Nose plastic surgery, often called rhinoplasty or nose job, is a surgical art that blends aesthetics with function. In Kerala, especially at well-known centres such as the Sushrutha Institute of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery at Elite Mission Hospital, Koorkenchery in Thrissur, many patients seek surgery not only to improve appearance but also to resolve breathing difficulties, correct congenital defects, or repair trauma. This article explores what nose plastic surgery means, how it is done in Kerala, what patients should expect before, during and after surgery at Sushrutha, and how to make an informed decision.
What Is Nose Plastic Surgery
Nose plastic surgery refers to procedures aimed at reshaping or reconstructing the nose. It may involve reducing or increasing size, changing the shape of the nasal tip or bridge, narrowing the nostrils, improving symmetry, or correcting structural issues such as a deviated septum. The goal is to make the nose harmonize with other facial features and improve breathing if there are functional issues. Surgeons assess not only the external shape of the nose, but also skin thickness, cartilage strength, bone structure, and how the nose fits with the rest of the face.
At Sushrutha Institute, nose surgery has both aesthetic and reconstructive scopes. Patients sometimes come to purely improve appearance, while others require surgery because of nasal obstruction, previous injuries, or congenital nasal deformities. The surgical plan is often tailored to the person’s facial structure, age, health status, and their personal expectations. The surgeons there use both closed and open techniques depending on what is needed.
Why Choose Thrissur & Sushrutha Institute for Nose Surgery
Kerala’s healthcare system has gained a reputation for high standards, compassionate care, and good value. Thrissur, in particular, is emerging as a hub for plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty. Within this setting, the Sushrutha Institute stands out because of its extensive experience, full plastic surgery department, and infrastructure.
The institute has a team of seven plastic surgeons, each with experience in cosmetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty. They have handled a large volume of plastic surgery procedures already. The facility is located in Elite Mission Hospital in Koorkenchery, Thrissur, and it is equipped for comprehensive care: modern operating theatres, ICU support, monitoring, and 24-hour availability of critical staff including anesthetists. Safety and hygiene are emphasised. Patients often cite personalized care, detailed consultations, and follow-up support as reasons for choosing Sushrutha.
Another advantage is cost. While prices vary, many find that similar quality surgery in major metro areas or abroad costs substantially more. At Sushrutha, patients benefit from lower overhead yet with high standards. The surrounding environment of Thrissur offers a more peaceful recovery atmosphere compared to very busy metropolitan locations, which can help healing both physically and mentally.
Types of Nose Surgery at Sushrutha Institute
Sushrutha offers several kinds of nose-related plastic surgery, based on what patients need, combining aesthetics and function.
Aesthetic Rhinoplasty: to refine shape, balance proportions, reduce or reshape the nasal tip or bridge, narrow nostrils, or improve facial harmony.
Functional Rhinoplasty / Septorhinoplasty: to correct breathing difficulties caused by internal structures (deviated septum, nasal valve collapse) while also improving appearance.
Revision Rhinoplasty: for patients who have had previous nose surgery but are unhappy with aspects of result or have developed complications.
Nose Reconstruction: in cases of injury, congenital deformity, or tissue loss (for example trauma or after tumour removal), to rebuild parts or entire structure of nose.
For all these, the institute employs both open and closed surgical approaches. Closed rhinoplasty is less visible in terms of scarring because incisions are inside the nostrils, while open rhinoplasty gives greater visibility of the nasal framework and is preferred in more complex cases or major reconstructive work.
The Surgical Process: What Happens Step by Step
When you choose to undergo nose plastic surgery at the Sushrutha Institute, this is what the typical journey looks like:
Pre-operative Evaluation
You’ll begin with a detailed consultation. The surgeon examines your nose in front view, side profile, inside the nose, assesses skin, cartilage, bone, any asymmetries or functional issues. There is often discussion of what you expect — how you want your nose to look, what breathing improvements are needed, and what limitations exist (for example thin skin, or structural limitations). Health checks are done to ensure you are fit for surgery; any medications you may be on are reviewed.
Surgical Planning
Based on evaluation, surgeons decide whether closed or open technique is best. If grafts are needed (from cartilage from septum, ear, or sometimes rib), that is planned. The plan includes what changes will be made—the tip, bridge, nostrils, profile, also internal correction if required. You will also be briefed on anesthesia (general or sedation + local), possible risks, what to expect during recovery.
The Surgery Itself
On the day of surgery, anesthesia is administered. Surgeons make incisions (depending on chosen technique). They reshape cartilage and bone as needed, correct the septum if needed, adjust tip or bridge, narrow nostrils if required, and then apply internal supports or grafts if needed. Once the nose’s framework is modified, incisions are closed, and an external splint or cast is applied to support the new shape during early healing.
Post-operative Care
After surgery, you’ll be monitored in the hospital. Usually there’s some swelling, mild pain, perhaps bruising around the eyes. You will have dressing and a splint in place for a few days. Internal packing (if used) removed as per protocol. You are advised to keep the head elevated, avoid bending, heavy lifting, contact with the nose, sun exposure. Regular follow-ups are scheduled for removal of splint, stitches, then monitoring healing over weeks and months.
Recovery Phases and What to Expect
Recovery is gradual and has multiple phases, each with its own milestones and care needs.
In the first few days, swelling and bruising are at their peak. Discomfort is managed with pain medication. Keeping the head elevated and applying cold compresses help reduce swelling.
After about one week, external splint or cast is often removed. Bruising begins to fade, though the nose still may feel stiff or numb in parts. Many patients are able to resume light indoor, non-strenuous activities.
Over the next several weeks (2-4 weeks), swelling continuously reduces; breathing through the nose improves; any packing or dressings fully removed; appearance of the nose becomes more natural.
By 3-6 months, most of the bulk of swelling is gone; tip definition improves; final shape begins to emerge more clearly. Minor irregularities may still be perceptible.
Full maturation usually takes 9-12 months, especially for tip refining. Results at that time often show the full contour and appearance intended.
It is important during recovery to follow surgeon’s care instructions, avoid trauma, protect the nose from sun, avoid strenuous activity until cleared, and keep follow-ups.
Safety, Risks, and Limitations
While nose surgery is generally safe in experienced hands, there are risks and limitations that every candidate should be aware of.
Some of the risks include possible bleeding during or after surgery, infection, changes in skin sensation (numbness or hypersensitivity), asymmetry, dissatisfaction with appearance, especially if expectations are unrealistic, and sometimes minor functional issues if internal structures shift. Scarring is minimal if closed techniques are used, though in open surgeries a small external scar at the columella may be visible; skilled surgeons minimize this.
At Sushrutha Institute, many safety protocols are in place: modern operating rooms with high sterility; 24/7 surgeon and anesthetist availability; ICU and emergency support; qualified nursing and monitoring staff; pre-operative health screening; post-operative care with close follow-ups. These measures help minimize risk and ensure better outcomes.
Comparing Rhinoplasty Options at Sushrutha Institute
| Type of Rhinoplasty | Best Suited When | Advantages | Potential Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed Technique | Moderate cosmetic change, less complex corrective surgery | No external scars; shorter operation; less swelling initially | Less visibility for surgeon; limited access for grafting; sometimes harder to make very precise changes |
| Open Technique | Complex reshaping, major structural alterations, revision or reconstructive cases | Better visibility; precise control over shape; easier graft placement; often better for functional fixes too | Slight external scar (which usually heals well); possibly more swelling; longer surgery & healing time |
| Functional Combined Surgery (cosmetic + septum / internal correction) | When breathing improvement and appearance both important | Improves function and aesthetic in one surgery; often high patient satisfaction | More surgical time; recovery may be more involved; cost and care needs higher than purely cosmetic procedures |
Patient Guidance: Preparing & Choosing
Choosing the right clinic and surgeon is crucial, and preparation helps both outcomes and recovery.
You should consult with the surgeon in person, review before/after photos of similar nose types, ask about the surgeon’s experience with both open and closed techniques, and ensure explanation about what you can realistically expect. Health indicators such as whether you are a smoker, whether you have allergies, overall fitness, and skin condition matter.
Before surgery, follow pre-op instructions like stopping certain medications (blood thinners etc.), avoiding smoking, ensuring good nutrition, arranging transport and recovery logistics.
After surgery, follow all instructions on wound care, swelling management, avoiding sun exposure, avoiding contact or trauma to the nose, follow-up schedules, and any changes to lifestyle (e.g. sleeping position, diet, rest).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Specific to Sushrutha Institute, Thrissur
Sushrutha Institute has a team of seven plastic surgeons. The institute is the largest plastic surgery department in Kerala and has performed tens of thousands of plastic surgery procedures so far, which gives patients confidence in their experience and ability to handle varied cases.
They offer both open and closed rhinoplasty, can perform septorhinoplasty (for breathing issues), revision rhinoplasty (correcting prior surgeries), and nose reconstruction where trauma or congenital defects are involved. The technique is chosen based on patient’s anatomy, aesthetic goals, and functional needs.
The institute has modern operating theatres, is staffed around the clock with surgeons and anesthetists, has dedicated ICU care, high hygiene and sterility measures, post‐operative monitoring, and support for potential complications. They are certified (ISO, NABH) for safety and hygiene.
Most patients can return to light, non-strenuous work or indoor activities within about a week after surgery. External splint or dressings are often removed by end of week one or two. Healing continues over months. Full results, especially tip refinement, may take 9-12 months. Strenuous activity is delayed until allowed by surgeon.
When closed rhinoplasty is used, incisions are inside nostrils and leave no visible scarring. If open technique is used, there is a small external scar (on the columella) but usually well concealed and fades over time. Results are intended to be long-lasting; though minor changes may occur with aging, shape is typically permanent once healing completes.
Consultations can be scheduled by contacting the institute via their phone number or email. The clinic accommodates patients from other areas and states, offering information about appointments, pre-op workup, post-op follow-ups. Since it is located within a well-established hospital, patients benefit from support staff, hospital amenities, and comfortable environment for recovery.
Conclusion
Nose plastic surgery at Sushrutha Institute, Thrissur offers a blend of artistry, medical precision, functional correction, and compassionate care. Patients seeking Rhinoplasty at this centre can expect detailed evaluation, personalized surgical planning, advanced infrastructure, and thorough follow-up care. While the process involves surgical risk, recovery time, and cost, when done right the results can be deeply satisfying — aesthetically pleasing, functionally improved, and life-enhancing.
When considering nose plastic surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations, choose a surgeon and facility with strong credentials, prepare well in advance, and commit to post-operative care. In Kerala, and especially at Sushrutha Institute, many find that the transformation extends beyond the nose — improved confidence, better breathing, facial harmony, and a renewed sense of self.
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