NOSE LIFT
NOSE TRIMMING
NOSE REDUCTION

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty encompasses all aspects of nasal re-shaping and has to be tailored from patient to patient. Successful reshaping of the nose involves restoration of facial balance.

For most Asian and Filipinos, all that maybe needed is a noselift or augmentation of the nasal dorsum or “bridge”. This involves insertion of a sterilized silicone implant which is solid, inert and sculpted/carved specially for each patient. This may sound simple, but the proper sizing, carving and placement of the silicone are of utmost importance.

Commonly, nose trimming is done to define the nasal tip by removing fat and cartilage from the nasal tip area. Sometimes, it can also involve addition of cartilage from the ear to improve the shape of the tip and collumella. Portion of the ala (or the flaring side of the nose) may also be removed (alarplasty.)

Nose reduction is usually done for Caucasians with too much nasal bridge and involves removal of bone and cartilage.
 

What can I expect before, during and after these procedures?

As with any surgery, a comprehensive pre-operative evaluation done by your doctor is crucial to the success of your operation. Any previous surgeries or breathing and nasal problems will be investigated. Any concomitant medical condition, allergies, bleeding problems will be addressed and all medications being taken will be reviewed and recorded. Drugs that may affect the clotting mechanism will have to be stopped at least 1 week prior to the surgery.

These procedures are done under light sedation and local anesthesia. The local anesthesia will be given using very fine needles. Incisions will be done inside the nose so that no scars are visible at all. The procedure usually takes 1-3 hours depending on the kind of rhinoplasty.

Most patients resume household activities within one or two days. Pain and discomfort following the surgery are typically controlled with oral pain medication. Antibiotics are prescribed and sometimes have to be started 1 day before the operation depending on your surgeon. The tapes or other splint materials are placed on top of the nose and are removed after one week. Stitches placed are absorbable but any remaining sutures are removed in ten days time. Within one to two weeks most patients can return to work. Most bruising and/or swelling resolve within two weeks; more subtle swelling may persist longer, depending on the exact nature of the surgery and the patient but should be completely gone in 6 weeks.
 

What are the possible complications?

While the operation has a very low risk, there are complications with any surgical procedure. These include minor complications such as prolonged swelling and slight movement of the implant to one side. Rare or more serious complications such as infection and extrusion of the implant can also occur. These may require immediate removal of the implant.