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Is Rhinoplasty Right After Facial Injury?

Is Rhinoplasty Right After Facial Injury

A facial injury can change the shape, structure and function of the nose. May affect the nose causing it to be crooked, flattened or uneven. Some also suffer from nasal blockage and breathing difficulties.

Rhinoplasty in Islamabad can correct certain problems caused by facial trauma. It’s not always done right after an accident, however. Treatment and timing will vary, depending on the type of injury, swelling, breathing issues, and other nasal bones condition. If you have a serious injury to the face or nose, the first and most important step should be to seek medical attention, before moving onto cosmetic surgery.

What is Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty?

Post traumatic rhinoplasty is a nose surgery done to correct damage that resulted from an injury or accident. The procedure can make the nose look better, and help to restore both its structure and breathing function. Trauma to the face can be caused by:

  • Road accidents.
  • Sports injuries.
  • Falls.
  • Physical impact.
  • Workplace accidents.
  • Previous fractures.
  • Cuts or burns.

Facial injuries result in injury to the nasal bones, cartilage or septum. Septum, internal partition between the two nares. If it is displaced, the patient can have persisting breathing problems.

Can “Nose Job” ( Rhinoplasty ) Be Performed Immediately?

Normally, the first step after sustaining significant injury to the facial area is not rhinoplasty. Firstly, it is important to assess for fractures, and control bleeding and exclude injuries to the eyes, brain or other facial structures.

Seeking urgent medical attention is required when patients have uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, loss of consciousness, vision changes, clear fluid from the nose or difficulty breathing.

Closed reduction can be used sometimes to restore a recent fractured nose. This is different from a complete rhinoplasty. Treatment should be done during a suitable time before the bones set improperly.

A swollen nose may make it hard to get a right measurement. The swelling typically subsides after 3 to 14 days and a full checkup may be done then.

When May Rhinoplasty Be Recommended? 

If the nose is injured, it may be possible to have another nose surgery (rhinoplasty) in Islamabad, Pakistan if the nose has healed in an abnormal position or the initial surgery didn’t provide enough relief from the injury. The process can be used to correct:

  • A crooked or displaced nose.
  • A visible bridge depression.
  • An uneven nasal tip.
  • Broad or narrow nostrils (nares).
  • Damaged cartilage.
  • Nasal asymmetry.
  • A post-traumatic hump.
  • A deviated septum.
  • Blocked nasal airflow.

While some require cosmetic surgery of the nose to restore facial balance. Others need a rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty to help restore internal support and breathing.

These two concerns must be considered together by the surgeon. Appearance enhancement without airway protection may result in an undesirable airway function.

What is the Procedure for Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty?

The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia. The surgeon can perform the rhinoplasty procedure using either an open or closed option.

  1. Closed rhinoplasty uses incisions inside the nostrils. 
  2. Open rhinoplasty includes a small incision between the nostrils structures.

When being treated, the surgeon may move the nasal bones, correct the septum, reconstruct or reshape the cartilage that has collapsed. In the event of the injury causing a weakened nose cartilage grafts may be necessary.

All facial injuries are unique. If there were injuries, and the nose has been reconstructed before the trauma then post-traumatic rhinoplasty can be more complicated than a standard cosmetic nose job.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate?

Candidates should be healthy, not a smoker and have realistic expectations. The nose should also be stable to be corrected as planned.

A consultation will involve a check-up of the nose, review of medical history and photographs. X-rays may be taken if complicated facial fractures or internal damage of the face is suspected.

Patients should inform their surgeon of previous injuries, breathing issues, surgeries, medications and health issues. This information is useful in planning a safer treatment for the surgeon.

Recovery After Rhinoplasty:

If you’ve had surgery, a splint might be fitted over your nose. Splints or inner packing can also be applied for reinforcing the repaired structures.

Early recovery may cause swelling, bruising, congestion and mild pain. Typically, many patients require 1 to 2 weeks of lost work or social function.

Patients should keep their head elevated, protect their nose from being pressed and refrain from heavy workouts. Glasses should not be placed on the nose until the surgeon has determined that it is safe.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Rhinoplasty After a Facial Injury:

Post-traumatic rhinoplasty may help with breathing and appearance of the nose, however, patients should inform themselves of the potential limitations.

Advantages  Disadvantages
May improve nasal breathing Swelling can last several months
Corrects a crooked or uneven nose Results vary between patients
Repairs damaged bone and cartilage Infection, bleeding or scarring may occur
Provides long-lasting correction Revision surgery may sometimes be needed

Risks of Rhinoplasty After Injury:

The potential complications are bleeding, infection, scarring, numbness, asymmetry, breathing difficulty and displeasure of the appearance. In rare cases, revision surgery may be necessary in the future. It’s important to follow aftercare guidelines and go to the follow-up appointments. There is no surgeon who can guarantee a symmetry or a certain result.

What Is Rhinoplasty Cost in Islamabad, Pakistan:

In Islamabad, the initial cost of rhinoplasty at Royal Cosmetic Surgery Clinic Islamabad is  PKR 250,000. Specific costs are based on the extent of the injury, surgical technique, anesthesia, hospital costs, cartilage transplantation and the need for septal and breathing correction. Reconstructing the nose after trauma can be more expensive than an uncomplicated cosmetic rhinoplasty. The clinic can only give a confirmed cost after a physical examination.

Get in Touch With Us!

Dr Naveed Azhar is a licensed plastic surgeon and cosmetic surgeon with a wealth of experience in nose reshaping and reconstruction and is available for consultation at Royal Cosmetic Surgery Clinic Islamabad. We are situated on the 3rd floor, Ammar Center, Jinnah Super Market, Islamabad, Pakistan. To discuss rhinoplasty after a facial injury, call or WhatsApp 0332-5488777 and arrange a consultation.

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