WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY SURGERY
The nose is a prominent part of the face, which makes it easily exposed to many reasons that change its shape, such as; injuries from accidents or fights, genetic, or congenital defects, and this affects ourselves in negative way, The problems of the nose are not only cosmetic but there are many other medical problems, such as; breathing problems, sinus, etc., which leads us to perform rhinoplasty.
RHINOPLASTY
Rhinoplasty (commonly referred to as a nose job) is a plastic surgery procedure on the nose to correct and reconstruct its shape and improve its function.
Type of nose Different Types of Nasal Surgery
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a general term to describe any kind of plastic surgery that is carried out with the aim of enhancing or modifying the look of a patient’s nose.
However, there are a number of different nasal surgeries available. Working with your plastic surgeon can help you determine which option is best for you, depending on your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals.
1. Reduction Rhinoplasty
A reduction rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery that is designed to reduce the size of your nose. During this procedure, your nose may be reshaped as well. Patients can either opt to reduce the overall size of the nose or concentrate on specific areas including a large tip, hump or bump.
How is it performed? During this nasal surgery, the resizing is often done by removing cartilage and/or bone from the nose to achieve the desired shape and size.
2. Augmentation Rhinoplasty
The purpose of this type of nasal surgery is to increase the general proportions of the nose. It is performed for patients whose noses are too small either as a result of unique genetics or an injury in which the cartilage has been damaged.
How is it performed? During this plastic surgery, the underlying nasal framework is exposed through small incisions. The nose is then augmented using either the patient’s own cartilage (if available) or a synthetic nasal implant.
3. Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty
After a patient has had an injury or been in an accident that has affected their nose, it might be necessary to use a nasal surgery to return the nose to its original shape and appearance.
In some cases, patients opt to take advantage of this situation and choose to have cosmetic enhancements performed during the procedure as well.
4. Corrective Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty refers to a secondary (or sometimes tertiary) rhinoplasty operation that seeks to correct any problems or corrections that arose after the initial cosmetic surgery.
This can include a reduction or augmentation, but generally, the aim of this plastic surgery is to restore the anatomy of a nose that doesn’t look right or is causing difficulty breathing.
Common problems requiring a corrective rhinoplasty:
- Nasal airway obstruction
- Overdone nose job
- Worsened asymmetry
- Incomplete shaping (not enough of a cosmetic change)
- Excessive or inadequate tip projection
- Excessively narrowed nasal tip
- Thickened scar tissue
- Over-reduction or inadequate reduction of the bridge height
Types of rhinoplasty
The nose is made up of bones and cartilage, and the rhinoplasty can be performed in certain parts of the nose without the other parts, in which a lot of methods are appeared, and developed with the evolution of time. There are surgical methods, and non-surgical methods, depending on the patient’s nose problem.
The patient must be healthy, with the intact nose’s bones, and he should older than 18 years old, to make sure that he has passed the adolescence, and his nose has reached its adult size, and relatively stable.
There are two types of surgical rhinoplasty:
- Open rhinoplasty: the surgeon makes a small external incision to the columellar, which made to separate the skin from the inner tissues of the nose, to gain access to the interior of the nose. It can be done for cases that have obvious deviations and distortions.
- Closed rhinoplasty: the surgeon makes an internal incision between the upper and lower nasal cartilage, without external incisions, so that reduces the external wounds and scars, takes a less time, and the patient needs a less period of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What medical issues can rhinoplasty address, and how do you know if you need it?
Rhinoplasty in an ENT setting is often performed to correct structural or functional issues of the nose, such as breathing difficulties, septal deviation, nasal trauma, or congenital deformities. You may need evaluation if you notice persistent nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, frequent sinus infections, or a history of nasal injuries affecting airflow.
Early evaluation helps you prevent chronic complications, improve breathing, and ensure proper nasal function.
How does your ENT team approach functional rhinoplasty differently?
Your ENT specialists focus on both function and structure. Before surgery, your nasal anatomy is thoroughly assessed using advanced imaging and endoscopic examination. The surgical plan is personalized to restore airflow, correct deformities, and prevent future issues, while minimizing tissue damage and recovery time. Post-operative care emphasizes healing, functional improvement, and monitoring for complications.
What techniques are used in functional rhinoplasty?
ENT experts may use several techniques depending on your needs:
Septoplasty: Straightens a deviated septum to improve airflow.
Turbinate reduction: Reduces enlarged turbinates to relieve congestion.
Alar or nasal tip modification: Corrects collapse or obstruction at the nasal tip.
Trauma reconstruction: Repairs fractures or structural damage from injuries.
These approaches are selected based on your anatomy and symptoms to achieve optimal function.
How long does recovery take, and what should you expect?
Recovery varies based on the extent of surgery, but typically:
Initial recovery: Mild swelling, bruising, and nasal congestion are common in the first 1–2 weeks.
Activity restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities and protect your nose from impact for several weeks.
Follow-up care: Your ENT will monitor healing and remove nasal splints or dressings as needed.
Full recovery: Functional improvements in breathing are usually noticeable within weeks, while full healing may take a few months.
Can you combine rhinoplasty with other ENT procedures?
Yes. Functional rhinoplasty is often combined with sinus surgery, turbinate reduction, or septal repair to comprehensively address nasal obstruction or sinus-related issues. This integrated approach reduces multiple procedures and enhances both breathing and overall nasal function.
Are there risks with functional rhinoplasty?
All surgery carries potential risks. You should be aware of:
Bleeding or infection
Temporary swelling or bruising
Nasal obstruction or crusting during healing
Need for revision surgery in rare cases
Careful pre-surgical assessment and post-operative follow-up reduce these risks significantly.
What long-term benefits can you expect after functional rhinoplasty?
You can experience improved nasal breathing, reduced sinus infections, better sleep quality, and correction of deformities affecting function. Most patients notice lasting relief from obstruction or trauma-related nasal issues.
How do you know if functional rhinoplasty is right for you?
If you struggle with chronic nasal obstruction, breathing difficulties, or structural issues, functional rhinoplasty may be the right solution. Your ENT team will evaluate your nasal anatomy, discuss realistic outcomes, and recommend a personalized treatment plan to restore function safely and effectively.