Rhinoplasty in India: What to Expect from First Consultation to Final Result
Quick Answer: The nose has the greatest impact on the overall appearance of the face. The nose forms the centre of the face, and in small variations to its size, shape or angle can change the overall balance of your entire profile. That is why rhinoplasty, which is the technical term for nose shaping, is the most popular cosmetic procedure. It is also among the most misunderstood.
This guide takes you along the entire path: who is the right candidate for a rhinoplasty, what goes on at consult and surgery, what is the recovery and how do you evaluate your result.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a nose job, or nose reshaping surgery. This can be due to two main reasons:
Cosmetic (aesthetic) reasons- to improve the overall appearance of the nose, such as, smooth out a large bump, reshape a round nasal tip, narrow a broad bridge, fix asymmetries or change the angle of the nose.
Structural reasons: addressing breathing problems due to a deviated septum or other nasal structure. This is most often addressed with a septoplasty (sometimes in conjunction with a rhinoplasty).
A lot of patients have both too. A good surgeon will ask about breathing as well as looks, because re-shaping the nose without regard for airflow can cause additional problems.
Who is a good candidate?
You may be a good candidate if:
- You are troubled by the shape, size or proportion of your nose, and this concern has persisted for a considerable period of time instead of a temporary whim.
- Your face is no longer growing. This is usually the late teen years or later for most patients but your surgeon will discuss your case with you.
- You are in generally good health, and you do not smoke, or are prepared to quit.
- You are realistic. Rhinoplasty can enhance balance and proportion. It can't replace someone else's nose, and it won't automatically change your self-image.
Read out post on common cosmetic surgery myths as it will help you uncover some misconceptions that you might have about cosmetic surgery.
Stage 1: The consultation
Everything starts with a detailed consultation. Expect the surgeon to:
- Hear it out. Where is the problem? Offer pictures of noses you admire, as inspiration of the level of change you wish to see, not as an example to emulate.
- Look at your nose. Thickness of your skin, strength of your cartilage, the shape of the bridge and tip of your nose, and your septum all influence what can be done.
- Check your history. Nasal trauma or surgery, other past injuries, allergies and breathing problems, use of medication, bleeding, healing time questions.
- Mention likely results. A honest surgeon will be clear about what is and isn't possible, in cluding whether they believe a different reduction or enlargement would be preferable to the one you requested.
- Insurance costs(if applicable), recovery and risks. You want to walk away with an understanding of the process and an idea of how much it's going to cost.
Several questions to ask at this stage are described in full in our guide to [how to choose a cosmetic surgeon [URL]].
Step 2: Planning and preparation
When you do decide to move forward, you'll be given instructions for before the surgery, which typically include:
- Simple pre-surgery tests as recommended by your surgeon.
- Discontinue the use of any medicines and supplements that could increase bleeding, only on your doctor's advice.
- To stay away from smoking and alcohol for the time period suggested.
- Planning time off work and finding someone to bring you to and from the procedure.
Follow these closely. The preparation process is important to safety and healing.
Step 3: The surgery
A nose job is conducted under anaesthesia and the procedure itself varies depending upon the extent of work to be carried out. Your surgeon will view the nose in one of two ways:
Closed rhinoplasty: incisions are made inside the nose so there is no visible scar.
Open rhinoplasty: In addition, a small cut is made across the columella (tissue strip between the nostrils). This opens up the nasal skin more for more intricate operations. The scar typically resolves effectively.
No single approach is best in all cases. The one you choose should be based on your needs. In the operating room, the surgeon sculpts bone and cartilage, and occasionally may use cartilage grafts to straighten or support the nose. When complete, a splint is applied to the outside of the nose to protect it while it heals; soft packing or nasal splints may also be used internally.
The majority of patients are discharged either on the same day or the following day after a brief hospitalization, as per the advice of their surgeon.
Recovery: week by week
All this knowledge about time frame helps you to plan and is responsible for not criticizing your result too soon.
The first week: Swelling, mild bruising of the eyes, and a blocked nose are common. Rest with your head raised, avoid blowing your nose, and take any prescribed medicines and avoid any unnecessary nose blowing or nasal pressure. You can expect to have your outside splint removed at the end of this week.
WEEKS 2 to 3: You will have mostly settled down to the following;bruising will become minimal, you will be able to return to your desk based work any time from now. You will still have a swollen looking nose, this is normal. No strenuous exercise, contact sports and anything that can hit your nose.
Weeks 4 to 6: Normal daily life is resumed. You'll be given the go-ahead to return to the gym and to wear your glasses, because having frames rest on a healing nose is something you're worried about.
3 to 6 months. The swelling still goes down and mainly at the tip and the nose begins to refine slowly.
From a month. Complete settling. The quality of the skin: thicker skin can take longer to settle. Here's where patience pays off: the nose that looks the same at one month is never the same at twelve!
What results should look like
Results that look natural and proportioned. No one should look at your face and immediately think "nose job." They should just think you look great. Good Results Show:
A nose balanced with your forehead, cheeks, lips and chin.
The profile line is smooth and has no unnatural angles at the extremity.
Comfortable, unobstructed breathing.
Face-fitting symmetry - the reality of symmetrical perfection exists nowhere in any human face.
Risks and limitations to understand
Surgery always presents risks. With rhinoplasty, these include prolonged swelling, bleeding, infection, breathing problems, asymmetry, numbness around the tip of the nose, or dissatisfaction with the results. Some patients may require a revision. While these can never be totally eliminated, they can be minimized by following directions, not smoking, and choosing an experienced surgeon who will monitor your progress. Your surgeon should review them with you.
How to ready your mind, not simply your body
Rhinoplasty isn't only a matter of surgery; it's a matter of what you're expecting from the operation. Before you decide, consider:
Am I doing this to make me happy not to make this person happy?
Could I live with the change being a slow process, and swelling for months?
Have I really got the confines of my nose shape down?
If the three are yes you are certainly on the right track.
Cost considerations
The price of rhinoplasty depends on the extent of the work, primary or revision, experience of surgeon, location, facility, anaesthesia and post-operation care. Don't just go for the cheapest quote; inquire about what is included and what is not. Read about how the pricing works in cosmetic surgery, and the questions you should be asking about inclusions, in our analysis of cost of liposuction This thinking is relevant to most aesthetic procedures.
Planning your rhinoplasty at TRUE Artis
At TRUE Artis, every rhinoplasty begins with an unhurried consultation. Your surgeon will review your goals, assess your anatomy, explain the options and give you an honest view of what’s achievable, before any decision is made. There’s no pressure to book on the spot.
If you’re considering nose surgery, book a consultation to discuss your goals in person.
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