Healing Travel’s Guide to Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or the nose job, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries out there! It reshapes the nose, leaving you with a much more symmetric look, and it is functional for people with breathing issues caused by a deviated septum, while also boosting your self-esteem. Open rhinoplasty, closed nose job, revision rhinoplasty, non-surgical rhinoplasty, everyone would get confused with these terms! Get more informed by reading this article about rhinoplasty, so you could make an informed decision about your nose shape.

How does it work?

Firstly, you receive a consultation with your surgeon about your desired results and how you may achieve them. During the surgery, the doctor adjusts your bone and cartilage, reshaping your nose and transforming it in alignment with your goals. If a patient has a deviated septum, the septum would be straightened for better air flow.

Different types of rhinoplasties

And now, let us address the difference between the three most common types of nose jobs: open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty and non-surgical rhinoplasty.

Closed rhinoplasty

When the patient undergoes a nose job, if the reshaping of the nose is not too complicated, a closed rhinoplasty would be performed. This type of nose job is usually preferable, because of the incisions that are made inside the nostrils, making the scars invisible. It’s mostly used in cosmetic cases, where the patient just wants a better nose shape. With the closed rhinoplasty, healing process is sped up, and all you’re left with is the nose of your dreams!

Rhinoplasty is complex

Open rhinoplasty

If the patient is having trouble with their septum, breathing, or needs a more complicated nose job, an open rhinoplasty is performed. It involves two incisions:

Trans-columellar incision, crossing the bridge of skin between the nostrils.
Marginal incision, extending around the inside of both nostrils.

The incisions in open rhinoplasty are tiny and invisible, but it is still considered open since the skin on the nose is folded up, revealing the bone structure underneath and allowing the surgent for a more precise reshaping.

This type of nose job is usually performed when the patient has some sort of deformity or troubles with breathing. It allows the surgeon to reshape the nose more precisely, without leaving visible scars. It is used in both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasties.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty

Non-surgical nose job, or liquid rhinoplasty, is much more similar to lip fillers. The surgeon would inject the patient with filler, most often hyaluronic acid, to achieve the aesthetic effect of the perfect nose. Non-surgical nose job is best suited for patients who have trouble with a bumpy or flat nose bridge, minor asymmetry, or just want to lift or reshape the tip of their nose. Liquid rhinoplasty lasts barely 20-30 minutes and is least invasive out of the three. Recovery process is very short, and the liquid nose job is reversible. Results are visible as soon as you get out from the clinic. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is perfect for people who are considering irreversible nose jobs but are unsure if they want to commit to surgical rhinoplasty. Liquid nose jobs effects can last from 6 months up to 2 years, and sometimes require touch-ups.

Reconstructive rhinoplasty

Reconstructive rhinoplasty is aimed at restoring the form and function of the nose, often following trauma, congenital defects, or previous unsuccessful surgeries. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, which primarily focuses on enhancing appearance, reconstructive rhinoplasty addresses structural issues to improve breathing and nasal symmetry. This complex procedure involves rebuilding nasal cartilage and bone, sometimes using grafts from other parts of the body. Reconstructive rhinoplasty not only enhances aesthetic appearance but also significantly improves the patient’s quality of life by resolving functional impairments. The success of the surgery depends on the surgeon’s expertise and the individual’s unique anatomy, making personalized surgical plans essential for the best outcomes.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to correct a deviated septum, the partition between the two nasal cavities. This condition can cause breathing difficulties, chronic sinusitis, and sleep disturbances. During the surgery, the surgeon straightens and repositions the nasal septum, which can involve removing or reshaping parts of cartilage and bone. Unlike cosmetic rhinoplasty, septoplasty focuses solely on improving nasal function rather than appearance. Recovery typically involves minimal discomfort, and patients often experience significant improvements in airflow and overall nasal function. Septoplasty is often combined with other nasal surgeries to further enhance breathing and address other nasal issues.

Revision rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, is performed to correct or enhance the results of a previous nose surgery. Patients may seek revision due to aesthetic dissatisfaction, functional issues, or complications from the initial procedure. This complex surgery requires a highly skilled surgeon to address the structural and aesthetic concerns while preserving or improving nasal function. Techniques may include reshaping cartilage, refining nasal contours, and correcting asymmetries. Revision rhinoplasty aims to achieve a balanced, natural-looking nose and improved patient satisfaction, often involving a longer recovery period due to the intricacies involved.

Benefits of rhinoplasty and the recovery process

Benefits of getting a nose job are pretty obvious: better facial features, better breathing, better self-esteem, better YOU! But you will have to remain patient to see the full results. In the first four to six weeks after the surgery, it is common to experience swelling and sometimes even bruising, but that’s nothing to worry about. In the next three-month period, the swelling will start to decrease, and you should see the results of the rhinoplasty, your new and improved nose! A year after your nose job, you’ll forget about it ever happening, due to all the flattery and compliments!