Source: Interview published in  “En Boga”

 

Rhinoplasty, or plastic surgery of the nose, is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the form of the tip of the nose of the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip. It also can correct birth defects or an injury, or can help respiratory problems

Rhinoplasty can improve your appearance and self-confidence, but, perhaps you will not reach your ideal appearance, and it can not make people treat you differently. “My advice to my patients is that they should think carefully about their expectations, and we talk them over”, the specialist tells us. The best candidates for rhinoplasty are the persons who wish to improve their appearance, not to make it perfect. If you are in good health, physically and mentally, if your expectations are realistic, then you could be a good candidate.

 

 

Age also should be considered. In preference teenagers between 13 and 15 are not operated, not until they are fully grown.  About 14-15 years old for girls and a little more for boys. For adolescents it is also important to consider social and emotional adjustment, the operation should be something they wish to have done, not their parents.

 

Dr. Patiño comments: “Having a good communication with the patient is very important. “During the first visit, I ask what appearance he desires his nose to have, I evaluate the structure of the nose and the face, and I talk to the patient about the possibilities. I also explain about the factors that can influence in the procedure and the results. These factors could be the structure of cartilages and bones of your nose, the shape of the face, the thickness of the skin, your age and your expectations”.

 

 “I also explain the techniques and anesthesia to be used, where the procedure is performed, the costs, and any other information the patient needs to know”.

 

PREPARING FOR SURGERY

“I give them very specific instructions of how to prepare for surgery, including some suggestions about what to eat and drink, about smoking, also vitamins and what medication you should or should not take, and about how to wash your face”, the doctor tells us. If you follow these instructions carefully you will help to have a more effective surgery and without obstacles. As you prepare for the surgery make sure to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards and someone to help you for some days, if necessary. 

 

 

TYPES OF ANESTHESIA

Rhinoplasty can be performed with local or general anesthesia, it depends of the degree of the procedure, and it also depends on what you and the surgeon prefer.

 

With local anesthesia you are slightly sedated, numbing your nose and the area next to it; you will be awake during the procedure, even though you will be relaxed and insensible to pain. With general anesthesia you will be asleep during the whole procedure.

 

THE SURGERY

Generally rhinoplasty takes from 1 to 2 hours, although some more difficult procedures can take longer.

 

During the surgery, skin from the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage structure on which it rests, which is then sculptured in the desired form. The nature of the new form depends on your problem and the techniques your surgeon prefers. Finally, the skin is now placed over the new structure.

 

At the end of the surgery the doctor puts a splint over the nose to help it keep its new shape. Also some nasal fillings or soft plastic splints will be introduced in your nostrils, to stabilize the bridge, which is the wall that separates the respiratory passages