more precise control of the nasal reshaping. It is particularly advantageous in complex cases requiring extensive alterations or correction of functional problems.

Flexibility: The open approach provides greater flexibility in modifying and refining the nasal tip, especially in cases where significant changes are required. If necessary, grafts or implants can be inserted more easily.

Visibility of the scar: The incision made during open rhinoplasty leaves a small scar over the columella. However, this scar usually heals well and becomes inconspicuous over time. It is generally well hidden and less visible than scars created by other surgical techniques.

Closed Rhinoplasty:

Placement of incisions: In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nostrils with no visible incisions on the outside. This results in no visible scarring on the outside of the nose.

Limited visibility: with the closed technique, direct visibility of the nasal structures is limited compared to open rhinoplasty. This can make it more difficult for the surgeon to make precise changes, especially in complex cases or when significant changes are required.

Faster recovery: closed rhinoplasty is usually associated with a faster recovery time than open rhinoplasty. Because there are no external incisions, there may be less swelling, bruising, and potentially less postoperative discomfort.

Less surgical time: the closed approach generally requires less surgical time than open rhinoplasty. The lack of an external incision and the associated steps of lifting and wrapping the skin often contribute to a shorter procedure.

Limitations: Closed rhinoplasty may have its limitations in certain complex nasal deformities or in cases that require extensive nasal tip modifications or structural changes. Due to limited visibility, it may be more difficult to achieve precise results in these cases.

The decision between open and closed rhinoplasty depends on several factors, including the patient's specific nasal anatomy, the desired outcome, and the surgeon's expertise. A thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty is essential to determine the most appropriate technique to achieve your aesthetic goals and correct any functional problems.