Objective:
to improve nasal aesthetics, harmonize the face and improve respiratory function.

The nose is the prominent place of the face, as it is located in its center, being the main element regarding facial harmony. Whether of genetic or post-traumatic origin, the patient may want to modify the nose to obtain a more pleasant aesthetic or to treat breathing difficulties. Thus, Rhinoplasty is indicated from the age of 16 years, when facial growth is finished. Everything is done according to the patient’s objectives, to bring the best result and promoting facial balance and self-esteem.

The surgery takes about 1 hour or more and, through general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia, remodels the bone and cartilage structures, changing the shape of the nose and correcting changes in the back, tip, and width of the nose. The surgical technique used can be opened, when a small incision is made that is hidden below the nasal tip; or closed, when the incision is made inside the nose. In both, the treatment of the nasal wing can be done, in which the incision is made on the sides of the nose and the scars are hidden in the nasal groove. This procedure can reduce or increase the size of the nose, treating large nostrils and nasal asymmetry.

Among the most performed techniques, there is structured rhinoplasty and preservation rhinoplasty, each of which is indicated according to the characteristics of the nose to be operated on, the surgeon’s experience, and the patient’s wishes. It is worth mentioning that there is no superior technique than another.

Preoperative: before the procedure, the patient answers a questionnaire about his lifestyle, his health, and expectations. At the consultation, laboratory tests are requested and based upon the results, recommendations are provided for taking or pausing the use of certain medications as well as for adjusting the doses of the routine medications being taken; also, the patient is advised to stop smoking and the consumption of alcoholic beverages days before surgery – it is also important to avoid aspirin, anti-inflammatories, anticoagulants and natural remedies. Absolute fasting of 8 hours is required on the day before the surgery (solid and liquid foods).

Postoperative: after the procedure, the doctor prescribes the needed medications to optimize the cicatrization process as well as to prevent infections. In the first days, the area becomes swollen and it is normal to experience difficulties in breathing, so nasal solutions can help in unblocking and cleaning the nose. There may be a need to put tampons on and the dressing should be maintained for as long as determined by the doctor. Greater care is also needed to protect the nose at night and avoid accidents, in parallel, the use of sunscreen, with UVA and UVB protection, is essential. The patient can return to work within a week and, concerning activities with physical impact, in about two to three weeks. Although the result is permanent, the cartilage can move and remodel the tissue, requiring further surgery.