Augmentation rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery performed to increase the size of specific parts of a person’s nose to give it a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The procedure, among others, can add height to the nose bridge or alter the shape of the nasal tip to increase its projection. The cosmetic surgeon has two options in performing augmentation rhinoplasty — open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty. The choice of procedure will be based by the cosmetic surgeon on the nose job that a patient wants.
Open rhinoplasty entails incisions on the external part of the nose. This procedure gives a cosmetic surgeon better access to the bone of the nose and its cartilage. It takes a longer time to perform and leaves a small scar upon healing. In closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, a cosmetic surgeon does the incisions inside the nostril, providing him or her with less liberty to access the nose parts targeted for augmentation. This procedure, however, spares a person from having a visible scar.
The implant materials used in augmentation rhinoplasty can either be autologous grafts or nonautologous grafts. Autologous grafts are implant materials harvested from the person’s body. They are cartilage grafts from the ear, ribs, or septum and bone grafts coming from a rib, leg, or hip. Nonautologous are synthetic forms of implant materials. Medical-grade silicone, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), and porous polyethylene are among the artificial sources of implant materials.
There are some contraindications in augmentation rhinoplasty. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and anticoagulants as well as herbal supplements must be avoided prior to the implant procedure. Nonautologous graft materials that will cause allergies to the person undergoing the implant procedure should likewise be avoided. A medical condition that will compromise the person’s safety during the surgery is considered a contraindication of augmentation rhinoplasty; thus he or she should not be allowed to undergo the procedure.
Post-operative discomforts will be felt after augmentation rhinoplasty due to swelling in the face. The swelling will be gone in a few weeks, but stiffness and numbness on the nose will begin to be felt. The numbness will be gone after a few months but the stiffness will probably be permanent. The person is likely to shy away from other people because of the swelling and particularly if a splint is put on the nose as a protective cover during the healing period.
A person planning to go through augmentation rhinoplasty must bear in mind that the procedure has technical limitations that preclude a perfect change to the desired appearance after surgery. He or she must consult his or her cosmetic surgeon for proper guidance before deciding to continue with the procedure. The surgeon will be able to give professional advice on the nose alteration options.