Nasal surgery, this is what you need to know

Nasal surgery (nose surgery) is one of the plastic surgical procedures designed to improve or modify the shape of the nose. Nasal surgery can be done for health and aesthetic reasons.
Nasal surgery involves modifying the bones and nasal cartilage, improving nose shape and facial harmony. Nasal surgery is also performed to repair damaged nasal fractures and to correct breathing problems caused by abnormal nose shape.

The patient's decision to undergo nose surgery is a very personal matter. Make sure that the patient knows and considers the benefits that can be obtained, as well as the risks and complications that might occur.

 

Indications for nose surgery

Nasal surgery is a plastic surgery procedure that is generally performed with the following conditions:

• To change the size of the nose, reduce the size (reduce the nose) or just zoom in (add the nose).
• Change the shape at the base or over the nose.
• Change the angle between the nose and upper lip.
• Improve nose shape due to birth defects or injuries.
• Helps improve breathing problems.

Nasal Surgery Warning
If nose surgery is performed for aesthetic reasons rather than for health reasons, the patient must wait until the nasal cartilage is fully developed. For women, usually at the age of 15. In men, nasal cartilage can still get older. However, if the nose surgery is done due to respiratory problems, the surgical procedure can be done because the patient is still young.

Nasal surgery should not be performed on patients with the following conditions:

• You have a history of major nose surgeries in the last 9 to 12 months, or several nose surgeries with significant scarring.
• Has unrealistic operational goals.
• Having an unstable mental state
• Suffers from blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia.

Before nose surgery

Before undergoing surgery on the nose, the patient will meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss the reasons and goals to be achieved through nose surgery.

The doctor will also explain in detail the benefits that can be obtained, as well as the risks and complications that may occur after nose surgery. After the discussion phase, the doctor will provide an consent form that will be signed by the patient, to ensure that he understands the procedure and possible risks or complications that may occur.

Then the doctor can do an examination which includes:

• Medical history examination. During this examination, the doctor will request a medical history that includes a history of previous illnesses, other types of surgeries performed and types of drugs taken.
• Physical examination. Through physical examination, the doctor can determine the changes to be made. Nasal structures, such as skin thickness, internal and external conditions, and cartilage resistance at the base or top of the nose, will affect the results. Physical examination is also important in determining the impact of nasal surgery on patient breathing.
• Laboratory examination. The doctor will do a blood test to check the patient's condition, including hemoglobin levels. In general, doctors advise patients to fast at least 8 to 12 hours before drawing blood.
• Photo Nurse or licensed doctor will take photos of the patient's nose from various angles. The surgeon uses computer software to manipulate photographs and display estimates or images of nasal results after surgery. The doctor will also use this photo for evaluation before and after surgery.

Some things to do before nose surgery, including:

• Avoid analgesics containing ibuprofen or aspirin for two weeks before and after surgery. This type of drug can slow the blood clotting process and increase the risk of postoperative bleeding.
• Don't smoke, because smoking can slow down the healing process. Stop smoking 2-3 weeks before and after surgery.
• Patients may experience certain side effects after nose surgery, such as pain, headaches and swelling on the face. As a result, patients are encouraged to ask family members or friends to accompany them during the operation and bring them home.

Nasal surgery procedure

Nasal surgery usually lasts 1 to 2 hours, but sometimes more than 2 hours. This operating procedure includes the following steps:

• Step 1: Anesthesia The type of anesthesia in nasal surgery procedures is adjusted according to the complexity of the operation and the recommendations of the plastic surgeon. There are 2 types of anesthesia that can be used, namely:

1. Local anesthesia with sedation. This type of anesthesia or anesthesia will keep the patient awake during the operation, but remain calm. The doctor will administer sedatives intravenously and inject the anesthetic directly into the nasal tissue.
2. General anesthesia. A type of anesthesia that causes the patient to fall asleep completely. Anesthesia is given through inhalation and injection into the arteries of the hands, neck or chest.

• Step 2: Make an incision. Nose surgery can be done by two methods, namely closed surgery and open surgery. In a closed operation, an incision is made inside the nose. During open surgery, an incision is made in the spine, which is located outside the nose, near the lips and separates the nostrils. With this incision, the skin that covers the nasal bones and cartilage is removed slowly, which helps reshape the structure of the nose.

• Step 3: Remaking the nose structure. This step is usually done on the cartilage in the septum (septum between the nostrils). Plastic surgeons can remove bone and cartilage if the nose is too big, or do cartilage transplantation for a nose that is too small.

• Step 4: Repair the folded septum. If the position of the septum is not in the middle, the surgeon

• Step 5: Close the incision. After the surgeon has finished forming the nose as desired, the skin and nasal tissue are returned to position and the incision is closed.

• Step 6: Completion. Bandages and support will be used during the healing process.

After nose surgery

After surgery, the doctor will place a plastic or metal holder in the nose to help protect and maintain the new nose structure during the healing process.

The doctor will monitor the patient's condition in the recovery room for several hours after surgery. If the patient's condition is stable, he is allowed to return home the next day. However, if the nose surgery procedure is complicated enough, the patient may have to undergo hospital treatment for 1-2 days.

In the first days after anesthesia, patients may have memory problems, slow responses, and problems with understanding. The patient must be accompanied by a family member to help care for him during recovery. Complaints such as pain, headache, nasal swelling, difficulty breathing through the nose, numbness in or around the nose and nosebleeds can occur.

Patients must do several things during the healing process to reduce bleeding and swelling, including:

• Stay in bed, head higher than chest.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as jogging or aerobics, for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
• Avoid smiling or laughing faces.
• Avoid blowing air through the nose.
• Avoid dusty or smoky places.
• Bathe neatly so that the bandages on your nose are not exposed to water.
• Brush your teeth carefully to limit the movement of the upper lip.
• Constipation can cause pressure on the operating area. Eat foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to prevent constipation.
• Avoid wearing shirts, sweaters, or other clothing that should cross your head. Use the button shirt on the front to avoid touching the nose.
• Limit your sodium intake to help deal with swelling.
• Do not compress or put a cold or ice pack on the nose after surgery.
• Take painkillers, such as paracetamol, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Sutures are usually removed 7 days after surgery, unless the patient has stitches that can be absorbed by the body (resorbable sutures). Whereas tampons are usually released after 1-2 weeks.
 

Complications of nasal surgery
Every surgical procedure has a risk of complications. Some complications that patients may experience after nose surgery include:

• Side effects of the drug. Allergic reactions can occur after administration of anesthesia.
• Infection of the surgical wound.
• Damaged blood vessels. Sometimes small blood vessels in the nose can rupture and cause small red spots. These red spots may not affect aesthetics much, but they may be permanent.
• Scar. Open nose surgery can cause scarring or scarring at the base of the nose.
• Reoperation. In some cases, a second surgical procedure may be needed if the nose perforates tearing, to correct minor imperfections of nasal contours that occur after the first intervention or if the patient is not satisfied with the results of the first intervention. surgical.

Nasal surgery can also affect the area around the eyes. The patient may feel numb, swollen, or change color around the eyelid for several weeks. Patients can give cold compresses or ice to remove eyelid swelling.

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