The majority of surgical procedures performed on the facial region involve rhinoplasty, where changes are made to the size or shape of the nose. There are many different rhinoplasty techniques, one of the popular contemporary approaches being preservation rhinoplasty.
What is Preservation Rhinoplasty?
Preservation rhinoplasty, often preferred for correcting the curved structure on the upper surface of the nose, is typically applied to individuals who have never undergone nasal surgery before. Also known as protective rhinoplasty or composite rhinoplasty, the surgical procedure aims to preserve the nasal structure as much as possible and improve the appearance of the nose without making too many changes. In a standard rhinoplasty procedure, the curved tissue on the upper surface of the nose is removed or trimmed. However, preservation rhinoplasty may involve preserving the tissues beneath the cartilage and bone membrane, avoiding disruption of the nose’s natural structure. This results in a more natural appearance with less surgical intervention.
What Are the Methods of Preservation Rhinoplasty?
Before performing preservation rhinoplasty, the patient’s nasal structure is examined by the surgeon. Aligning the septum not only enhances the aesthetic appearance of the nose but also helps it to function properly. There are two preservation rhinoplasty techniques: let down and push down. Both techniques are performed as closed surgery and take about 2 hours on average. Preservation rhinoplasty is conducted under general anesthesia, aiming to preserve the connective tissues inside the nose. Incisions are made inside the nostrils to adjust the nasal bone and cartilage tissues. Since the incisions are inside the nostrils, there is no visible scar. After the procedure, a splint is placed on the nose, and the patient usually stays in the hospital overnight. The let down technique is applied if the curved structure on the nose surface is more than 3 millimeters, while the push down technique is used if it is less than 3 millimeters. One of the most significant advantages of preservation rhinoplasty is that it preserves nasal structures that support respiratory functions without altering them. Risks such as bruising and swelling that may occur after surgery are minimized. Compared to traditional rhinoplasty procedures, patients may recover faster and experience fewer complications.
Who Can Have Preservation Rhinoplasty?
Preservation rhinoplasty is an ideal choice for those who want to undergo nasal aesthetics for the first time. It can be applied to almost anyone with discomforting nasal shapes such as curved nose, low nasal tip, thick nose, deviated or crooked nasal tip. However, preservation rhinoplasty is generally not recommended for individuals with irregular, asymmetrical, or wide nasal bridges, or those who have previously undergone nasal surgery. It is important for the patient’s suitability for preservation rhinoplasty to be evaluated by an expert aesthetic plastic surgeon.
What to Expect After Preservation Rhinoplasty?
In the first few days after protective nasal aesthetics, applying cold compresses is recommended to reduce the risk of swelling. Resting with the head elevated can help reduce blood pressure as bending the head forward can increase it. Breathing through the nose should be comfortable immediately after surgery. During the first three days, you can take a warm shower without getting water on your face. You should avoid using objects such as glasses that may put pressure on the nasal bones and protect your nose from potential impacts or accidents. If there is no bruising around the nose, there is no problem with exposure to sunlight. You can go swimming three weeks after preservation rhinoplasty.