Thick Skin Rhinoplasty

How is Rhinoplasty Performed on Thick-Skinned Noses?

Rhinoplasty on individuals with thick-skinned noses is more challenging compared to those with normal or thin skin because performing surgery on thicker skin requires more precision. People with thick nasal skin often have wider nostrils and more oil production, which significantly impacts the surgical process. The skin on the tip of the nose is anatomically thicker than the skin on the bridge due to the higher number of sweat and oil glands. Therefore, the planning of rhinoplasty and the patient briefing process varies from person to person. The rhinoplasty surgeon must explain the structure of the nasal skin and how it will affect the postoperative process in detail when providing information about the surgery. During the rhinoplasty, the nasal skin is lifted, and the bones and cartilage beneath are reshaped. The adaptation of the skin to the newly formed skeleton varies depending on whether the skin is thin or thick. The thickness of the skin is a key factor in this process, as different skin types adapt to the skeleton at different rates.

In a thick-skinned nose, the loose connective tissue, fat tissue, and muscle layer under the skin are thick. During the surgery, these layers are lifted from the bone and cartilage tissue. After shaping the skeleton, the subcutaneous tissue, which is the visible tissue of the nose, is separated from the skin, with an expected separation rate of 50%. During this separation phase, it is crucial to support the cartilage tissue to enhance the resistance of the skeleton. Any wrong movement or procedure could result in health problems for the patient, making it essential to have rhinoplasty for thick-skinned noses performed by a qualified rhinoplasty surgeon.

We previously mentioned that the adaptation process of the nasal skin to the newly formed skeleton takes longer in thick-skinned noses. Additionally, removing excess skin during rhinoplasty is not an option. Due to the increased number of sebaceous and sweat glands in the nose area and their high activity, swelling and edema are expected to be more significant post-surgery than usual. Considering these factors, it is clear that rhinoplasty for thick-skinned noses is more challenging compared to standard procedures.

When individuals with thick-skinned noses consider rhinoplasty, they often wonder if the thickness of their nasal skin will decrease. Firstly, laser treatment before or after surgery does not provide any benefit in thinning the nasal tip. After surgery, rhinoplasty surgeons often recommend medical treatment with vitamin A supplements for patients with thick-skinned noses. These medications help reduce oiliness in the thick nasal skin and shorten the healing process. However, it is important to note that these medications should only be started and stopped under the supervision of a rhinoplasty surgeon, as they are part of medical treatment. Patients should never take any medication on their own, as improper use can lead to future health problems.

Another concern for individuals with thick-skinned noses is whether they will achieve good results from the surgery. Of course, individuals with thick-skinned noses can achieve the desired appearance after rhinoplasty, but this outcome can vary from person to person. In some cases, the nasal skin may not retract and tighten during tissue development, which could prevent the patient from achieving the desired appearance. Therefore, individuals with thick-skinned noses should have realistic expectations regarding rhinoplasty.

What Should Be Known About the Surgery?

After rhinoplasty in Istanbul, the nasal splint placed in patients with thick-skinned noses may need to be replaced at the end of the first week. The nasal splint may remain in place longer for these individuals, and swelling and edema may be more pronounced compared to usual. Other than these differences, there is no distinction from classic rhinoplasty.