Rhinoplasty For A Beautifully Contoured Nose

From Greek to Roman civilizations, the nose has been considered an attractive aspect of beauty. As a central facial structure, the nose not only adds symmetry but also highlights other features of the face. It is no wonder that makeup artists spend so much time contouring the nose with makeup. However, with improvements in cosmetic surgery, achieving a permanently contoured nose is not limited to just celebrities. With an informed decision and a skilled cosmetic surgeon, anyone can achieve an ideal nose in the matter of hours. 

Even the tiniest tweak in the shape or size of the nose can have lasting impact on the appearance and self-confidence of the individual, says Dr.Karishma Kagodu, a renowned cosmetic surgeon in HAL, Bangalore who has done over 100 rhinoplasty surgeries till date. 

Dr.Karishma helps answer the most commonly asked questions about Rhinoplasty:

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a ‘nose job’ is a surgery that changes the shape or size of the nose. It is not only for cosmetic reasons but is also done to improve breathing in some cases like a deviated nasal septum. 

Is it possible to achieve a natural-looking nose through Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty today is sophisticated at best. It takes into account the individual’s ethnicity and unique facial structure into account, thus creating a very natural-looking nose. When the patient comes into our clinic for a consultation, we discuss what is realistic and practical given the bone structure of the individual. We also show simulated images on the computer to see how the nose will look after the procedure to help our patients make an informed decision. 

Why should I consider Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty depends on components of the nose that we are trying to correct in a patient. The patient could choose rhinoplasty for various reasons like narrowing, lengthening, refining the tip, reducing hump, birth defect, correcting deviation of nasal septum that is causing breathing difficulty or even reconstructing the entire nose. 

How is Rhinoplasty conducted?

Rhinoplasty is conducted in two ways:

1) Closed Rhinoplasty - the nose is approached via an internal incision, so no external visible scars are left. This is used when minor corrections are required.

2) Open Rhinoplasty - a very small external incision is made to enable easier access to most areas of the nose. This is done when complex corrections are required but the resultant scars are rarely conspicuous.

How long does the rhinoplasty procedure take? 

Depending on the extent of correction and number of components, it might take roughly 2-3 hours. I place my patients under general anesthesia for rhinoplasty procedures. 

How long will the pain last for?

Almost any procedure comes with post-operative pain. In my experience, there will be minimal pain within the first 24 to 48 hours, after which it will slowly decrease. Of course, pain medications will be given to relieve anxiety, reduce pain and discomfort.

What is the down-time?

The down-time can be anywhere between 2-3 weeks. However, 6 weeks is necessary for complete swelling to reduce. I suggest my patients to resume working after 10-12 days of the surgery, but that depends from patient to patient. 

What is the post-care that one has to follow after rhinoplasty surgery?

The plaster on the face will be removed after a week. After which I recommend nasal strips for the next 1 month. The patient has to sleep upright and use ice packs to help reduce swelling and pain. Of course, detailed handouts will be given to the patient after the surgery. 

How soon will one be able to see the results of rhinoplasty?

The results are apparent from week 4. However, best results start appearing from the 4th- 6th month. 

Finally, what is the cost of rhinoplasty in India? 

To give you a ballpark figure, the most basic rhinoplasty can begin from INR 40,000 and work upwards. Depending on the components it could cost the patient approximately INR 80,000 to 1.5 lakhs.  Most importantly, if you are in good health, have a positive attitude and realistic expectations, you can safely consider rhinoplasty to get the look you have always wanted.

Dr. Karishma is one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in Bangalore. She has completed her Rhinoplasty training and fellowship in Turkey under Dr. Nazim Cerkes, the current president of the Europe Rhinoplasty Society. She practices at Dr.Karishma’s Aesthetics, Indiranagar, Bangalore.