Rhinoplasty is an operation to change the shape of the nose. Many people, from teens to middle age and the elderly have nose reshaping done each year. As a rule, it will be done under a general anaesthesia as an outpatient procedure. You may be able to go home the same day. Rhinoplasty surgery employs reduction, augmentation or refinement of the patient’s nose to give a balanced and proportioned nose.
What is a “Nose Job”?
Surgeons call “nose jobs” by the accurate term of rhinoplasty. They can be simple or complex, depending on what is going to be achieved. Everybody’s nose and face is different, so it may not be possible to make your nose look exactly like your perfect nose. Your surgeon will aim to produce a nose that looks natural.
What Are Common Goals of Rhinoplasty?
- Straightening the bridge of the nose
- Removing humps from the nose
- Decreasing or increasing nostril size
- Reshaping the tip of the nose
- Opening passages for better breathing
- Correcting nasal structure following injury
- Making a nose smaller or larger
Rhinoplasty may be done for medical reasons, or to make your aesthetic purposes, for example, you may have cartilage damage that needs to be repaired or believe that a re-shaped nose would be more proportional for your face.
Risks of Rhinoplasty
Like all surgeries, rhinoplasty also has inherent risks. They include an allergic reaction to anesthesia, infection or bleeding. The associated risk of rhinoplasty for example are:
- Nosebleeds
- Numbness
- Blood vessel bursting on facial skin
- Scarring at the nose base
- Permanent nerve damage
- Swelling
- Need for future surgeries
Most people do not experience serious problems with rhinoplasty and a qualified surgeon can help in lowering the risks of side effects.
Choosing a Surgeon
Select a surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty, so that you can maximize the chance for a good outcome. The procedure should be done in a facility that is accredited. If there are complications, your experienced surgeon and his well-trained team can assess the problem and correct it.
Physical Examination Prior to Surgery
Your physician will do a complete physical exam before your rhinoplasty looking at your overall health, not just your nasal structure. A pre-operative consultation with your surgeon is imperative, so that they know exactly what you want, and you will know whether your goals are realistic. Your surgeon will evaluate your nose and your face, including balance of features, symmetry, surgical scars and skin type.
For your benefit and that of your surgeon, you will probably have photographs taken before and after your surgery. This will show the improvements that are desired, as well as the goals of the surgery.
What is Basic Open Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty modifies the appearance and function of your nose. The work done includes manipulating the bone, lining, cartilage or skin. Most surgeries do not include manipulation of all these parts of the nose. In an open rhinoplasty, your surgeon will make a tiny incision between the nostrils in the columella. Incisions are also made inside your nose. In comparison, a closed rhinoplasty will only involve interior incisions.
After Rhinoplasty
After you have a nose job, your recovery will take patience on your part and support from friends and family. Keep your head elevated for 24 hours, or more, immediately following the surgery and the swelling can be managed using cold compresses and medications. Some patients are discouraged when they see the facial swelling immediately after their surgery. This is where you will need to exercise patience. When the redness and swelling go down, you will be much more pleased with the results.
It is important that you discuss your expectations with your surgeon. Realistic expectations of rhinoplasty are essential. If you have questions about rhinoplasty surgery make an appointment to see our rhinoplasty specialist.
