Restores the functional and aesthetic appearance of the nose after an injury or surgery for cancer of the skin of the nose
In addition to its prominent aesthetic function as the most prominent feature on one’s face, the nose also has a significant functional importance because it plays an important role in breathing.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that is applied with the aim of restoring the functionality and aesthetics of the nose after injuries, birth defects, diseases, treatment of tumors or other medical conditions.
Nasal damage caused by skin tumors is one of the main causes for which reconstructive rhinoplasty is performed. The nose is one of the most common sites of skin cancer on the face.
Reasons for undergoing the procedure include an unsatisfactory appearance of the nose, a nose that does not “fit the face” either due to genetics, injury or disease which can greatly affect the overall appearance and self-confidence.
It is also performed to correct certain breathing problems that have existed since before or are the result of trauma or surgery for cancer of the skin of the nose.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty is usually performed with septal reconstruction – straightening or reshaping the central cartilage and the inner bony frame of the nose.
This surgical procedure requires great skill from the surgeon because every nose is different, and the anatomy varies from patient to patient, especially after trauma or previous surgery. As anatomy varies, so do the techniques used for reconstruction.
In order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing and functional nose, special attention is paid to the reconstruction of the shape of the nose and the function of the respiratory tract.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty is known as one of the most challenging procedures in facial plastic surgery. Nose surgery requires attention to detail and precision in execution, making it a highly specialized field.
In order for reconstructive rhinoplasty to be successful and meet the patient’s expectations, our plastic surgeons carry out detailed preoperative preparation.
During the consultation before the surgery, they will carefully go through all the stages of the procedure with you and talk through your reasons for surgery and what you hope to achieve of reconstructive rhinoplasty.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed and most demanding surgeries in otorhinolaryngology. As a prominent feature of the face, the nose is a composite structure made up of skin, mucous membranes, cartilage, muscle subcutaneous tissue, septum and bone structures.
All components of the nose must be restored appropriately during reconstructive rhinoplasty to ensure aesthetic and functional reconstruction.
The overall goal of nose reconstruction is to restore or improve the shape and function of the nose.
There are a number of causes of nasal abnormalities:
Deformities of the nasal septum or septum are common deformities that in a large number of cases cause functional disorders, primarily breathing disorders. In addition, they also cause aesthetic disorders that can affect the patient’s self-confidence and quality of life.
Deformities of the nasal septum can be in its bony as well as cartilaginous part.
During reconstructive rhinoplasty, reconstruction of the nasal septum or septoplasty may be performed. Reconstruction of the nasal septum can range from a somewhat simpler shaping to complete remodeling and reconstruction of cartilage, when necessary.
The shape of the nose can be altered as a result of trauma, genetic factors, or disease. A disorder of the external shape of the nose can also be corrected during reconstructive rhinoplasty by performing a reconstruction of the nasal pyramid.
This procedure improves the nasal skeleton and soft tissues, as well as a harmonious position of the nose in relation to the rest of the face.
The type of surgery that will be needed depends on the size and location of the deformity, the patient’s general physical condition and their expectations from the procedure.
Our surgeons use surgical techniques that preserve the structure of the nose with minimal excision of supporting tissues.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty enables patients to functionally and aesthetically correct the appearance of the nose, which corrects possible breathing difficulties and achieves a harmonious appearance.
The advantages of the procedure are:
Detailed preparation before surgery is a crucial step for successful reconstructive rhinoplasty. Preparation for the procedure consists of consultations with our plastic surgeon, physical examination and development of a surgical procedure plan in cooperation with the patient.
During the consultation, our plastic surgeon will talk to you about functional and aesthetic difficulties related to the appearance of the nose. It is necessary to clearly and in detail state all breathing difficulties and what your expectations are from the procedure, as well as the motivation for the procedure.
Before reconstructive rhinoplasty, the surgeon will explain in detail the procedure of surgery, duration, methods of anesthesia, possible complications, postoperative course and care after surgery.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, according to the standard protocol, you will be referred for the necessary laboratory tests and anesthesiological examination.
If you have allergies or are taking regular therapy, it is necessary to inform the doctor about this, as well as about previously performed surgeries and the like.
The examination before the procedure includes a visual inspection of the condition of the nose, which will determine the status of the nose in correlation with the rest of the face. Special attention will be paid to the existence of abnormalities in the position and appearance of the nose.
They will examine key nasal structures and the quality of the skin. This is followed by an internal inspection to determine the condition of the cartilage during inhalation, the degree of deviation of the nasal septum and the condition of the mucous membrane.
The consultation ends with a photo of the nose for comparison before and after the procedure.
Given that the procedure of reconstructive rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, it is necessary to organize transport home and supervision within 24 hours after the procedure.
On the day of surgery, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes. Bring medication to the reception at the polyclinic if you are taking regular therapy and medical documentation.
After admission, our medical staff will accompany you to your room. Your plastic surgeon will talk to you once again about the course of the operation and answer all your questions. You will then be prepared for anesthesia
The procedure is performed through a small external or internal incision on the underside of the nose to access all structures of the nose – cartilage, bones, septum.
Depending on the anatomical structure of the nose and your wishes, the plastic surgeon performs the procedure according to the principles of modern piezo and preservative rhinoplasty.
These techniques allow for greater precision when performing the procedure with less damage to the surrounding tissues, which achieves better results and faster recovery time.
Preservative rhinoplasty is based on preserving the natural structures of the nose as much as possible. This technique reduces the need for tissue removal and transplantation, which can contribute to a more natural appearance and faster recovery.
In case parts of the nasal structures are missing, the plastic surgeon will reconstruct them by adding cartilage, fascia and other necessary structures.
After achieving a new shape of the nose, the skin is sutured and nasal packing is placed to reduce the development of swelling and hematomas. An aluminum patch is placed on the nose itself as an immobilization.
After waking up from anesthesia and complete recovery from the anesthetic, we will return you to the recovery room. Then your family or companion can visit you. If you are feeling well, you can be discharged to home care the same day.
A few hours after the procedure, our medical staff will check your condition and then you will be discharged from the clinic. If necessary, you will spend the night in our polyclinic under the supervision of medical staff.
To avoid bleeding, tampons remain in the nasal cavity after the procedure, and are removed the next day.
In the first 24 hours after reconstructive rhinoplasty, there may be a slight swelling in the periorbital area (along the nose, around the eyes), especially in patients who have thinner skin. The swelling usually disappears spontaneously within a week after the procedure.
Upon completion of reconstructive rhinoplasty, an aluminum patch is placed on the nose to support the structure of the nose in the healing process. A follow-up examination should be performed 7 days after the procedure, and then the nasal splint and stitches are removed.
It is possible to continue with normal daily activities for 10 to 14 days after the procedure, and then you can return to work. Wearing glasses and playing sports is possible about 3 weeks after reconstructive rhinoplasty.
Before reconstructive rhinoplasty, it is necessary to consider the goals and benefits of the procedure in addition to your personal expectations of the outcome. You can discuss all this in detail with the surgeon before the procedure itself to gain insight into the possibilities and results of the procedure.
The most common side effect after reconstructive rhinoplasty is the formation of minor bruises on the periorbital area of the face. They usually disappear within a week after the procedure.
To ensure wound healing and avoid possible bleeding, it is recommended to quit smoking a few weeks before and after reconstructive rhinoplasty.
Pain after surgery depends on the extent of the procedure, but it can be easily solved by taking analgesics.
Other possible complications after reconstructive rhinoplasty occur extremely rarely, and may include:
You will discuss all the issues that concern you with your plastic surgeon before and after the procedure. To ensure that the recovery runs smoothly, it is necessary to follow all the care instructions that you will receive after the surgery in detail.
The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.