Our Summary

During the 2017 IFOS international congress in Paris, a group of five renowned rhinoplasty experts from around the globe held a roundtable discussion about functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty (nose job for medical or cosmetic reasons). They were asked five predetermined questions to ensure independent answers. The questions asked were about the appropriate age range for getting a nose job, the use of measurements before, during, and after surgery, managing pre-surgery information and computer imaging for patients, when to perform a CT-scan or endoscopic examination before a nose job, and the type of graft or prosthesis used for increasing the size of the nose. This paper is a summary of that discussion, based on the experts’ responses to these questions.

FAQs

  1. What is the appropriate age range for getting a rhinoplasty?
  2. What is the role of measurements and computer imaging in the rhinoplasty process?
  3. When should a CT-scan or endoscopic examination be performed before a rhinoplasty?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about rhinoplasty is to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. It is important to understand that while rhinoplasty can improve the appearance of the nose, it may not always achieve perfection or meet every expectation. Patients should communicate openly with their surgeon about their goals and concerns to ensure they have a clear understanding of what can be realistically achieved through the procedure.

Suitable For

Rhinoplasty is typically recommended for patients who have functional issues with their nose, such as difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum or other structural abnormalities. It is also recommended for patients who are unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of their nose and wish to improve its size, shape, or symmetry. The experts at the IFOS congress emphasized the importance of thorough pre-operative evaluation, including measurements, imaging, and possibly CT-scans or endoscopic examinations, to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients undergoing rhinoplasty. They also discussed the use of grafts or prostheses to increase the size of the nose in certain cases. Overall, rhinoplasty is a versatile procedure that can benefit a wide range of patients, both medically and cosmetically.

Timeline

  • Before rhinoplasty:
  1. Consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss goals and expectations for the surgery.
  2. Physical examination and measurements taken to assess the nose and determine the best approach for surgery.
  3. Potential pre-operative tests such as a CT-scan or endoscopic examination to evaluate the internal structure of the nose.
  4. Discussion of surgical options, potential risks, and recovery process with the surgeon.
  5. Computer imaging may be used to show the patient potential outcomes of the surgery.
  • After rhinoplasty:
  1. Recovery period of 1-2 weeks, during which the patient may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing progress and address any concerns.
  3. Final results may not be fully visible until several months after surgery, as swelling gradually subsides.
  4. Patients may need to avoid strenuous activities and protect their nose from injury during the initial healing period.
  5. Patients may experience improved breathing and/or a more aesthetically pleasing nose shape following the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about rhinoplasty include:

  1. What is the appropriate age range for getting a nose job?
  2. Will measurements be taken before, during, and after surgery?
  3. How will pre-surgery information and computer imaging be used to plan the procedure?
  4. When is it necessary to perform a CT-scan or endoscopic examination before a nose job?
  5. What type of graft or prosthesis will be used if increasing the size of the nose is needed?

Reference

Authors: Albert S, Simon F, Tasman AJ, Chua D, Grigg R, Jaklis A, Wang T, Disant F. Journal: Eur Ann Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Dis. 2018 Feb;135(1S):S55-S57. doi: 10.1016/j.anorl.2017.12.005. Epub 2018 Feb 1. PMID: 29396223