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Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is a popular plastic surgery procedure in Ireland. During our cosmetic surgery consultations, patients often want a smoother, more defined nose shape that will give them more self confidence. We see many patients who are uncomfortable with their nose due to a number of factors, including an inherited trait, a result of trauma like untreated fractures, or simply changes that have appeared over the years.
A rhinoplasty (or ‘nose reshaping’) can change the overall shape and size of the nose, reduce or increase the nasal dorsum, the tip, the nasolabial angle, the nostrils and improve the overall appearance of the nose.
If you are considering undergoing a rhinoplasty treatment this information can serve as a guide, but you should know that there is no universal type of rhinoplasty. Each treatment is designed for each person, depending on individual characteristics, which is why it will always be your plastic surgeon who should advise you personally and recommend what your possibilities are and also what limitations exist.
Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
The best candidate for a nose reshaping is someone who is looking for improvement, not perfection.
Rhinoplasty can improve your appearance and give you more self confidence, but it probably won’t change the dynamics of your life, so your expectations must be realistic when planning this procedure.
The best candidate for a nose reshaping is someone who is in good physical health and has psychological stability.
Age is also an important factor, as those who have lived with a certain body image for many years can have a harder time adapting to their new appearance.
How to prepare for a nose reshaping
When you go to your first consultation, your surgeon will complete a pre-operative assessment with you to see if you’re a suitable candidate for a rhinoplasty. Some cases will require a second consultation 2 weeks later to allow surgical planning to be done, depending on the complexity of your procedure.
Your surgeon will give you some instructions to prepare for your procedure, which usually includes:
You should not take aspirin, anti-inflammatories, or vitamin E for 10 days before your surgery, as these can result in unwanted bleeding.
Stop smoking, vaping, or using nicotine gums or patches 3 weeks before the surgery until 2 weeks after.
Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before or eat heavy meals.
Wash your hair the day before surgery with plenty of shampoo and your normal body soap.
Rhinoplasty usually requires an overnight stay at the clinic, however some procedures can be performed under local anaesthesia and may be discharged home on the same day.
Talk to our team today for honest, open answers to any questions you may have about your procedure.
What happens during a rhinoplasty
As no two noses are the same, every surgery is different.
In purely aesthetic and non-reconstructive cases, we generally use a ‘closed’ technique, which is where all the incisions are made inside the nose and no scars are visible. However, sometimes an open technique is better, using an incision at the base of the nose and leaving a small, barely noticeable scar.
In most cases, surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
You will have a nasal packing for a few days and most likely a plastic splint over the nose with some taping for 7 to 10 days.
Risks of rhinoplasty
As no two noses are the same, every surgery is different.
In purely aesthetic and non-reconstructive cases, we generally use a ‘closed’ technique, which is where all the incisions are made inside the nose and no scars are visible. However, sometimes an open technique is better, using an incision at the base of the nose and leaving a small, barely noticeable scar.
In most cases, surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
You will have a nasal packing for a few days and most likely a plastic splint over the nose with some taping for 7 to 10 days.
What to expect after a nose reshaping
Postoperative discomfort is usually very similar to that felt when having a bad cold, with the unpleasant sensation of not being able to breathe and a slight headache. Usually the analgesic medications that will be prescribed are enough to manage any pain.
Ice packs can be applied to the eyelids in order to reduce inflammation several times a day and rest is recommended: try to rest with your head slightly elevated on two pillows.
Once the packing and splint have been removed, your nose and face will be VERY SWOLLEN.
You should not practise heavy sports or lift weights that can increase blood pressure, or be exposed to direct sunlight for 4 weeks.
When the nasal packing is removed, you will begin to breathe better, and the inflammation and the bruising will resolve faster.
After 3 – 4 weeks, the swelling will reduce. After 6 months, 80-90% of the swelling will have disappeared completely.
However, in previously operated on, or complex noses or noses with thick skin, the swelling can last up to a year.
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