Considerations to Keep in Mind Before Undergoing Rhinoplasty

Often known as a “nose job”, rhinoplasty is one of the most common surgery options for those who wish to modify the proportions of their nose for a desired facial appearance. At times, rhinoplasty may also be performed to correct impaired breathing resulting from structural defects, or to repair facial damage. Prior to the operation, careful deliberation is necessary as rhinoplasty is considered as a life-changing, major procedure. To ensure realistic expectations, this article will share a few important considerations to keep in mind.

1. Eligibility

Going for rhinoplasty is a personal decision with individualised procedures. It may be easier to commit when the procedure is done for medical reasons instead of cosmetic purposes. Nonetheless, despite the reasons for opting for rhinoplasty, it is still crucial to determine if you’re a right fit. Refer to the checklist below to find out:

• Physically and mentally fit
• Have realistic expectations for the outcome
• Crooked nose
• Saddle nose
• Dorsal hump

If you need more clarification on the procedure, consulting a rhinoplasty surgeon in Singapore is highly recommended. Being aware of these factors would help you to better determine if you are eligible for the surgery.

2. Post surgery restrictions 

Rhinoplasty is an operation performed on the bone and cartilage underneath the skin of your nose. Unlike major surgery, the procedure does not interfere with major body functions. However, you still have to go through the recovery process.. After the surgery, you may experience slight bleeding, as well as drainage of mucus and old blood for a few days, but these are common. Listed below are some restrictions that you should take note of to ensure a smooth healing process:

• Avoid strenuous activities (jogging, aerobics, dancing, cycling, to name a few)
• Avoid blowing your nose.
• Avoid extreme facial expressions.
• Take baths instead of showers while nose bandages are still on.
• Avoid resting eyeglasses on your nose for at least a month after the surgery.

3. Close or open technique

Open and closed rhinoplasty procedures are two different surgical approaches that you can consider. To ensure a satisfactory outcome, it is crucial to differentiate between the duo. The main difference is that open rhinoplasty is performed from outside of the nose with the placement of a small incision on the columella, while closed rhinoplasty only involves incisions made within the nostrils. The description below should help you to understand the two procedures better.

• Open rhinoplasty

This method involves creating an incision along the width of the columella. It lifts the skin to achieve greater visibility and better precision. Open rhinoplasty is ideal to correct surgical errors or collapse of nose structure, among other aesthetic problems. If you are looking for more significant reshaping of the nose, open rhinoplasty can be a great option.

• Closed rhinoplasty

Appropriate for minor corrections and reshaping, this method accesses the areas to be reshaped from within the nostril. Healing time may be shorter as the process is less invasive. Moreover, there will be no visible scarring as well. 

Learn more: 4 Benefits of Rhinoplasty

With the considerations listed above, we hope you have a better understanding of what to expect from a rhinoplasty and how to ensure a quick and seamless recovery. Always go for an ENT surgeon if you need medical advice.

As a one-stop ENT clinic in Singapore, our ENT Surgeon Dr Dennis Chua provides various treatments for ear, nose and throat conditions. We are always ready to provide you with the medical help you need. Contact us now for more information.