TL;DR:
- Rhinoplasty is nasal surgery to correct appearance and function; it addresses conditions like a large nose, asymmetry, drooping tips, or nasal humps.
- Methods: Closed (internal incisions) or open (external incision for better access).
- Reasons include both aesthetic concerns and health issues like breathing difficulties, snoring, or nasal injuries.
- Septoplasty can be combined with rhinoplasty in a procedure called septorhinoplasty, improving both nasal function and appearance in one surgery.
- Benefits: Corrects structural defects, enhances appearance, reduces snoring, alleviates hypoxia-related symptoms like fatigue/headaches, and lowers risks of sinus infections or ear problems.
- Recovery involves bruising, swelling, and adherence to a doctor's guidelines. Combining surgeries reduces recovery time, cost, and stress from multiple procedures.
Rhinoplasty is currently one of the most commonly performed operations in the field of plastic surgery. The activities associated with this procedure involve correcting the appearance of the nose, which can vary in scope and involve several methods. Rhinoplasty is now also performed with other procedures at the same time, making it possible to improve both aesthetics and health during a single surgery. Find out what rhinoplasty is and how it can improve the function and appearance of the nose.
Rhinoplasty – what is it?
Rhinoplasty is the term used to describe nasal surgery. It is a surgical procedure that involves improving the appearance in various areas. With properly performed measures, it is possible to reduce an excessively large nose, straighten it, model it, remove a characteristic hump or eliminate asymmetry. During rhinoplasty, surgeons intervene in both the cartilaginous tissues and often in the bony structures that make up the nose. Various methods are used for this purpose. Sometimes it is enough to use the so-called closed correction, when appropriate instruments are placed in the nasal passages through holes. If advanced measures are required, an open rhinoplasty is performed, which involves making an incision along the dorsum of the nose, thereby gaining much better access to the deeper elements.
There are several reasons why rhinoplasty is performed. When do patients opt for this procedure? Aesthetic considerations are not the only reason. In addition to feeling worse or having lower self-esteem because of an out-of-shape or large nose, patients often suffer from breathing difficulties. That's why rhinoplasty is increasingly being performed together with other procedures at the same time, which intervene, for example, in the nasal septum and eliminate the problem of snoring or other ailments resulting from improper nasal structure or past trauma.
Rhinoplasty, as well as the procedures that can accompany nose correction, require great precision, expertise and experience in operating on this area. Therefore, when deciding on rhinoplasty and other procedures to decongest the nasal passages or septum, one should always be guided by the surgeons' high qualifications and experience, as well as the availability of modern and individually selected surgical methods, which can have an impact on, for example, shorter recovery or less interference with the anatomy. Rhinoplastics using innovative surgical techniques are performed by plastic surgeons at the OT.CO Clinic.
Indications for performing rhinoplasty
For minor needs to improve the aesthetics of the nose, non-invasive methods and fillers such as hyaluronic acid or PDO thread implementation can be used. However, if a more serious intervention is required, rhinoplasty is used. Indications for this type of surgery are primarily:
- excessively large nose,
- an eagle nose,
- curvature of the nose,
- drooping nose,
- nasal asymmetry,
- split tip of the nose,
- asymmetry of the wings of the nose,
- excessively wide nose,
- overly developed nose wings,
- Roman nose with a sloping tip,
- nose that is too long,
- too small nose.
With rhinoplasty surgery, it is possible not only to restore the correct size of the nose and regain the proportions and dimensions of the face. The procedure makes it possible to straighten the nose and correct defects caused by various injuries or diseases. Rhinoplasty is also a surgical procedure that allows permanent results.
How does rhinoplasty improve breathing function?
During rhinoplasty, not only the shape of the nose or its individual parts can be changed. Often the rhinoplasty itself is already effective in improving breathing function, flowing air more freely through the nose or making it easier to blow out lingering secretions. This is especially the case when a crooked nose, for example, is improved.
It is also worth noting that along with the nose there are many everyday problems that we are not fully aware of. In addition to persistent snoring or sleep apnea, which is dangerous to health and sometimes even life, other aspects of the body's functioning are also associated with the proper breathing process. Difficulties in breathing caused by a crooked septum or other abnormalities resulting from an abnormal nasal structure are often the cause of hypoxia, resulting in feelings of fatigue, lethargy and a general feeling of weakness in the body. It is also often the cause of recurrent headaches or problems with concentration and memory. The abnormal structure of the nose and internal structures is also sometimes the cause of such ailments as:
- recurrent infections of the upper respiratory tract,
- frequent nosebleeds,
- ear congestion and nasal congestion sensation,
- otitis media,
- recurrent sinusitis.
Awareness of the problem, proper diagnosis and medical consultation usually make it possible to find answers to a number of patients' questions in this area. Thus, in many cases, after rhinoplasty, not only the aesthetic aspect is improved. It is much easier to breathe, the ability to get enough sleep returns and one can see a much better condition of the body.
Procedures combining aesthetic and functional correction of the nose.
In order to get rid of the unsightly appearance in addition to the unpleasant and often recurring health complaints, septoplasty, or nasal septum surgery, is often performed along with rhinoplasty. By itself, septoplasty does not affect the external appearance of the nose and does not correct it in terms of size or shape. However, if a given patient has health problems and would like to improve their appearance, both surgical procedures can be performed simultaneously. Such an operation is referred to as septorhinoplasty.
In qualifying for the operation, comprehensive preparation from both the plastic surgeon and the ENT specialist is important. The cooperation of both specialists in this area is crucial for the restoration of nasal functionality, the smooth course of the operation itself, as well as subsequent recovery and the avoidance of complications. Before septorhinoplasty, a number of tests are also performed and contraindications are ruled out. A blood laboratory diagnosis is necessary, as well as an EKG, chest X-ray and a qualifying meeting with an anesthesiologist. The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires you to stay in the hospital for at least one day after the procedure is performed.
Why should you consider having a nasal correction and septoplasty performed at the same time?
Rhinoplasty surgeries are performed on very delicate tissues and structures, which take about a year to heal. During this period, it is necessary to strictly follow the doctor's instructions, be careful not to irritate the operated area and take care of the hygiene of the nasal area. After rhinoplasty surgery, the nasal area also experiences bruising and swelling, which will subside within a few days. Recovery, however, may involve various discomforts.
Therefore, people who have problems with snoring and breathing freely, have suffered an injury as a result of which the nose does not perform its functions properly or is unsightly, can benefit from two treatments with one. In this way, they will go through recovery once and much faster achieve the desired result in terms of both physical and aesthetic or emotional comfort. Having a septorhinoplasty is also a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the stress of just one surgery. By doing it twice in one operation, it's also easier to arrange time to undergo recovery and recover properly. Once your nose has healed, you won't need to plan for another major surgery. This also reduces the risk of possible complications and adverse effects. Performing septoplasty and nose correction at the same time will also be more favorable to the patient financially.
Conclusion
Rhinoplasty is more than just cosmetic—it improves breathing, aesthetics, and confidence. This surgery, often combined with septoplasty, tackles both functional and physical issues in one procedure. Choosing skilled surgeons ensures precision, faster recovery, and lasting results. Whether addressing structural problems or enhancing appearance, rhinoplasty offers transformative benefits. With careful planning and expert care, it’s a life-changing solution for both health and self-esteem.
