Sushruta, an Indian physician who is called the "Father of Plastic Surgery", is who developed Rhinoplasty. This procedure was even performed as early as 6th century BC. The original procedure was used to repair the disfigured nose by using a flap of skin from forehead. This procedure is still done with only slight differences from the original one. The first intranasal procedure in west was performed by Orlando Roe in 1887, but the first to perform it with cosmetic purposes was Jacques Joshep in 1898.
Rhinoplasty improves the look of the nose that is crooked, wide, short or long. Bumps can be removed and the tip of the nose can be adjusted in size, angle and shape. Breathing problems can be corrected by repairing the deviated septum during the procedure as well. Rhinoplasty should be performed after the facial growth and development of the patient is complete, which is 15-16 for women and 16-17 for men.
The surgeon's pre-procedure and post-procedure advices should be followed carefully. This could minimize the chance of retrograde infection after the surgery. Blood supply around the nose and the nature of the nose, make the possibility of these infections higher.
The patient can decide about the general or local anesthesia consulting with the doctor. The incisions will be made in the nostrils and the skin separating them, called the Columella. Then the tissues are separated from the structure below them to reveal the cartilage and bone, which will then be reshaped.
In case there is a need to strengthen the structure of the nose, the surgeon will use a piece of bone or cartilage from the patient. These bones or cartilages are usually taken from the patient's septum, rib or ear. This procedure is usually used for breathing, functional or some cosmetic reasons. If the bone or cartilage is weak, or there is none to take, synthetic implants will be used. Alloplastic synthetics have some risk of long-term complications.
A tape dressing will cover the nose for at least one week after the surgery. There is usually swelling and some discoloration around the eyes, which will go away in five to seven days. Most patients are out and about in a week after the surgery.