Dr. Srinivas Narasinga Rao Pennam

We humans are obsessed with the way we look. This is despite the fact that we can only see what the mirror (or our pictures) shows and nobody can actually see their own faces. The nose is one part that very few are happy with. It is either too short, long, round, sharp, whatnot. To add to that, science has come up with the size and shape that can make one look beautiful. There are surgeries that can shape it up, so you can walk with your nose held high!!

Rhino, stands for nose, and plasty is for surgery. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure which is useful in correcting the shape and size of the nose. Earlier done as a treatment for people with chronic nasal congestion and blocks, it has gained popularity as a cosmetic procedure in the recent decades.

Why rhinoplasty:

As noted, rhinoplasty could be done for cosmetic and therapeutic reasons, some of them being:

1. Nose completely out of proportion with the facial size
2. Misshapen tip of the nose, which could be drooping, hooked, or bulbous
3. Nostrils not in proper position or misshapen
4. Asymmetrical nostrils
5. Nasal bridge having lumps or bumps
6. Externally visible deviation of the nasal septum, causing both cosmetic and breathing issues

During the surgical reshaping, cartilage may be added or removed to achieve the desired shape.

What to expect before the procedure?

Getting yourself in the right hands. Think about it, in the wrong hands, this surgery can have very serious effects, not just functionally but also cosmetically. You could then end up wishing that you were better off with the previous, misshapen nose. After the surgery, you will notice a different you in the mirror, as the nose has a telling effect on a person’s appearance.

At the time of surgery:

Depending on the extent of surgery, local or general anesthesia is used. General is preferred though. With a local anesthesia, you will be aware of the sights and sounds of the surgery.

Post the procedure:

Once the procedure is over, gradually expect the following.

• A puffy face, as the tissue around the eyes and the nose will be considerably swollen
• The nose will be covered with a splint for at least a week. This allows the bones and cartilage to settle down in their new position.
• Use a cold compresses to help in pain control and reduce swelling
• Take the entire course of antibiotics and pain killers
• Sleep with the head of the bed elevated for the first one week postoperatively

Rhinoplasty is definitely a choice to improve appearance and self-esteem; the key is to place yourselves in safe hands. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

Tonsillitis is a disorder of the tonsils present on the back of your throat. The tonsils acts as a defensive mechanism in the body as they prevent the body from infections. This is a contagious condition and can occur at any age. It is widely prevalent among school going kids.

Tonsillitis may be classified into two types:

1. Chronic tonsillitis: This type of tonsillitis tends to last for an extended duration with symptoms of bad breath and tenderness in the lymph nodes.
2. Recurrent tonsillitis: This is a form of acute tonsillitis which repeats itself over a year.

Causes: Tonsils prevent various virus and bacteria from entering the body through the mouth by producing antibodies. The tonsils, however, may become vulnerable to these infections. A virus that causes common cold or the bacteria that causes strep throat may result in tonsillitis. The most common cause of this disorder is the strep bacteria. School going children are especially vulnerable to this disorder because they are most prone to various infections.

The various viruses that may cause tonsillitis are:

1. Enterovirus
2. Herpes simplex virus
3. Epstein-Barr virus
4. Influenza virus
5. Adenovirus
6. Parainfluenza virus

Common symptoms: 
The various symptoms of tonsillitis are

1. Swallowing difficulties
2. A sore throat
3. The sore throat may result in bad breath
4. You may experience fever and chills
5. Pain in the head, ear and stomach
6. You may experience stiffness in the neck and the jaw
7. Swollen tonsils with possible redness
8. Changes in voice
9. Symptoms of cold

Treatment: The treatment for tonsillitis is usually antibiotics and in some cases, tonsillectomy. The antibiotics help in getting rid of the bacterial infection. Surgery is only done in cases where tonsillitis is chronic in nature. It is important that you drink fluids and restrict smoking to prevent tonsillitis. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult an ENT specialist.