Rhinoplasty Recovery and Scar Care
Posted April 2020 by Biodermis
A rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is the process of reshaping or restructuring the nose to create aesthetically pleasing features or to correct structural abnormalities. For people who wish to enhance facial harmony or restore alignment to their nose, a cosmetic rhinoplasty may be the perfect solution. Others who have difficulty breathing through their nostrils because of structural defects, a reconstructive rhinoplasty can bring much needed respiratory relief. Rhinoplasties are often used to correct nose width at the bridge, narrowness or wideness of the nostrils, a nose profile with visible humps or depressions, a bulbous nasal tip, and a drooping, upturned, or hooked nose. Some of these procedures, depending on the technique of the surgeon, can leave a small but visible scar on the nose.
Continue reading to learn more about rhinoplasties and what you can do to reduce subsequent scarring.
People who decide to go through with a rhinoplasty procedure often have concerns regarding the steps of the surgery from start to finish. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a rhinoplasty includes the following steps.
Step 1: Anesthesia
Anesthesia involves medications that are administered to provide patients with comfort during the surgical process. Anesthesia can include local or general anesthesia. General anesthesia means you will be asleep during the entirety of the procedure. Your surgeon will decide which is best for your specific surgery type.
Step 2: Surgical incision
While incisions for rhinoplasties are much smaller than for other surgical procedures, it’s still good to know what you’re getting yourself into. The incision will either be performed as a closed procedure where the incision site is hidden inside of the nose, or an open procedure, where the incision is made along the columella, the thin strip of tissue between the nostrils.
Step 3: Restructuring the nose
Whether a nose is overly large or too thin and narrow, there will be some restructuring involved. A large nose may be reduced by the excision of bone or cartilage. In some cases, a nose may require the addition of cartilage grafts—from the septum, the middle of the nose, the ear and, on rare occasions, the rib.
Step 4: Correcting a deviated septum
A deviated septum can be straightened and any obstructions inside removed to improve breathing and quality of life for the patient.
Step 5: Closing the incision
Once the procedure is completed and the surgeon has sculpted the nose to the patient’s desired shape, the separated tissue will be sutured together with stitches. Dissolvable stitches are commonly used for rhinoplasties and generally take about one to two weeks to dissolve.
Silicone gel sheeting emerged over 30 years ago as an effective topical solution for the reduction and prevention of keloids and hypertrophic scar formations. With a number of clinical studies to support the efficacy of medical grade silicone, it is often the first line of defense recommended by surgeons and dermatologists around the world. A variety of options are available online to prevent abnormal scarring from surgery or injury. Epi-Derm Silicone Gel Sheets come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors, and Pro-Sil is the only patented silicone scar stick on the market today.
Continue reading to learn more about rhinoplasties and what you can do to reduce subsequent scarring.
Rhinoplasty cost and procedure
The average cost of rhinoplasty in the US is $5,350 according to plasticsurgery.org. It’s important to note, however, that this does not factor in the entire cost of the procedure, including anesthesia, prescription medications, medical tests, and operating room expenses. Fees can also depend on the doctor’s experience, the specific technique used, and the geographic location where the procedure is taking place. Some costs may be covered by insurance if the cause for getting the rhinoplasty is an obstructed airway. If the procedure is purely cosmetic, insurance likely will not cover any costs. It is up to you to find out from your surgeon the cost in its entirety before you opt to get the surgery.
People who decide to go through with a rhinoplasty procedure often have concerns regarding the steps of the surgery from start to finish. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a rhinoplasty includes the following steps.
Step 1: Anesthesia
Anesthesia involves medications that are administered to provide patients with comfort during the surgical process. Anesthesia can include local or general anesthesia. General anesthesia means you will be asleep during the entirety of the procedure. Your surgeon will decide which is best for your specific surgery type.
Step 2: Surgical incision
While incisions for rhinoplasties are much smaller than for other surgical procedures, it’s still good to know what you’re getting yourself into. The incision will either be performed as a closed procedure where the incision site is hidden inside of the nose, or an open procedure, where the incision is made along the columella, the thin strip of tissue between the nostrils.
Step 3: Restructuring the nose
Whether a nose is overly large or too thin and narrow, there will be some restructuring involved. A large nose may be reduced by the excision of bone or cartilage. In some cases, a nose may require the addition of cartilage grafts—from the septum, the middle of the nose, the ear and, on rare occasions, the rib.
Step 4: Correcting a deviated septum
A deviated septum can be straightened and any obstructions inside removed to improve breathing and quality of life for the patient.
Step 5: Closing the incision
Once the procedure is completed and the surgeon has sculpted the nose to the patient’s desired shape, the separated tissue will be sutured together with stitches. Dissolvable stitches are commonly used for rhinoplasties and generally take about one to two weeks to dissolve.
Post-operative scar management
To reduce the complications of scarring from a rhinoplasty, silicone gel sheeting or silicone ointments should be applied to the affected areas. Topical silicone works through two mechanisms of action: dermal hydration of the scar site and collagen regulation. Wounds need an ideal healing environment, also known as homeostasis, to facilitate healthy scar tissue growth. Silicone gel sheeting allows the user to fully encapsulate the scar site and retain moisture that would otherwise leave the body through transepidermal water loss. This moisture retention in turn normalizes collagen synthesis, which often precipitates uncontrollably when skin is damaged, leading to raised, discolored scar tissue.Silicone gel sheeting emerged over 30 years ago as an effective topical solution for the reduction and prevention of keloids and hypertrophic scar formations. With a number of clinical studies to support the efficacy of medical grade silicone, it is often the first line of defense recommended by surgeons and dermatologists around the world. A variety of options are available online to prevent abnormal scarring from surgery or injury. Epi-Derm Silicone Gel Sheets come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors, and Pro-Sil is the only patented silicone scar stick on the market today.
Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: REFER OR RESELL?
Biodermis offers custom tailored referral programs designed to simplify and reduce the cost of your patients' post-op care. Additionally, we offer professional pricing if you opt to retail our products. Give us a call at 800.322.3729, and we will be happy to provide additional details on these programs.