Patients who are considering rhinoplasty often inquire about this topic or one that is quite close to it. They often express anxiety that the rhinoplasty procedure would necessitate “breaking” their nose, an image that they link to the experience of pain as well as other potential outcomes.
People are often deterred from having a nose operation as a result of this consideration. But is it really necessary to break your nose for the procedure?
The short answer is no. During a nose job, the bones in your nose are not shattered but are, in certain situations, cut and reset to obtain the desired result.
Due to the fact that each nose job is custom suited to the patient’s anatomy and concerns, some may not need to get their nose broken during the procedure. In this blog, we’ll talk about the different kinds of procedures that might require this and the ones that don’t.
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Does The Nose Really Need To Be Broken During A Rhinoplasty?
In the majority of rhinoplasties, the nasal bones are left unaltered; however, if there has been considerable nasal damage or if more dramatic aesthetic enhancements are needed, the nasal bones may need to be cut with very sharp surgical tools and moved into more advantageous positions.
To alleviate asymmetries, a crooked nose may need trimming and resetting, as with a significant nasal hump that may be lowered to a smoother curve. While these are just a few examples of why a nose may need to be broken or trimmed down, each nose surgery is unique since each patient has a different goal in mind.
Which Approach Does Not Require The Nose To Be Broken?
There are many approaches to rhinoplasty, some of which include breaking the patient’s nose while others do not. Some examples of these approaches are as follows:
Nose Tip Rhinoplasty
No bones need to be “broken” or sliced when rhinoplasty is performed to minimize the appearance of a bulbous nose tip and improve symmetry and integration. Popularity of nasal tip rhinoplasty stems from the fact that the nose tip is the focal point of your face, contributing to its overall balance and proportion.
The goal of nose tip rhinoplasty is to produce an aesthetically pleasing nasal tip by removing or modifying superfluous cartilage. Your surgeon does not alter the nasal bone structure since large structural modifications are unnecessary. Additionally, the operation is quicker than a total rhinoplasty.
If you have a bulbous nose tip that you want to improve, you may be confident that there will be no breaking during the procedure.
The Osteotomy Process
Osteotomy is a surgical process in which a bone is cut using sharp equipment in order to minimize the size or alter its alignment. When people hear about “breaking” the nose during nose surgery, this is usually referring to this surgery.
If you have a crooked nose due to an accident or trauma, you may require an osteotomy. It may also be essential for those with a significant nasal hump; the hump may be eliminated or cut to enhance the appearance of the face from the front.
Among the instances in which the nasal bone must be cut are:
- A crooked nose that requires realignment.
- A broad nose that requires narrowing.
- Asymmetrical nasal bones that need realignment.
- A hump or a bump that must be decreased on the bridge of the nose.
Are Osteotomies More Painful Or Need Greater Recovery Time?
Cutting or “breaking” the nose usually does not cause extreme pain or discomfort since the patient will be under certain pain medications and anesthesia during the procedure. When done by a qualified surgeon, the dangers associated with a complete rhinoplasty are minimal. The most notable disadvantage of manipulating the nasal bones is bruising, although this is normal and normally subsides within one week.
How Long Do The Nasal Bones Need To Heal?
After an osteotomy-based rhinoplasty, it takes several weeks for the bones to recover. Tissue bruising and inflammation will have significantly reduced, but the bones will continue to recover.
Simple post-operative instructions are supplied to patients to decrease recovery time and promote healing. That being said, depending on the severity of the surgery, the recovery period can vary based on the patient.
Even though breaking the nose isn’t necessary for every rhinoplasty surgery, it is possible for some patients depending on how serious the surgery is. If you’re worried about this part of the surgery, you should always talk to your surgeon about your options. They can give you the information you need to feel at ease during your surgery.
