How Rhinoplasty Can Improve Both Appearance and Breathing

Rhinoplasty is now a common and trending procedure to enhance the nose shape and overall facial symmetry. But most people are unaware that rhinoplasty is versatile, and it can be considered for medical purposes too. Modern rhinoplasty allows one to have both improved nose appearance and functioning simultaneously. But how? Continue reading to discover how surgery for rhinoplasty in Gurgaon with Dr. Shilpi Bhadani offers both medical and cosmetic benefits.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly as a nose job, is a highly sought-after cosmetic and medical procedure that reshapes, resizes, or restructures the nose.

How is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Rhinoplasty surgery steps slightly vary based on the patient's goals, anatomy, and the chosen technique. Generally, a rhinoplasty journey involves:

1. Initial consultation and planning- The nose job surgeon thoroughly examines the patient's nose profile, reviews medical records, and makes necessary discussions before providing the final surgical plan. Based on the patient’s nasal structure, breathing ability, and skin thickness, the surgeon provides the final surgical plan.
2. Anaesthesia: The doctors provide local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, whichever is suitable for the patient.
3. Making of Incision: In this step, the rhinoplasty surgeon in Gurgaon makes an incision using either of two approaches: Open or Closed. For the open approach, a small incision across the columella will be made, while for the closed approach, hidden incisions are made within the nostrils. An open approach is considered for complex cases, while simpler ones are done with a closed approach.
4. Altering of Nasal Bone and Cartilages: Through the incision, the surgeon performs cartilage sculpting, bone reshaping, turbinate reduction, nasal valve support, septoplasty, or nose tip adjustment.
5. Closing of Incision- The nasal skin is draped back over the new nasal structure, and incisions are sutured.
6. Splint and Dressings- To preserve and protect the new nose framework, a splint is placed, and a sterile dressing is applied.
7. Result and Recovery- Some swelling subsides by the second week of recovery, breathing gradually improves, and the final nose profile is obtained in 6-12 months.

Cosmetic Benefits of Rhinoplasty: Enhanced Nose Appearance

A well-structured nose adds to facial aesthetics as the nose is the central feature of the face. A rhinoplasty can help craft an appealing nose profile by providing the following:

• A Dorsal Hump Reduction- The bump on the nasal bridge is created by excess bone and cartilage. So, by removing the extra bone and cartilage, the bump can be removed in portions or resected in one piece, all thanks to rhinoplasty. Finally, the nose bridge appears smoother, and the nose looks larger.
• Nasal Tip Refinement- A rhinoplasty can help make a bulbous, overly pointed, or droopy nose tip well-defined and harmonious. The procedure involves reshaping or trimming of cartilage of the nose tip for some, whereas cartilage grafting for others.
• Nose Straightening- A rhinoplasty can help improve nose symmetry and alignment by reshaping the underlying bone and cartilage.
• Adjustment of Nasal Width and Size- A rhinoplasty can shorten a too-long nose, widen a too-narrow nose, and make a too-large nose smaller, all by altering the nasal bones and cartilages. Doing this helps create a more balanced nose appearance.
• Improvement of Natural Facial Proportions- A rhinoplasty aims to improve the nose's appearance so that the face looks better and is perceived as per the patient’s gender.

Functional Benefits of Rhinoplasty: Ease of Breathing

Rhinoplasty is commonly recommended to fix structural nose issues that obstruct breathing.

Here are the medical concerns for which rhinoplasty is opted:

1. A Deviated Septum- The nasal septum is a thin partition of the nose made of bone and cartilage. It divides the nose into two nasal passages- the nostrils. In some individuals, it is slightly shifted to one side of the nose by birth or due to connective tissue disorder or a blow to the nose.
   
   Such individuals have difficulty breathing. Thankfully, a septoplasty combined with rhinoplasty can help reshape, realign, or remove parts of the nasal septum to make it straight and ease breathing.
    
2. Nasal Valve Collapse- It is a common yet underdiagnosed nasal structure issue where the nasal valve (the narrowest region of the nasal airway) gets weak or collapses inward and leads to obstructed breathing.
   
   Some people are born with this issue, while some have it because of trauma, deviated septum, aging, scarring/swelling, or previous surgery. Thankfully, a rhinoplasty can work to strengthen and widen the nasal valves and help improve breathing.
    
3. Enlarged Turbinate/ Turbinate Hypertrophy- It is the swelling of the bony, well-shaped internal structure of the nose due to infection, allergy, irritants, hormonal changes, medication overuse, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps, or deviated septum.
   
   When other treatments fail, rhinoplasty may be recommended to reduce the size of the turbinate and widen the nasal passages for better functioning of the nose.
    
4. Post-Traumatic Nose Obstructions- Accidental injury or trauma to the nose can lead to a fractured nose, crooked nose, or nasal cartilage displacement. In such cases, rhinoplasty can help repair the nose shape and restore normal breathing.
    
5. Congenital Nose Structural Problems- Some individuals have narrow nasal passages that restrict the normal airflow. A rhinoplasty can help correct this.

Enjoy the Dual Benefit of Rhinoplasty by Connecting with Dr. Shilpi Bhadani

Dr. Shilpi Bhadani performed well-executed rhinoplasty for both functional and aesthetic nose concerns. She can help one’s nose align well with the rest of one’s face and gender identity.

FAQs on Rhinoplasty Surgery

Is rhinoplasty a suitable option for me?

A consultation with a rhinoplasty surgeon will be required to confirm the suitability of rhinoplasty. Generally healthy adults with a dorsal hump, wide nasal bridge, asymmetrical nose, a deviated septum, small or long nose, or distorted nose shape are eligible candidates.

How long does it take to breathe normally again after rhinoplasty?

By 1-3 weeks, the congestion and blockage caused by post-rhinoplasty swelling will be relieved, thus easing breathing. However, normal airflow through the nasal passages is completely restored by 1-3 months.

Can rhinoplasty help me improve my facial aesthetics?

Yes, by making adjustments to the nose profile, rhinoplasty can improve the balance and harmony of one’s facial features.

Can rhinoplasty align my face with my gender identity?

Yes, both feminizing and masculinizing rhinoplasty are available to help affirm the gender of transgender, cisgender, and non-binary people.

Will rhinoplasty provide permanent improvement in nose shaping and breathing?

Yes. Rhinoplasty involves changing the structure of the nose by altering the nasal bones and cartilages. As all the altered bones and cartilages cannot revert to their original form, the results last for a lifetime. 

Are you looking forward to rhinoplasty surgery that caters to your needs and concerns?

Choose Dr. Shilpi Bhadani, an internationally reputed facial plastic and rhinoplasty surgeon in Gurgaon, and founder of SB Aesthetics Clinic. Book a consultation to explore more about rhinoplasty surgery with medical experts.