Rhinoplasty or a “nose job” is a surgical procedure to reshape the nose. It can be performed for structural or aesthetic reasons, and ranks among the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the world. Nose job surgery involves surgical reshaping of the nose tissues, including adjustments in the bone and cartilage making up the structure of the nose, in order to achieve the desired shape and appearance.
Are You a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
The first step of undergoing rhinoplasty is to make sure this procedure is right for you. A nose job may be right for you if you want to change the size, shape, or profile of your nose. Common complaints voiced by those choosing to undergo a nose job are that their natural nose is too thick or too thin, with a tip that is too pointed or upturned, nostrils that are too wide. Other concerns include an asymmetrical nose or one with a bump on the bridge. Nose job surgery may be able to fix these aesthetic concerns; it is also a common procedure performed to repair congenital defects, a deviated septum, or a broken nose.
Before scheduling your procedure, you will have a consultation visit with the surgeon. During this time, you can discuss the changes you'd like to make, and the surgeon will come up with a surgical plan. After this visit, you should know what to expect after your nose job surgery. It is important to have realistic expectations going into the appointment for your cosmetic surgery procedure. The visual effects of rhinoplasty can be subtle or dramatic, depending on your expectations and desires.
The Nose Job Procedure
Nose jobs are usually performed with general anesthesia, so you will not be awake for the procedure. First, the surgeon creates incisions inside the nostrils, and sometimes on the piece of skin separating the nostrils. These incisions enable to the surgeon to access underlying tissues. The exact sculpting methods used depend on the desired outcome of the surgery.
Bone or cartilage may be trimmed to make specific portions of the nose smaller. Synthetic tissues can be added to make it larger. The surgeon re-sets the nose bone and contours the bone, cartilage, and soft tissues in the nose. This process usually takes between one and three hours. Once the nose has been sculpted, the incisions are closed. Splints or surgical tape will support the nose as it heals.
Most patients are able to return home within a few hours, though they will need someone to drive them because of the anesthesia. Expect to see some degree of bleeding and swelling for about a week. Bruising is among the most common side effects, often extending outwards to form “black eyes.” Most patients take one to two weeks away from work and other daily activities. During this time, your surgeon will ask you to rest, keep the head elevated, and avoid strenuous activities. Most patients find that the final results of their nose job are visible within about eight weeks, though the nose can continue to settle for about a year after the surgery.
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