Nasal Rhinoplasty
Nasal Rhinoplasty is an ancient and time honored surgical procedure that can be used to improve both function and appearance of the nose.
Nasal Rhinoplasty
The word Rhinoplasty derives from two Greek roots, Rhinos which means “nose” and Plastikos which means “to shape.” As is so often the case, these roots give a most accurate definition. Nasal Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the basic structure of the nose. The purpose may be functional or cosmetic. It is often done to improve breathing or to repair an injury. It is also done to improve or alter the appearance.
The first recorded record of nasal Rhinoplasty dates back almost 1500 years to an Indian physician named Sushruta. He performed and recorded a type of nose reconstruction for patients who had their noses amputated as a punishment. The basic procedure is still practiced today in much the same form. Today, Rhinoplasty is one of the most common procedures in the field known as Plastic Surgery. A knowledge of that Greek root, Plastikos, helps understand that term as well. Plastic Surgery is the Surgery of Shaping.
Nasal Rhinoplasty is performed under either a general or local anesthetic. This will depend on the patient and the doctor’s preference. Most procedures are known as “closed Rhinoplasty” meaning the incisions are made inside the nostril and leave minimal scarring. The procedure usually involves separating the soft tissue of the nostril from the underlying bone structure and then reshaping the bone and cartilage.
When nasal Rhinoplasty is done for purely cosmetic purposes, it is rarely covered by Medical insurance. Procedures that are done to improve nose function can be covered in some cases. It is the responsibility of the patient to explore the area of insurance coverage. The procedure, as is the case with many other cosmetic surgeries, can be considered as much an art as a science. It is important to have a good relationship between the surgeon and the patient. The important area is patient expectations. The key is to come to a complete understanding of what is desired and what is surgically possible.
Nasal Rhinoplasty is usually a rather simple and complication free procedure. Recovery is fairly quick and the side effects are minor. It is usually necessary to splint the nose for around a week to ten days during the healing process and some swelling and bruising of the face may occur. In the case of serious reconstructive Rhinoplasty, which is usually used to repair extreme injuries or deformities, the recovery time may be a bit longer.
