Rhinoplasty is probably the most common surgical procedure in aesthetic plastic surgery. The nose is a one of those specialized organs in the body involved in an aura of emotions, cultural and spiritual meanings, that go beyond its functional utility. Anatomically it is the center of the face and from an aesthetic point of view the focal point of the gaze of others. An attractive and well-balanced nose makes us feel good, gives us self-assurance and above all confidence. Thus it is essential that the plastic surgeon performing this operation not only have advanced medical and scientific training, but also creative gifts that, combined with manual dexterity and skill, will achieve the best results. The internal structures of the nose: bone, cartilage, mucous membrane and muscles may all be modified with aesthetic objectives without altering the function of the nose.

Candidates. This surgery is indicated for patients of either sex, in women older than 15 and men after 16. The most common reason for seeking surgery tends to be patients with a dorsal hump or "bump" on the nasal bridge, which may be hereditary or the result of childhood trauma, other patients seek the narrowing or lifting of the tip of the nose. It is always important to evaluate each patient individually to determine their exact expectations. The surgeon will consider the individual characteristics of the patient and provide results that take into account the type of nose, the characteristics of the skin, anatomical structures, and ethnic and facial features.

Surgery. Surgery is usually performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. In some patients the procedure is performed with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. The incisions in the skin are made beneath the nasal cavity and external incisions are only performed in special cases. Modern equipment and instruments allow us to modify internal structures without altering the nasal function, and on occasion the patient's own cartilage (from the septum or back of the ear) is used to mold and place in the tip of the nose, to obtain better projection and definition. At the end of the procedure a special splint is placed over the nose and a small nasal pack inserted that is removed within 24 hours.

Postoperative care. Following 60 to 90 minutes of surgery, the patient remains in recovery for a period of 4 hours, and given that it is outpatient surgery, he or she is released the same day. Home rest is advised for 3 days with additional activities added gradually as the nasal pyramid closes. The patient may have ecchymosis or swelling in the inner eyelid area, for which anti-inflammatories are prescribed. The nasal splint is removed in 7 days and replaced by a microporous support that remains one week more. At 14 days after surgery the patient may resume their regular activities with some special restrictions such as a need to avoid the sun and strenuous exercise for 4 weeks.

Actual before and after photos