Contrary to what some people may think, rhinoplasty is actually a type of surgery that can serve multiple purposes for patients who decide to undergo it. An example of the nose surgery’s purpose is for beautifying the outward aesthetics of the nose and another is more medically inclined, which is to improve the way it works or function. A patient who needs a surgical operation for the nose for it to be able to to function properly may likewise opt to have their nose’s appearance changed in one operation. This is like hitting two birds with one stone.

If you are unhappy with how the way your nose looks or are suffering from medical reasons that may be because of your nose, then read this article for you to find out how rhinoplasty in Singapore can help you.

Aesthetically speaking, each nose differs according to its height, shape, and size. It is common to see a nose with a flat bridge and a flaring or bulbous nose tip among people from Asia or Africa, explains consultant plastic surgeon Dr Shens at Shens Clinic in Singapore. Those from western cultures may have bridges that may not look appealing with its height or have a hump at the centre, too long or strikingly sharp at the tip. Genes or an injury to the nose can cause it to look crooked. The fact that the nose is located at the centre of the face is an obvious reason why it can be easily singled out. A nose that appears to be imbalanced or not aesthetically pleasing can overpower the neighbouring features of the face. Rhinoplasty can address these problems by moulding and adjusting these unpleasant traits that need to be enhanced. 

Functional rhinoplasty is performed on patients who have nasal dysfunctions that affect a person’s ability to breathe properly. Symptoms of these problems include nose congestion, pressure or pain in parts of the face and nasal cavity, and breathing difficulties that can disrupt one’s sleep. In other cases, the nose may have developed abnormal growths or inflammations in the inner parts as a result of allergic reactions ad infections. These growths can also affect breathing as they act as blockers that interrupt the flow of air. Rhinoplasty be a life-changing procedure as an operation can remove these growths and repair the passages in which the air flows through. 

A patient can choose between two kinds of Rhinoplasty: open or closed.

Open rhinoplasty involves cutting the nose open through the columella. By doing this, the internal parts of the nose, such as the cartilages, are easily seen, accessed, and operated on by the doctor handling the surgery. Opposite of this is Closed Rhinoplasty. This operation is carried out without making any incisions outside, but instead every step of the procedure is performed inside the nose. 

Scarring is a common concern among patients, so closed rhinoplasty is best recommended to those who wish for no scars. However, there will be no guarantee that you will be free from other risks, such as bruising and swelling. Along the lines of risks and side effects, expect also to feel pain and discomfort in the days and weeks after the surgery. These can be relieved by pain medications, but remember to only take those that your doctor has prescribed. Bleeding may also happen. While this effect is usual after getting the operation, some patients may encounter heavy bleeding. Instances like this should be brought to the doctor’s attention immediately. 

Your nose will initially look far different from what you have been dreaming it the moment you get wheeled out of the operating room. A splint will be placed around it for support for seven days. It will take some time for it to settle to its final state, so do not panic if it is still not taking shape days or a few weeks following your rhinoplasty. Your nose will thank you as it heals if you avoid doing activities that will require exerting of effort for three weeks max. Wearing of eyeglasses or shades should be skipped as these will put pressure on the nose when worn and may be a reason for concern especially if the nose is still in the healing stage. 

The length of time that is spent on the operating table while your nose is getting fixed depends on the method used for your surgery. Generally, an operation can proceed anywhere from an hour and a half to three full hours. Schedules should be cleared for at least two weeks after you are discharged to go home. These weeks must be spent for rest and healing.  Of the two methods, open Rhinoplasty will demand more time for recuperation.

Surgeons that are licensed and have the expertise and thorough experience in the field of plastic surgery and otolaryngology (ENT) are the medical practitioners you should best approach and book for a consultation with for a rhinoplasty procedure. You can do a quick search on the internet to look for the top doctors in your area or you can ask your close family and friends for referrals. Practice extreme caution when choosing the surgeon who will handle your Rhinoplasty. Go for surgeons who have carried out many successful operations and recent ones, too. 

For your consultation, come prepared on the day of your appointment. 

If you are deciding to schedule a nose job for cosmetic purposes, be ready to discuss with your doctor about the features of your nose that you dislike and would like to change for the better. Remember to keep an open mind. A good surgeon will be able to tell their patient frankly if their desired outcome is farfetched or realistic. 

On the other hand, if you have decided to put yourself under the scalpel in order to alleviate your body’s misery from breathing difficulty, be also prepared with a list of symptoms that you experience over time. 

Apart from these, your doctor will also ask about your medical background and do examinations to ensure that they are able to create the right treatment plan for you.