The image of having your nose broken during rhinoplasty surgery can conjure up a lot of fear and trepidation and possibly deter you from undergoing a life-changing transformation. The truth is, there are many different techniques used during nose surgery and your plastic surgeon will choose the best solution for your unique goals and anatomy. Below we will explore this idea of “breaking” the nose during surgery and find out what it really means.
Understanding osteotomy
Osteotomy is a technique used during rhinoplasty to reshape the nasal bridge. It involves sharp, precision cuts to certain bones in the nose and then the repositioning of these bones to ensure the bridge’s structural integrity. While this is a common, safe approach in the hands of an experienced, credentialed surgeon, some people mistakenly think of this process as forcefully “breaking” the nose. Osteotomy is not reckless; rather it is a controlled mechanism of achieving greater symmetry and balance in the nose. Since patients are unconscious during surgery, they do not experience any pain, anxiety, or alarm during osteotomy.
Who is a good candidate for osteotomy?
Cutting the nasal bones is not necessary for every patient. However, it may be called for under the following circumstances:
- When the nose is crooked, usually as a side effect of trauma
- When the bridge has a pronounced nasal hump
In order to correct these concerns, a plastic surgeon sometimes creates a gap in the nasal bridge that must be addressed. Osteotomy decreases this gap, narrowing the nasal bridge and protecting the inner structures of the nose from harm.
For patients whose main focus of improvement is on the nasal tip or the nostrils, there is no need to alter the bones in the bridge – although the cartilage in the nose may be refined.
Is recovery more painful when osteotomy has been performed?
During surgery, patients are asleep, so they do not feel any pain or discomfort. After surgery, there can be slightly more swelling and bruising than normal if the nasal bridge bones have been cut. However, this does not significantly affect the overall recovery timeline. Patients receive detailed aftercare plans so their expectations for recovery are personalized.
What are some ways to speed up recovery after osteotomy?
After rhinoplasty, it’s imperative that you closely follow your surgeon’s instructions and aftercare plan. Your nose may be dressed with nasal taping, which helps to minimize swelling, bruising, and bleeding. This can help to minimize residual swelling. Remember that minor swelling can persist for up to one year, so it’s best not to judge your results too soon.
Conclusion
The expression “breaking the nose” calls up a bloody, violent and reckless image that couldn’t be further from what actually happens during rhinoplasty. Nose surgery calls for very calm, precise actions performed by an experienced and conservative rhinoplasty expert who knows exactly how to cut the nasal bones in order to produce a balanced and beautiful result. Don’t let the fear of osteotomy keep you from exploring your options when it comes to nose surgery. The procedure has a high satisfaction rate and can help you to enjoy a much more positive and confident self-image. Contact Weber Facial Plastic Surgery to find out more about nose surgery.