18th May 2024
What is a rhinoplasty and which nose operation is best for me?
The nose is reshaped, corrected, or rebuilt during a rhinoplasty (‘nose job’) treatment to attain more aesthetically acceptable proportions and to improve one's physical appearance.
Only after puberty does the nose take on its final shape, which is completed around the age of 16. Generally, rhinoplasties can take place from 18 years of age, although many are undertaken in the 20’s and 30’s and older.
Popular reasons for a nose job are for cosmetic reasons, wanting to change the look so it is more in keeping with the shape of the face, it can also be used to improve function by correcting breathing problems and alleviating the symptoms of sleep apnoea and snoring. In these circumstances, the plastic surgeon will conduct a septoplasty or submucosal resection on the septum or turbinate that are restricting the airway.
The size and shape of the nose, as the most prominent feature of the face, is a major determinant of how we feel about our overall look and attractiveness. If you are unhappy with it for whatever reason, be it a hump or bump on the nose, or tip of the nose you don't like, then a rhinoplasty treatment is the most effective way to improve it.
Depending on the work required, patients will often have either an open or closed rhinoplasty. What is the difference between the two procedures, and which one is best for you?
Open vs closed Rhinoplasty?
- Open rhinoplasty: An open rhinoplasty is a more invasive nose surgery that is performed on patients who require more significant nose reshaping or reduction. The nose surgeon will make incisions beneath the nose in the columella, which is the skin between the nostrils. Following the incisions, the skin is raised up to enable access to the inside of the nasal cavity for contouring. The columella will be sutured after the procedure is completed, and the nose will be taped and splinted in place. The splint will keep the nose in place while it heals, and it will be removed in about a week. Patients with genetic or structural defects, injuries to the nose needing grafting, or disappointing results from a previous nose job will benefit from open rhinoplasty.
- Closed rhinoplasty: The most prevalent type of nose surgery is closed rhinoplasty. Because all the incisions are made inside the nose, this type of rhinoplasty leaves no visible scars. Closed rhinoplasty involves making an incision through the mucosa of the interior of the nose rather than across the skin of the columella between the nostrils. Because the surgeon does not have a clear view of the nasal skeleton, this is a technique best left to the more skilled surgeon.
- Which is better: A closed rhinoplasty leaves no external scars, minimises the risk of nose discomfort, and is a less intrusive procedure. As a result, compared to an open rhinoplasty, a closed rhinoplasty has a faster recovery period. Patients who want more substantial work to modify, to correct a previous nose job or shrink their nose will need an open rhinoplasty. In short, neither operation is 'better'; it simply relies on the individual's needs and the surgery's desired goal. An experienced plastic surgeon will be able to explian why they feel it is better to have an open or a closed rhinoplasty.
What about a Preservation Rhinoplasty?
Preservation Rhinoplasty is a procedure that avoids destroying or reconstructing the dorsum of the nose during surgery. Internally, the hump of the nose is carefully minimised, allowing the nose to shrink. The purpose of this approach is to keep the nasal ligaments intact while manipulating the cartilages with the smallest possible incisions.
The key advantages of this new surgery are that it is a less intrusive and traumatic operation for the patients, with less swelling and bruising. Even while there is a decreased risk of requiring a revision rhinoplasty with this method, if one is required, the revision can sometimes be easier because there is less scar tissue than with traditional rhinoplasty approaches.
Patients can achieve natural results with Preservation Rhinoplasty, and because of the quick recovery, they can return to their normal routine sooner.
Patients can breathe freely after a preservation rhinoplasty since the risk of post-operative bleeding is decreased. This is due to the procedure's less intrusive nature.
So which rhinoplasty method is best for me?
To find out which nose surgery procedure is best for you call 0204 551 4892 to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist registered plastics surgeons or fill in the contact form.
In the consultation, your surgeon will show you before and after photos, discuss the procedure options and explain the recovery process. Your surgeon will discuss the type of nose you are looking to achieve. Our nose plastic surgeons have carried out thousands of rhinoplasties and will explain in detail what is best for you, along with the estimated recovery time.
To find out about our expert GMC registered nose surgeons, our 5 star hosptitals and quality care, and why we work so very hard to achieve our values click here.