Nasal limitation (blocked nose) is a common problem and can be due to a number of reasons such as -
- Deviation of the nasal septum inside the nose.
- A crooked external nasal bone.
- Collapse of the external nasal sidewall.
- Swelling of the mucosa or lining from allergies.
- Turbinate hyperbaric enlargement
- Polyps or Tumours
- Enlarged adenoids in children.
A blocked nose can contribute to snoring, Obstructive Breathing Disorder and Sinusitis.
Surgery to correct or improve the nasal airway due to deviation of the septum is called
Septoplasty or
Septal Reconstruction.
Surgery to correct a crooked or collapsed nose is called
Rhinoplasty. The procedure is called
functional rhinoplasty if the aim is to improve breathing and
cosmetic rhinoplasty to improve the appearance.
Quite often these two procedures are performed together -
Septorhinoplasty.
Nothing has a greater impact on how a person looks and feels than the size and shape of the nose and the ability to breathe. Because the nose is the most defining characteristic of the face, a slight alteration can greatly improve one's appearance. Dr Pham frequently performs
cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional septoplasty together to give the optimum outcome.
Rhinoplasty Techniques
Dr Pham specialises in Rhinoplasty using well proven up to date techniques. Dr Pham is recognised as one of the most experienced nasal aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons in Western Australia. This procedure can:
- Change the size or shape of your nose
- Remove an unwanted hump
- Alter the shape of the tip or bridge of your nose
- Narrow or expand the width of your nostrils.
- Improve symmetry
- Change the angle between your nose and upper lip
- Improve breathing
If you have ever wondered how nose surgery could improve your looks, self-confidence, or health, you need to know how rhinoplasty is performed and what you can realistically expect. The goal is to improve your nose aesthetically and create a harmonious effect with your other facial features.
Understanding the Procedure
Incisions are frequently made on the inside of the nose, although external excisions may be required to make the nostrils smaller, or for added exposure. Nasal operations are usually performed under general anaesthesia. A small cast will be applied to the nose for the first week and most of the swelling will be gone by the time the cast is removed. 80% of the swelling has improved at 6 weeks, 90% at 3 months and 95% at 6 months. The final cosmetic result is not achieved until 12 months to two years after the operation when the skin has reformed to its new framework.
The definition of rhinoplasty is, literally, shaping the nose. First the nose is carefully assessed and a surgical plan is formulated to achieve the desired outcome. Incisions are made and the bone and cartilage support system of the nose is accessed. The majority of incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. In some cases, an incision is made in the columella (area of skin separating the nostrils) or the ala if reduction of flared nostrils is required. These scars heal very well and are hardly visible after a few months. Next, certain amounts of underlying bone and cartilage are removed, added to, or rearranged to provide a newly shaped structure. For example, when the tip of the nose is too large, the surgeon can sculpt the cartilage in this area to reduce it in size. The angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip can be altered for a more youthful look or to correct a distortion.
The tissues are then redraped over the new frame and the incisions are closed. A splint is applied to the outside of the nose to help retain the new shape while the nose heals. Soft, absorbent material may be used inside the nose to maintain stability along the dividing wall of the air passages (the septum). Alternatively, soft nasal supports that permit nasal breathing post-operatively can be placed. The majority of rhinoplasty procedures last for one to two hours. Some complex cases take longer.
Before deciding on rhinoplasty, Dr Pham may advise if any additional surgery is recommended to enhance the appearance of your face. Many patients have a
chin augmentation in conjunction with rhinoplasty to create better balanced features. Rhinoplasty can be combined with other types of rejuvenation surgery such as
blepharoplasty,
brow lift or
facelift.
Rhinoplasty in Teenager
Skin type, ethnic background, and age are important factors to be considered in discussions with Dr Pham prior to surgery. Before your nose is altered, you must have reached full growth, which is usually around fifteen to sixteen years for females and sixteen to seventeen years for males. Exceptions are made in cases where breathing is severely impaired.