Cleopatra Rhinoplasty

This is my Nose

Cleopatra, the Egyptian queen, was known for her striking beauty which was incidentally characterized by an eagle-like hooked nose. She and the generations after her did not let the size, structure, and shape of the nose define their looks or their character. Their personality and charm were enough to mesmerize the audience. But in case, you are not endowed with a nose you like or with the personality of a Cleopatra, fret not because Rhinoplasty can make you feel better with a nose that you can be proud of.

 

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical modification of the nose which includes the bone, cartilage, and skin.  There are two types of surgeries under this category:

  • Reconstructive: Reconstructive rhinoplasty is performed to rectify nasal defects sustained due to injury, trauma, or to treat congenital birth defects like cleft lip or the removal of tumors.
  • Cosmetic: Cosmetic rhinoplasty is done for purely aesthetic purpose where the normal anatomy is reshaped to a more desirable appearance.

 

What will a Rhinoplasty do?

With Surgery, a surgeon can change the angle of the septum, reshape the tip of the nose, change the nasal bridge to reduce the overall size of the nose, adjust the space between the upper lip and the nose, the thickness of the nostrils and space between them.

The procedure can be done either internally (closed procedure) or by making an incision on the outside tissue of the nose (open procedure).

What are the criteria for rhinoplasty?

No matter how disappointed growing teens are with their noses, they have to wait till the nose stops growing which is usually 15 for girls and longer for boys. The only time rhinoplasty is done in children and young adults are to treat a breathing impairment. In adults, an ideal candidate is one who is healthy, a non-smoker and anyone whose facial growth has stopped. Having a positive attitude is a bonus.

 

What are the risks involved in having a rhinoplasty?

The risks in rhinoplasty are similar to those in other surgeries which are risks of infection, numbness, pain, and scarring (poorly executed surgeries can leave you with a permanent scar.)

 

Before and after surgery care

Your Plastic surgeon will go through the risks and safety measures and prepare you for the operation which incidentally is an outpatient procedure that takes up to three hours. The operation is conducted under general anesthesia. After the surgery external splints are used to support the nose until it heals completely.

You will be monitored for a couple of hours after surgery, to ensure all is well with you and then you will be discharged. It is advised to keep your head elevated to reduce bleeding and swelling. If absorbable stitches are used when you don’t need to revisit the doctor otherwise you will have to go back for the stitches to be removed. It is common to have gauze taped to the tip of the nose to collect any nasal discharge and blood for a few days after surgery.

 

You must avoid running, swimming, blowing your nose and even laughing (once the dressing is off you can laugh as much as you want, Afterall it is your nose!)