Rhinoplasty is one of the most common operations performed by cosmetic surgeons today. This operation is designed to improve the general appearance of the nose by doing any one or more of the following procedures to the nose:

1. Reducing the forward projection of the nose.
   
2. Removal of hump
   
3. Correction of depressed nose
   
4. Correction of deviation of nose
   
5. Narrowing of the upper nose
   
6. Narrowing of the tip of the nose
   
7. Narrowing of the lower nose
   
8. Reducing the nostril size
   
9. Lifting the tip higher

SURGICAL PROCEDURE:

This operation is performed in the hospital. It takes about 1½ hours to 3½ hours for the surgery, depending upon what has to be done. Some correction can be done as out patient surgery where as others require 1 to 2 days stay in the hospital.

Rhinoplasty is done under local anesthesia. Sedation is also given just prior to surgery to help the patient be relaxed.

The incisions for reshaping or recontouring the external nose are usually made inside the nose. The nasal skin is lifted away from the cartilage and bone, and then reduction or augmentation is done. In reduction of the nose, bone, cartilage and excess tissues are removed. The nasal bones are usually narrowed. The excessive skin left by the reduction of the underlying bone and cartilages usually readapts itself to the new framework.

For depressed nose, after lifting the skin, enlargement or augmentation is done with cartilage from ear or with bone from rib or leg or with silicone implant.

To reduce width of the lower part of the nose or to reduce the nostril size, skin is removed from the nose close to the cheek attachments.

Immediately after surgery, a restricting splint and /or dressings are placed on the nose and will remain in position for approximately five days.

If the chin is smaller and disproportionate when compared to the nose and the rest of the face, chin enlargement could be done at the same time. Also, if the lips are too thick, they could be made thinner at the same time.

RESULTS:

Some results of the nasal operating will be noted when the splint and/or dressings are removed. But, it takes about 8 to 10 weeks to know the result of the surgery. Even after 10 weeks small changes may occur over a period of 4 to 8 months.

COMPLICATION:

On rare occasions, there could be complication like infections, healing problems, discolouration, absorption of the bones and cartilage grafts or rejection of the silicone implant etc. In rare instances, a secondary 'Touch-Up' procedure may be required.