Rhinoplasty, one of the most common applications of plastic surgery, is an operation that eliminates problems caused by the nasal bone and cartilage.
A rhinoplasty is performed to correct breathing problems caused by the nose structure, to repair injuries caused by accidents, or to correct deformities.
In cases where the rhinoplasty operation will be performed to improve the appearance of the nose, rather than to treat a health problem, the nasal bone should be able to grow sufficiently. For an operation to be performed for this purpose, the average age for women is 15, while men may have a slightly older age. In addition, operations due to health problems, such as respiratory problems, can be performed at an earlier age.
A doctor can perform a rhinoplasty in a well-equipped hospital or clinic. Depending on the patient's condition, general anesthesia or sedation can be administered during the operation. Sedation anesthesia is generally used for simple procedures where the nose and face are numbed.
In general, rhinoplasty operations take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how complicated the procedure is.
After surgery, patients are kept under observation for at least one day. A companion should accompany the patient as soon as they leave the hospital since anesthesia is administered during the operation. Patients may need to stay in the hospital for two days after more extensive surgeries.
It is important not to remove the splints placed after surgery for about a week to preserve the nose's new shape. In some cases, sutures placed during surgery can be absorbed by the body, while in others, they must be removed after approximately one week by the doctor.
A specialist may prescribe painkillers for possible pain after the operation. It is recommended to have a companion with the patient the first night after the surgery owing to the possibility of side effects from the drugs used during the surgery.
In addition, it is recommended to be careful about exposure to sun rays.
As a result of rhinoplasty, the area around the eyelids may be temporarily numb, swollen, and discolored. Cold compresses may help reduce swelling and discoloration.
After a week, patients can usually return to their normal lives.