What is the Open Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Rhinoplasty, also referred to as a nose job, is a nose reshaping surgery that can change the structure and appearance of the nose. It’s a procedure often sought by people who are unhappy with the natural shape of their nose or people who have suffered injuries affecting the look or function of their nostrils. There are two main types of rhinoplasty: closed and open. This article is dedicated to providing insight into the open rhinoplasty procedure.

What to Expect from Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty is a procedure wherein the plastic surgeon makes an incision in the skin between the nostrils – a region known as the columella. The surgeon then lifts the nasal skin off the tip of the nose to see the structures underneath and perform the necessary modifications.

This surgical method provides the surgeon with unhindered visibility of the nasal anatomy and greater surgical control. The main disadvantage is a potentially longer recovery time due to the invasiveness of the procedure. Open rhinoplasty is typically chosen for more complex surgeries, such as major nose reshaping or repair.

The Procedure

The open rhinoplasty procedure takes place under general anesthesia. The surgeon will first make a small incision in the columella and then move onto lifting the skin. Once they have clear visibility of the structures, they will reshape the nose according to the pre-discussed plan. After completing the modifications, they will re-drape the skin and tissues over the new framework and sew the incision closed.

Necessary Precautions

Before you go for open rhinoplasty, it’s important to stop smoking and also avoid certain medications like aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs that can increase bleeding. Make sure you discuss all your health concerns with your surgeon during your consultation.

What are the Rhinoplasty Healing Stages?

After the surgery, the recovery process begins. Let’s elaborate on the rhinoplasty healing stages.

First Week

During the first week of recovery, expect significant swelling and bruising around your nose and eyes. It’s crucial that you keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses as often as possible to alleviate the swelling. You’ll also have a nasal splint for support and to maintain the new shape.

Second Week

By the second week, the initial swelling and bruising should noticeably decrease. You’ll have follow-up consultations during which the doctor will remove the splint and check the progress. Remember that the final shape will not be fully evident yet because it takes time for the swelling to completely subside.

Several months to a year

Over the next few months, you’ll observe further changes as your nose fully heals and the swelling resolves. It’s paramount to understand that in open rhinoplasty, the rhinoplasty healing stages can take up to a year.

Concluding Thoughts

Open rhinoplasty can bring about significant changes in a person’s appearance and potentially improve the functionality of the nose. However, it’s a major surgical procedure and therefore should be carefully considered. Understanding the procedure and the rhinoplasty healing stages is crucial to have a realistic expectation of the results and the recovery.