Introduction

Some choose a nose reshaping procedure only for aesthetic reasons while others need it due to improper breathing resulting from the appearance of the nasal septum. The surgical intervention is also known as rhinoplasty and is one of the most preferred in the world. Although changes in appearance are important, they affect a person’s self-confidence and attitude towards themselves only when the changes become permanent. The shape of the nose, as part of the face, affects personal comfort and social adaptation. In this paper, the reasons for intervening in the structure of the nose, the techniques used during the intervention, the possible consequences, and contraindications will be discussed.

The Nature of External Deformities of the Nose

Deformities of the nose structure can occur naturally or as a result of an injury or previous interventions. Several examples of the changes that can be dealt with during a rhinoplasty include dorsal hump, duplicated sides, wide openings of the nostrils, abnormal rounding of the nasal tip, depressions of the nose bridge, and a drooping nose.

A dorsal hump presents an irregularity on the nasal root that disrupts the harmonious layout of the face. The form of the nose is considered attractive only when the shape is consistent on both sides. When one side is prominent, the asymmetry becomes noticeable, and rhinoplasty can fix it. One of the most common complaints is the width of the openings of the nostrils and the extension of the wings. Some people feel uncomfortable when looking in a mirror because the lower edge of the nose is the first to catch the eye. This is because the rounding of the nose tip is overestimated, and a lack of definition at the junction with the upper lip makes it stand out more. When there is not enough tissue for the intended purpose, additional structures are used to give the desired shape. The accumulation of tissues can be observed at the junction with the upper lip, which interferes with the visibility of the fine details.

When the cartilage of the bridge of the nose collapses, a depression is formed in its middle part, creating a scooped appearance. Injuries to the nasal septum can also provoke a drooping of the nose. The deviations of the bridge are most noticeable when viewed from the side, however, the changes in the structure of the nose are usually slow and cannot be noticed immediately.

The Role of Rhinoplasty in the Restoration of the External Part of the Nose

A person may resort to changing the shape of the nose both for functional and aesthetic reasons. The cosmetic procedure is commonly perceived as purely aesthetic, but it also solves airway problems when the structure of the nose is incompatible with its functionality. Sometimes the change of shape involves only the harmonious alignment of the face, but often the rhinoplasty is necessary for health reasons. The transformations can be extensive and affect both the bone and cartilaginous tissues of the nasal septum, but they are all concealed under the skin. Harmonization of appearance is complemented by a change in the functionality of the nose if there are deviations in its structure.

The transformation begins with the preparation of the skin, which also depends on the desired effect. When preparing for a non-functional rhinoplasty, the doctor removes the excess tissues of the nasal septum to change the shape of the bridge of the nose and narrow the nostrils. The correction of the projection or protrusion of the tip is also important for aesthetic reasons. To achieve the desired effect, the surgeon also uses grafts of tissues that have been removed during the procedure. The displacement of the tissues of the nasal septum is accompanied by changes in the position of the nasal tip. Each stage of the intervention is aimed at achieving the desired result, and the alignment of the bridge of the nose is the goal of the procedure.

The harmonious shape of the face requires a balanced location of all its parts, including the nose. Preparations for a functional rhinoplasty also include improving the condition of the skin to reveal it after the sutures are removed. In addition, the correction also affects the inner structure of the nose, which allows not only to shape the face but also to improve the functionality of the airways. The changes in the projection of the nasal tip and the removal of excess tissues for better visibility of the nostrils are performed simultaneously.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

The choice of the surgical method depends on the severity of the case, but, in most cases, a closed or open approach is used. When an open rhinoplasty is used, the incisions are made in such a way that the surgeon has access to the nasal septum. In addition, the scar is not visible after the sutures are removed because the incisions are made along the cleft of the columella. A more extensive dissection of the tissues of the lower part of the nasal septum is performed in the open rhinoplasty, which allows a more reliable correction of the projection of the nasal tip.

During the procedure, the patient is under general anesthesia, and the anesthesiologist constantly monitors the state of health, since losing consciousness is a dangerous procedure. However, after the surgeon has finished working, the patient will be comfortable and free of pain due to the administered gas. The entire procedure is irreversible, and the doctor must be extremely careful when choosing the method and performing individual manipulations.

Depending on the stage of preparation, the surgeon can choose between closed and open rhinoplasty to access the desired tissues. Sometimes the choice is based on individual characteristics, and sometimes on the doctor’s experience and the available equipment.

Once the preparation for intervention is completed with all the necessary dissections, the doctor individually adjusts the position of the nose and its tissues to achieve the desired result. The formation of desired folds is performed using tissues obtained from other parts of the body.

The functional rhinoplasty also includes working on the inside of the nasal septum, since the change in its structure affects both the appearance and the functionality of the nose. The deviation of tissues toward the middle of the face narrows the airway and requires a specialist to expand it during the intervention. The removal of tissues from the sides of the septum, which also narrows the airway, is also performed with a view to achieving the desired result. A slight expansion of the upper openings of the nostrils also helps to relieve the airways.

After the surgeon has finished working on individual problem areas, the wounds are sutured and secured with special splints. In addition, the doctor puts bandages in the nose, which prevent the displacement of the tissues.

Improving the Aesthetic Aspects of the Shape of the Nose by Changing Its Structure

The change in the shape of the nose allows it to harmoniously fit into the structure of the face and become more aesthetically pleasing. Aesthetic improvements are made precisely to the shape of the nose and adjacent structures so that the entire facial structure can be seen as a whole. Harmonious proportions make a person look calmer and more confident, which radiates from the inside. When a person loves their appearance and does not have any problems with their appearance, they are calmer and more self-confident in communication. This is especially noticeable in those moments when a person looks in the mirror and, instead of finding shortcomings, finds motivations for changing their habits.

The improvement under the influence of a cosmetic procedure also affects the functionality of the nose and extends the airways. The preparation of the nasal septum during a functional rhinoplasty allows the air to pass freely, which reduces discomfort during sleep and associated health problems.

A nose, which was born defective or received its shape as a result of an injury, receives an opportunity to look better. Sometimes the change of shape is dictated not only by aesthetic reasons but also by functionality, since the airway may be narrowed. Harmonious dimensions of the face are achieved through changes in the shape of the nose, which also extends the airway. When the surgeon individually selects the method of working and the choice of tissues for transplant, the postoperative period is minimally uncomfortable. The changes that have been made become permanent if the recovery is properly cared for under the supervision of a doctor.

The Risks and Considerations Involved in Such Surgeries

Every intervention is associated with some risks, the extent of which is determined individually for each patient. Complications can arise both in the postoperative period and during the intervention itself, and some of them are considered rare. A person who has complications with the anesthesia can have postoperative swelling for several weeks. In addition, after discharge from the hospital, the patient may need to contact the clinic to remove stitches and treat possible bleeding. Although complications such as infection or unfavorable healing are unlikely, they cannot be completely excluded. The state of the nasal septum after the intervention differs depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, and there are also cases when a person cannot get used to the new shape of the nose. A rhinoplasty requires a long rehabilitation period, which can be uncomfortable for a person who has already returned to normal life after the operation.

Infections after the removal of stitches are not a frequent consequence after a rhinoplasty and are considered normal in the first few days after the operation. However, a person should contact a healthcare provider if they suspect that the healing process is proceeding unfavorably.

The presence of scars after an intervention in the nasal area is not characteristic of all rhinoplasty methods and is minimized when the surgeon has extensive experience. Although the wound after the procedure is sore, the shape of the nose after rhinoplasty rarely changes significantly due to unfavorable healing. However, the individual course of the postoperative period prevents drawing any conclusions only from the features of the first days after the operation. One of the most common complications is a temporary narrowing of the nasal passages, which occurs because the tissues reacted too strongly to the intervention.

Sometimes a second intervention may be necessary to correct the shape of the nose if, after the rehabilitation period, the patient has not noticed any changes. The rhinoplasty, performed with a view to improving the appearance, has many nuances in its implementation, and the slightest deviation from them can worsen the already favorable effect. Patients who have opted for a repeat procedure can eliminate many of the discomforts characteristic of the first intervention. The individual assessment of the doctor and the selection of a less traumatic method also reduces the risks associated with the intervention. However, the postoperative period after the second intervention is still more comfortable for the patient who has already had such a procedure.

Conclusion

A nose reshaping procedure is most often used when a person is faced with the need for aesthetic or functional rhinoplasty. Although some pay more attention to the importance of the nose shape on the appearance, others resort to changing the structure to ease the airways. A consultation with a qualified specialist allows an individual to clarify many questions regarding postoperative changes to their appearance. Individual perception of the consequences of the intervention and the recovery after it are two factors that determine the positive outcome of the intervention for a particular patient. A planned and precise adjustment of the shape of the nose allows changing the harmonious proportions of the face, which, in turn, increases self-confidence.