| __________ |
INTRODUCTION |
__________ |
 |
A
crooked nose, or a nose that is either too big or too small
… It should come as no surprise that rhinoplasty is among
the most frequently requested aesthetic operations. The result
must be aesthetically perfect, even more so than with other
aesthetic interventions. The reason obviously being that the
result is written on your face …
|
|
|
The
patient and the surgeon must discuss what the patient wishes
for, what is technically feasible for the surgeon and what
is the most appropriate solution from an aesthetic point of
view.
|
|
One
has to distinguish between functional rhinoplasty and corrective
rhinoplasty. The former aims to modify the septum of the nose
in order to facilitate the patient's breathing. The latter
strives to alter the morphology of the nose, either at the
nasal bone or at the movable cartilage below.
|
|
|
This
allows for the shape of the nose to be corrected, either
by shortening it or by reducing the height and the width,
by operating on the two structures of the nose: the bony
part and the cartilage.
|
| __________ |
Pre-operative
consultation |
__________ |
|
It
is essential to clearly determine the aim one wants to achieve
via rhinoplasty. The patient must clearly express which
change he wants.
|
|
|
The
face does indeed exist of interdependent parts. When
the nose is changed, this also affects the look, the
visual impression of the upper lip and especially the
appearance of the chin in relation to the face as a
whole.
|
|
The
quality of the skin is one of the factors that will
determine the final result of the correction of the
nose. A thick, greasy skin, for instance, does not make
very precise work possible, especially not on the tip
of the nose. Another restriction that faces rhinoplasty
is when the nostrils are very large.
|
|
In
practically all cases, the scars are hidden under the
rim of the nose or on the inside of the nose. |
|
|
It is absolutely vital to use pictures or drawings. These
allow analysing and simulating, especially where the profile
of the nose is concerned. Also, they make it easier to imagine
the future result. Frontal simulations are, unfortunately,
less precise. |
|
|
One
must be careful using computer-aided simulations, the reason
being that these do not reflect the end result well. Despite
its limitations, a simulation is needed if you want to approximately
assess the result and if you want to have a tailor-made surgical
intervention.
|
|
|
The
intervention will visibly change the face and will alter its
harmony. It is important to bear this in mind. |
|
| __________ |
The
intervention |
__________ |
| __________ |
Consequences
of the operation |
__________ |
|
A
little bleeding is possible during 24 to 48 hours.
|
|
|
The
sutures do not have to be removed, since the threads
in the nose will be resorbed.
|
|
The
intervention causes no pain, but the nose will be
sensitive for about a month. It is therefore important
to avoid shocks and movements that can cause harm (such
as contact sports, strongly blowing one's nose, etc.),
as well as wearing heavy glasses. |
|
|
When the shape of the nose is altered, a nose bandage
(a steristrip, or a small plastic or plaster plate) must remain
in place during 7 days. The moment at which one can resume
one's social or professional life, depends on the period during
which one must wear this external bandage, as well as on possible
ecchymoses on the eye-lids and the cheeks, which in its turn
differs between individual persons.
|
|
|
Small
pimples can appear where the bandage has been. These can
- if needed - be treated by locally applying an ointment.
|
|
| __________ |
Complications |
__________ |
|
When
touching the nose, one can sometimes feel a small unevenness.
This is, however, invisible from the outside.
|
|
|
With
persons who have greyish-purple rings under the eyes,
there can be an impression that this phenomenon has
worsened. In such cases, this part of the face requires
extra protection from the sun for a few months.
|
|
Perturbation
of the sense of smell, mostly transitory is possible
but exceptional.
|
|
|
Considering the cicatrisation on the inside of the nose, and
even when the first results are excellent, it is in rare cases
needed to carry out a minor correction.
|
|
|
Erythemata
(the skin which locally turns red) or telangiectasie
(widening of the small blood-veins, making them visible through
the skin) can occur too, especially in the case of re-inclusion
of the cartilage.
|
|
| __________ |
Development |
__________ |
If
you wish to have specific information relating to your case,
please come and see us.
|
