Konstantinos Th. Makripidis M.D.
ENT Surgeon – Facial Plastic Surgery
Member of the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery
(Article in the newspaper “GREECE TOMORROW”)
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common surgeries and millions of men and women resort to it every year. People who undergo rhinoplasty proceed with the operation, both due to functional health problems and for aesthetic reasons, in a ratio of about 50-50. In the population of patients undergoing rhinoplasty for health reasons, the ratio of men to women is about the same, while in the population that undergoes rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons women predominate, but with an increasing percentage of men.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common surgeries and millions of men and women resort to it every year. People who undergo rhinoplasty proceed with the operation, both due to functional health problems and for aesthetic reasons, in a ratio of about 50-50. In the population of patients undergoing rhinoplasty for health reasons, the ratio of men to women is about the same, while in the population that undergoes rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons, women predominate, but with an increasing percentage of men.
But first let’s look at the aesthetic part of rhinoplasty. It is an indisputable fact that the shape and size of the nose is a crucial element for the appearance of a person’s face. The nose is essentially a vertical axis around which the other features are placed symmetrically. This practically means that the slightest change in the appearance of the nose can greatly change the overall image of the face. The goal of rhinoplasty is to improve the appearance and proportions of the nose, so that there is perfect harmony with the rest of the face. Rhinoplasty can also correct deformities that may be due to injury, as well as congenital malformations. Rhinoplasty helps to improve the appearance, increases the self-confidence and self-esteem of the person and ultimately contributes to the good mental health of the patient, especially in cases where any deformity significantly concerns the individual.
But rhinoplasty, in addition to aesthetics, can also be functional, with the aim of correcting problems with the diaphragm or breathing. After a successful rhinoplasty, the nasal function is greatly improved and the patient acquires a normal breath through the nose. The latter is necessary for proper inhalation, and therefore oxygenation, the avoidance of snoring and shortness of breath mainly during ; sleep, as well as the avoidance of “sleep apnea” attacks, ie cessation of breathing during sleep. This avoids straining other systems, such as the cardiovascular or respiratory systems. Functional rhinoplasty also improves the very important function of protection, filtration and purification of the air offered by the nose, as it is the “conditioner” of the body. Also, the attacks of sinusitis and otitis are reduced or even disappear, after the good patency of the nasal cavities. The end result of improving all these parameters, is the person to breathe better, feel greater well-being and gain greater endurance in his daily activities.
Rhinoplasty is performed on people around over 18 years of age, so thatnose shaping is complete. The candidate must have realistic expectations and in no case try to look like a modern model of beauty. The rhinosurgeon must individualize each case, as each person is unique, with a special structure and on this structure each intervention must be planned. This practically means that small changes must be made to the shape and volume of the nose, so that there is symmetry and harmony with the dorsal aesthetic lines of the face. The face should look natural and not “teased” and in no case should the nose be recognized as operated.
One or two appointments should be made before the operation, so that the surgeon can explain in detail to the patient the goals of the operation, the possibilities that exist and the postoperative course.
In these meetings photos are also taken and in collaboration with the interested party the the appropriate processing is done so that it has a picture of the desired result. Preoperatively, a complete hematology and laboratory test is performed, while the person must stop smoking several days before the operation. The surgeon also discusses in detail with the patient the type of anesthesia to be administered.
The operation usually lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The most modern and non-traumatic rhinoplasty technique is applied. According to this method, the rhinoplasty is performed through incisions located inside the nose and through these incisions the skin is partially detached so that there is access to the skeleton of the nose. After exposing the cartilaginous and bony skeleton of the nose, the surgeon proceeds with the necessary modifications as appropriate. The surgeon usually removes cartilage, but sometimes you may need to add cartilage sections. These may have been removed from some parts of the nose where reduction was needed, or they may have been removed from the cartilage of the diaphragm or the cartilage of the ear (without of course changing the external shape of the ear). In some cases (and only if absolutely necessary) special implants from bio-materials can be used. The doctor can then proceed to correct and restore the diaphragm, in cases where there is deformity or deviation in the diaphragm (diaphragmatic surgery). In the final stage, the incisions are converged with absorbable sutures, while at this stage changes can be made in the nostrils if required. At the end, small tampons are placed inside the nose and a splint on the nose.
Most people can leave the hospital in the afternoon of the same day, while others may stay overnight for postoperative follow-up. The person does not feel pain, but only a slight initial discomfort in breathing. It is generally a painless operation without postoperativecomplications, postoperative edema or bruises, given of course that the surgeon performing the operation is a specially trained, specialized and highly experienced rhinosurgeon. The splint is removed after about 10 days, while the patient can return to work after about 1 week.