Procedures
Nose | Nose correction
Nose correction
This intervention involves the reduction of the overpronounced nose hump, change of the size of the nose, of the angle between the nose and the upper lip, as well as the adjustment of some nose deviations. Beside aesthetic reasons, the operation may be functionally justified, when there is need to correct breathing disorders, most commonly caused by deviated nose septum. Other indications for the surgery include congenital deformities, as well as those caused by injuries.
BEFORE THE SURGERY:
The surgery should not be done before the age of 18, when the growth of facial structures has been completed. It is essential to carefully consider the reasons motivating the young person for this kind of intervention, with particular emphasis on their psychosocial disturbances. It is important to realize that the change should make the patient contented, rather than their parents or environment. A common reason stated by elderly patients is the expected rejuvenating effect of this intervention, obtained by the correction of the drooped nose tip. The previous general check-up and basic laboratory analyses are compulsory for all patients. The surgeon must be thoroughly acquainted with the patient's health problems, breathing disturbances, allergic reactions, previous operations or injuries of the nose, drug consumption, sports activities, etc.
DURING THE SURGERY:
It is most commonly performed in total anesthesia and lasts between one and two hours. Minor limited interventions can be performed under local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Deformed nose structures are normally reached through incisions inside the nose. The skin is detached from the bone and cartilaginous support liable to correction, which depends on the type of disorder. If augmentation is needed, cartilage from the nasal septum or the auricle is used. In certain cases, the open method is applied through incision made in the soft tissue division between nostrils. The skin quality can decisively affect the final result.
AFTER THE SURGERY:
The patient remains in hospital for one day, lying with a slightly elevated head and cold compresses over the eyes in order to reduce the expected mild swelling. If the fracture of nasal bones was performed, swelling and bruises are more visible. On the first day, tampons are removed from the nose to facilitate breathing. However, they can remain in place for five to seven days if the correction of nasal septum was done. Pains are tolerable and easily controlled by drugs. The nose is fixed by Band-Aid or Paris plaster, which are removed on the seventh day. Sutures on the incisions resolve spontaneously, and therefore do not need to be removed. Bruises gradually fade out and disappear within three to five days. The use of camouflage make-up is allowed. The swelling may remain slightly visible up to one month. More serious complications, bleeding or infections are rare. Variations in skin sensitivity are transitory. The patient may be back to work after two weeks. During the first month, more strenuous activities or situations carrying risks of nose injuries should be avoided. Likewise, longer exposure to the sun is not advisable in this period. Final results are not assessed before the lapse of one year.
