Nasal Reduction Surgery
Nasal reduction surgery may be considered by some as a cosmetic procedure only, while others may go for it for other reasons. Learn more about the nasal reduction procedure in the following article.
What is nasal reduction surgery?
Nasal reduction is a surgical and cosmetic procedure that involves reducing the size of the nose and making it more proportionate to the rest of the facial features. This procedure can be performed for several reasons, including:
• Making the nose smaller to better complement the other facial features.
• Narrowing the nostrils to address the issue of a wide or flared nose.
• Reducing the nasal bridge or septum to enhance the overall appearance of the nose.
• Resizing one nostril if they are asymmetrical in size.
There are several different methods to reduce the size of the nose, and you can learn about them and choose the most suitable one for your case while consulting a doctor.
Candidates for nasal reduction surgery:
Nose reduction surgery requires surgical intervention. Therefore, you must make sure you are a candidate for this procedure before deciding to obtain it. Candidates for nose reduction surgery should have the following:
• Adults for fully developed facial features.
• Good overall health and no chronic conditions that may hinder the procedure.
• Non-smokers and who can quit smoking for a certain period before the surgery and during the recovery period.
• Realistic expectations regarding the results and a positive outlook on your appearance.
Cost of nasal reduction surgery:
The cost of nose reduction surgery includes various factors that directly or indirectly affect it, including:
• The necessary procedures to reduce the nose and achieve the desired results.
• The cost of the hospital and the assisting medical staff.
• The type of anesthesia used during the nose reduction procedure.
• The medical tests and examinations required before undergoing this cosmetic procedure.
The cost of nose reduction surgery usually starts with Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, Consultant in Plastic Surgery and Body Sculpting, from $1,420 and varies from one case to another according to the factors we mentioned previously.
Consultation with Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy before nasal reduction surgery:
During the consultation with the doctor in your initial visit, he will discuss with you the following:
• Your goals for getting this procedure.
• Your expectations regarding the shape of your nose and how the results will look.
• Your medical history, previous treatments you have received, and whether you have any medication allergies.
• The medications and vitamins you are currently taking, and whether you smoke or consume alcohol.
• Whether you have undergone any previous surgeries or not.
The doctor will also perform the following:
• Evaluate your overall health and determine the likelihood of any side effects or risks during recovery.
• Determine the procedures or steps taken to reshape the nose.
• Examine your facial features and compare them to the size of your nose.
• Take some photographs of your face.
• Discuss the steps of nose reduction and the type of anesthesia used.
• Create a treatment plan before the procedure and during the recovery period that suits your condition.
• Discuss the results and the potential risks or side effects you may experience during recovery.
You can also ask any questions that come to mind about this cosmetic procedure during the consultation. It is necessary to know all the details before undergoing it. Some possible questions to ask the doctor during the consultation include:
• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What are the steps involved in this procedure?
• What will the recovery period be like, and when will it end?
• What is the likelihood of experiencing any risks associated with this surgical intervention?
• How can I minimize the side effects of the procedure as much as possible?
• When will the final results of nose reduction surgery appear?
• What are the risks of nose reduction surgery?
The risks of nasal reduction surgery include:
• Infection is a rare occurrence. Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy ensures a suitable sterile environment during your surgery, in addition to prescribing some antibiotics to be taken during recovery to completely avoid infection.
• Pain is a common and natural occurrence, especially after the effect of the anesthesia wears off. However, this pain can be overcomed with some mild painkillers prescribed by Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy.
• Numbness is common during recovery and will fade over time, so do not worry.
• Swelling and the appearance of some bruises is also a common occurrence. Swelling may appear in the nose and around the eyes, but these symptoms will disappear over time and at the end of the recovery period.
• Scarring is a natural occurrence but is usually difficult to notice as the doctor makes care to hide it within the folds of the nose during the procedure.
• Bleeding is a common occurrence but can be easily stopped with some medications prescribed by the doctor.
If you experience any other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or any other side effects, make sure to contact your doctor immediately so that he can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Before nose reduction surgery:
Before nasal reduction surgery, Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy will ask you to do the following:
• Undergo some tests and examinations.
• Take certain medications or adjust the dosage of medications you are already taking.
• Quit smoking.
• Avoid taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and vitamins to minimize the risk of bleeding as much as possible.
The steps involved in nasal reduction surgery are as follows:
Step 1: Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia, whether general or local, is chosen according to what the doctor considers appropriate for your condition and the procedures to be performed.
Step 2: Surgical Incision
The location of the surgical incision varies depending on the required procedures. The incision may be inside the nose, where it is not visible, or in the septum that separates the nostrils. The doctor chooses the best location for the incision based on determining the optimal approach for your case.
Step 3: Nasal Modification and Reduction
If the surgical incision is in the septum that separates the nostrils, the surrounding skin is lifted upward to facilitate the necessary modifications for nasal reduction. The nose can be reduced in various ways, such as removing some cartilage, changing its position, sculpting the nasal bones, or combining these steps, as well as trimming some of the skin that makes up the nostrils.
Step 4: Closure of the Surgical Incision
After completing the necessary adjustments, the surgical incision is closed with some cosmetic stitches, and some splints and medical dressings are placed on the nose to cover the resulting wound.
Recovery after nasal reduction surgery:
After the surgery, some splints and medical dressings will be placed in your nose to cover the wound, minimize bleeding, and support the new nose shape while protecting the stitches during recovery. During this time, Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy will provide instructions to help you recover as quickly as possible. These instructions may include:
• Wound care and changing the medical dressings.
• Medications to take during recovery to prevent infection and aid in healing.
• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight for some time.
• Avoid any strenuous physical activities to minimize swelling, bruising, and bleeding.
• Completely stop drinking alcoholic beverages and smoking, and ensure an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals for better and faster recovery.
• Avoid wearing glasses for some time.
• Bath in a bathtub instead of a shower to avoid exposing the nose to water.
Swelling will subside, and bruises will fade over time. Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy will schedule your follow-up visits to monitor the progress of the results until you achieve the final outcome.
Results of nasal reduction surgery:
The results of nasal reduction surgery may take some time to appear completely. The timeframe for visible results varies from several months to a full year, depending on each case and the procedures performed to reduce the nose. During this period, the result gradually becomes noticeable and stable as swelling subsides, bruises fade, and scars heal and fade over time. Finally, when the results appear, they will be permanent, and you won't need any additional cosmetic procedures after undergoing this surgery. For more information about nasal reduction surgery, booking, and inquiries, contact us.
This content has been reviewed by Dr. Ahmed Mekkawy, a consultant in cosmetic surgery, body contouring, and natural hair transplantation.