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Nose Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, Benefits and Side Effects

Last Updated: Jun 30, 2023

What is Nose Surgery?

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Nose surgery is a plastic surgery that is performed on the nose to alter its size and contour. It is also termed Rhinoplasty. It also helps to improve the functioning of the nasal passages. Rhinoplasty can be used to treat injuries and breathing disorders.

Your doctor might suggest rhinoplasty for the following reasons:

  • Open blocked nasal passages
  • Improve your appearance
  • To treat congenital abnormalities
  • Improve breathing function

Types of Nose Surgery:

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Reduction Rhinoplasty

It is a form of plastic surgery that is essentially designed to reduce the size of a person's nose. It is often carried out to reduce the width of the nose. The main objective of this surgical procedure is to improve the appearance of a person's nose without having to change the overall look of their face.

There can be numerous different reasons why a person might want to get a reduction of the nose. One of the most common reasons behind going for reduction rhinoplasty is that the person has a large or oversized nose.

An oversized nose might also affect a person's breathing, so they seek to have it reduced by surgery. Another idea behind this is that by reducing the size of a person's nose, they will look less stubby and better.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty as a whole involves a number of different procedures, all of which can improve the look of the nose. There may be times when a patient decides that they want to retain the shape of their nose while having its general proportions increased. In such cases, patients might want to opt for an augmentation rhinoplasty.

This procedure will maintain the shape of the patient's nose while increasing its size. The primary objective of this nasal surgery procedure is to increase the size of the patient's nose. Augmentation rhinoplasty is particularly recommended for individuals who have awkwardly small noses.

Most people have tiny noses owing to unique genetics or maybe an injury in which the cartilage has been damaged. For them, augmentation rhinoplasty can be the best treatment option.

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Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty

This kind of nasal surgery can help people who have had their nose damaged in an accident or injury and need to get back to their pre-accident state. A post-traumatic rhinoplasty can possibly retain the overall appearance of the patient's nose even after it has been damaged in a mishap.

This surgical procedure mostly comes into play when a patient has an injury or an accident that damages their nose. Such a nose injury may sometimes cause changes in the appearance of the nose or distort it. Such injuries can also change or affect the way the patient breathes.

People who have nasal injuries often find it hard to breathe. Post-traumatic rhinoplasty is generally recommended to correct all the aforementioned issues.

Corrective Rhinoplasty

There can be cases where a patient may need to undergo rhinoplasty revision surgery for certain reasons. In such cases, a corrective rhinoplasty is performed by experienced surgeons. It is basically a secondary, or sometimes tertiary, procedure that is carried out after the earlier surgeries fail to produce the desired results.

Revision (or corrective) rhinoplasty can fortunately restore the original form of the patient's nose while improving its shape and enhancing the overall appearance as well. Most of the time, it is another operation on the nose to further improve its shape and aesthetics.

Summary- The types of nose surgery are: reduction rhinoplasty, corrective rhinoplasty, post-traumatic rhinoplasty and augmentation rhinoplasty.

Benefits of Nose Surgery

  • Improved breathing
  • Corrected nose (shape and size)
  • Good riddance to sinus (and other such) issues
  • No more chronic headaches or discomfort
  • No more nasal congestion
  • No more broken, distorted, or damaged nose
  • No more birth defects
  • No more snoring
  • Improved look
  • More confidence

Summary- The respiratory function is improved, and the nose looks better after surgery.

Why is Nose Surgery Done?

Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, can be performed in cases where it is required to change the shape, size, or proportions of a patient's nose. This surgery can also help people by correcting birth defects, repairing damage or deformities, or improving certain breathing difficulties.

Summary- Nose Surgery is done to change the shape and size of the nose and restore breathing function.

What Are the Risks of Nose Surgery?

Summary- The risks of nose surgery are: bleeding, infection, numbness and difficulty in breathing.

How Do I Prepare for Nose Surgery?

  • Get certain (required) lab tests done
  • Adjust your current medications or take some new medications
  • Stop smoking or consuming any form of tobacco (for at least two weeks before the procedure)
  • Avoid taking certain anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and some herbal supplements
  • You may be required to not eat or drink anything for at least six hours before the procedure (ask your doctor)
  • Request that someone (a relative or close friend) accompany you to the hospital

Summary- You should stop taking any medications and food items and wear loose clothes before the surgery.

How is Nose Surgery Done?

Nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, is generally performed to change the shape of your nose. It is common to have this surgery when you want to change the size, shape, or position of your nose with an external cut or an internal incision. There are different ways to perform rhinoplasty, depending on what you want to achieve.

Rhinoplasty is commonly done inside a patient's nose. However, it can also be carried out by making a small external incision (or cut) at the base of the patient's nose and between their nostrils. The nasal bone and cartilage are generally readjusted underneath the skin by the surgeon.

Summary- During nose surgery, the doctor makes an incision to adjust the nasal bone and cartilage.

Before the Procedure

  • Switch to a healthy diet and lifestyle
  • Plan certain necessary things ahead of time
  • Take at least a week off from work
  • Ensure you have cold compresses available at home
  • Do not wear any face make-up or apply cosmetics on the day of surgery
  • Certain medications should be avoided
  • Steer clear of smoking
  • Take ample rest before the procedure
  • Try to stay confident and positive about the procedure
  • Do not panic

During the Procedure

Nose surgery is conducted under local anesthesia in most cases. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon first makes incisions or cuts within the nostrils of the patient. In more complex cases, the doctor may also choose to make a certain number of incisions across the base of the patient's nose.

The cartilage and inner bone are then reshaped or treated by the surgeon. This is usually done to produce a more pleasing appearance or solve other issues.

Moreover, you must realize that the nose is one of the most prominent facial features, and having a collapsed or deviated septum or a big bump on the nose can be cumbersome. The primary reason for fixing a nose is to make it look better. For this reason, it is recommended that you seek the services of an experienced and skilled (nose) surgeon who can perform this complex surgical procedure in the best way possible.

After the Procedure

The patient may be required to rest in bed in such a way that their head is raised higher than their chest. This may reduce or prevent post-surgery bleeding and swelling. Some other things the patient must keep in mind (after surgery) are as follows:

  • Do not panic if you find your nose congested
  • Let the dressings remain in place until your doctor asks you to remove them
  • Take good care of your incisions
  • Take ample rest
  • Avoid being involved in any kind of strenuous activity

How Much Does Nose Surgery Cost?

The average cost of rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, in India might range somewhere between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 1,50,000.

However, this cost is merely for reference purposes and should not be considered a standard cost. The best thing you can do in this regard is to get in touch with our team of experts and get the precise cost of nasal surgery in India.

What to Do After Nose Surgery?

  • Avoid any kind of strenuous activity, such as exercise
  • Take (indirect) baths instead of direct showers until your nose heals completely
  • Do not blow your nose until it heals
  • Eat healthy foods (recommended by your doctor)
  • Avoid making extreme facial expressions, such as grinning or laughing loudly
  • Brush your teeth gently
  • Wear loose and comfortable clothes
  • Avoid pulling clothing, such as shirts or pullovers, over your head

Summary- You should take a nutritious diet, avoid exhaustive activities and take proper care of the incision areas after the surgery.

What to Eat After Nose Surgery?

For the first week after the procedure, you must stick to foods that are soft and can be chewed easily. Such foods may include:

  • Yogurt
  • Mashed potatoes
  • scrambled eggs
  • Oatmeal
  • Porridge

These foods are absolutely nutritious and quite easy to chew at the same time. This particular quality of the abovementioned foods makes them a perfect choice for patients who are recovering from a nasal operation.

Summary- You should take a diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants after nose surgery.

Is Nose Surgery Safe?

Like any other surgical procedure, nose surgery, or rhinoplasty, also has its share of risks. However, the risks of rhinoplasty are minimal, and complications are uncommon. Your doctor or healthcare provider will speak to you about these risks in detail before you finally decide to go for the procedure.

Summary- Yes, nose surgery is safe.

Is Nose Surgery Painful?

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is not painful for most people undergoing the procedure. According to reliable sources, people usually rate the intensity of their pain between 0 and 4 on a scale of 10 after having nasal surgery.

Summary- No, nose surgery is not painful.

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Nose Surgery?

The patient will most likely experience some swelling after undergoing rhinoplasty or nasal surgery. This swelling may take several months (or even longer) to resolve. However, most people around the patient may stop noticing this swelling a couple of months after the procedure.

People are usually back to most of their everyday activities a week after the surgical procedure. Resuming all activities or complete recovery may take a little longer, say several weeks or a few months.

Summary- After nose surgery, recovery could take a few months.

What Are the Side Effects of Nose Surgery?

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Swelling
  • Need to repeat the procedure (rare)
  • Breathing issues

Note: All the above-mentioned side effects can be greatly minimized or even eliminated if the surgery is carried out by expert doctors or surgeons, such as those available at Pristyn Care.

Summary- The side effects of nose surgery are: bleeding, infection, pain, swelling and difficulty in breathing.

Nose Surgery Aftercare:

  • Follow your doctor's advice
  • Listen to your body
  • Do not lift, pull, or push any heavy objects
  • Do not stress your body or mind
  • Avoid strenuous activities until you have fully recovered
  • Keep your head raised or elevated as you lie down
  • Keep a check on your incisions
  • Keep your doctor informed about your daily progress
  • Take ample rest and sleep well
  • Eat only healthy foods (consult your dietician)
  • Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated
  • Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and pain after surgery
  • Avoid blowing your nose for a few weeks after the procedure
  • Avoid wearing any heavy glasses for some time (a few weeks or months) after the surgery
  • Keep calm and have patience even if the recovery takes more time than expected

Summary- Post-treatment guidelines for nose surgery are: take a healthy diet, avoid strenuous activities and get enough rest.

Conclusion

Nose surgery is performed to make your nose look better. The four main types of nose surgery are reduction rhinoplasty, corrective rhinoplasty, post-traumatic rhinoplasty and augmentation rhinoplasty. Nose surgery is generally a very straightforward procedure with a very high success rate.

This procedure is also used to resolve breathing problems and make the patient's nose more symmetrical. Some side effects associated with nose surgery are swelling, bleeding, infection and pain.

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Content Details
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Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
Reviewed By
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Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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