Having a large nose can pose a serious aesthetic defect to the overall appearance of the face of any person. It is normal for such a person to seek medical assistance for correcting such a condition, for very obvious reasons. The large nose problem is in fact very common and can be classified into three broad groups:
(i) Over-projected nose—the nose is too far away from the face.
(ii) Wide nose—the nose is wide at the tip; the nostrils are too big or the bridge (septum) is too large.
(iii) Long nose—a droopy nose.
Rhinoplasty provides effective redress to these situations through different surgical procedures. Rhinoplasty refers to the plastic surgery of the nose (commonly called a “nose job”). It is normally performed in order to reshape the nose. It can be done to correct birth defects or accidental damage (called reconstructive surgery). However, most rhinoplasties are cosmetic in nature; to correct small deformities of the nose that make the whole face appear distorted.
Since nose size reduction involves major alterations to the nose, open rhinoplasty is often performed. This involves making incisions into the thin strip of skin separating the nostrils. The skin of the nose and tissues are lifted off so that the underlying structures become visible (closed rhinoplasty is used for minor interventions).
The process of rhinoplasty usually follows the following steps:
- Consultation—this involves a series of evaluation exercises in which the surgeon identifies the problem and proposes a solution. Photographs of the nose may be taken at various angles. The doctor will certainly try to determine the patient’s expectations regarding the intervention (what type of nose does he really want). This is really crucial because a dissatisfied patient will most certainly request for a revision rhinoplasty which involves additional costs and is much more complicated to perform.
- Anaesthesia —like all major surgical operations, rhinoplasty also necessitates general anaesthesia.
- Incision—either across the skin or inside the nose.
- Reshaping—cartilage can be reduced; excess skin removed, depending on the requirements of the operation.
- Closing the incision.
The recovery process is much longer. Most operations require up to a year for the changes to become fully evident. After the intervention, the nose is stuffed with nasal packing that helps reduce swelling and bleeding. The patient is however unable to breathe through the nose for the first 24 hours. Nasal casts can also be used in some cases to protect the sensitive structure from brisk moves. The procedure can also be painful, but pain can be easily controlled with medication.
Thus, even though long and bothersome, rhinoplasty can effectively provide a solution to large noses.
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