Our Summary

This research paper discusses the benefits of minimally invasive surgery techniques for rhinoplasty, or nose jobs. Minimally invasive surgery involves making smaller incisions, causing less damage to tissue, and using endoscopic techniques when possible. The paper looks at these techniques in rhinoplasty in light of recent publications.

The nose is made up of around 60% soft tissue and 40% skeletal elements. Any surgery will cause some damage to these tissues through things like incisions, heat, and other factors. The paper talks about how the extent of the approach and how much tissue is undermined can help determine how minimally invasive a technique is.

The research found that several techniques best met the criteria for minimally invasive surgery. These included a single incision endonasal approach, a subperichondrial and subperiosteal septal plane, a supraperichondrial plane over the cartilaginous dorsum, and limited dorsal undermining with endoscopic visualization when possible, among others.

In simpler terms, this means that the researchers identified a number of techniques that involve fewer incisions, less disturbance of the tissue, and smaller changes to the nose’s structure.

The paper also suggests a classification system for how minimally invasive different rhinoplasty techniques are, which could be used as a basis for further discussion in the field.

FAQs

  1. What is minimally invasive surgery and how is it applied in rhinoplasty?
  2. What techniques were identified in the research as being the most minimally invasive for rhinoplasty?
  3. What is the suggested classification system for minimally invasive rhinoplasty techniques?

Doctor’s Tip

Overall, a doctor might advise a patient considering rhinoplasty to discuss with their surgeon the different minimally invasive techniques available and how they can benefit from them. It’s important to understand the potential benefits and risks of each technique in order to make an informed decision about the surgery.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are looking for subtle changes to their nose, such as minor reshaping or refinement, are typically recommended for minimally invasive rhinoplasty. This approach is ideal for patients who want to improve the appearance of their nose without drastically altering their facial features. Additionally, patients who are concerned about scarring, recovery time, and potential complications may also benefit from minimally invasive rhinoplasty techniques.

However, it is important to note that not all patients are suitable candidates for minimally invasive rhinoplasty. Patients with more complex nasal deformities or structural issues may require a more extensive surgical approach to achieve the desired results. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for their individual needs.

Timeline

Before rhinoplasty:

  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations
  2. Pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine candidacy for surgery
  3. Decision-making process regarding the specific technique and approach to be used
  4. Pre-operative instructions such as avoiding certain medications and alcohol, and quitting smoking
  5. Surgical appointment scheduled

After rhinoplasty:

  1. Recovery period with potential discomfort, swelling, and bruising
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress
  3. Potential need for pain medication and antibiotics
  4. Restrictions on physical activities and certain movements to prevent complications
  5. Gradual return to normal activities and daily routine
  6. Final results of the surgery visible after several weeks to months

Overall, the timeline for a patient before and after rhinoplasty involves careful planning, preparation, and monitoring to ensure a successful outcome and satisfactory results.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient may want to ask their doctor about rhinoplasty, especially in relation to minimally invasive techniques, could include:

  1. What specific techniques do you use for rhinoplasty, and how minimally invasive are they?
  2. How do these minimally invasive techniques impact the recovery time and potential risks associated with the surgery?
  3. Can you provide before and after photos of patients who have undergone rhinoplasty using these minimally invasive techniques?
  4. Are there any limitations to what can be achieved with a minimally invasive approach compared to traditional rhinoplasty?
  5. How experienced are you in performing rhinoplasty using minimally invasive techniques?
  6. What is the typical timeline for seeing results from rhinoplasty using these techniques?
  7. How do you determine if a patient is a good candidate for minimally invasive rhinoplasty versus traditional rhinoplasty?
  8. Are there any additional costs associated with choosing a minimally invasive approach for rhinoplasty?
  9. What kind of follow-up care will be needed after rhinoplasty using these techniques?
  10. Can you provide information on the potential long-term outcomes and satisfaction rates of patients who have undergone rhinoplasty with minimally invasive techniques?

Reference

Authors: Gassner HG, Magdum AA, Tasman AJ. Journal: Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020 Aug;28(4):218-227. doi: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000639. PMID: 32628415