Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of the nose. The motivation for rhinoplasty may be to change the appearance of the nose, improve breathing or both.

History

The first known rhinoplasty procedures were carried out in ancient India by the Ayurvedic physician Sushruta, who described the procedure in his work the Sushruta Samhita. The procedure was carried out by cutting the skin of the nose and shaping it using leaf-shaped flaps from the cheek.

Types of Rhinoplasty

There are several types of rhinoplasty procedures, including:

• Reduction Rhinoplasty: This is the most common type of rhinoplasty and involves the removal of bone and cartilage to reduce the size of the nose.
• Augmentation Rhinoplasty: This procedure involves the addition of bone or cartilage to increase the size or change the shape of the nose.
• Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty: This procedure is performed to correct trauma to the nose, such as a broken nose.
• Reconstructive Rhinoplasty: This procedure is performed to restore the function and appearance of the nose after trauma or disease.

Procedure

Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes one to two hours, but may take longer in complex cases. The skin of the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage, which are then reshaped. The skin is then redraped over the new framework.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with rhinoplasty. These include infection, bleeding, and reactions to anesthesia. Specific complications related to rhinoplasty include difficulty breathing through the nose, numbness, pain, scarring, and dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result.

See Also

• Plastic surgery
• Septoplasty
• Otoplasty

Rhinoplasty Resources
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