If you are dissatisfied with one or more physical features of your nose, have difficulty breathing due to trauma or injury, or have a bump on your nose that causes distress or a lack of confidence, then it may be time to consider surgical options. For these concerns, we recommend one of the most common plastic surgery procedures called rhinoplasty surgery, or more commonly known as, a nose job.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Your nose is composed of soft tissue, small bones, and cartilage that work together to create the unique shape and appearance of your nose. Changes to any of these components will alter the appearance and functionality of your nose.
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the size or shape of the nose to achieve balance and symmetry in facial features while improving airflow through the nasal passageway.
Nasal surgery is tailored to the patient’s concerns and goals. There are many variations of rhinoplasty and techniques to ensure that proper breathing and nasal shape can be achieved.
Reasons to Consider Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can help patients in numerous ways for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Some improvements rhinoplasty can provide include:
- Restoring facial balance/symmetry
- Correcting impaired breathing caused by structural defects within the nose
- Reshaping depressions or humps along the bridge
- Adjusting the size and shape of nasal tip and nostrils
- Improving conditions such as difficulty breathing due to nasal obstructions
Though patients may consider rhinoplasty to make facial features more symmetrical, it is important to keep in mind that every face is asymmetrical to some degree.
What to Expect
After receiving your general physician’s approval, you can schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During your initial consultation, a thorough physical examination will be conducted and discussion of medical history and goals of the procedure will take place. Photographs and X-rays may be taken as well before coming up with a treatment plan. Some procedures can address both medical and cosmetic concerns during the same procedure.
Rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation for patient comfort. Patients will either have an open or closed procedure depending on the goal of the surgery. A closed procedure means the incisions will be made inside the nose whereas an open procedure has incisions made across the tissue that separates the nostrils.
Through the incision, the skin that covers the internal structure of the nose is gently raised to allow surgeons to reshape the nose. An overly large nose may be reduced in size by removing bone or cartilage. If cartilage grafts are needed, a small portion of cartilage may be taken from the ears or ribs. If there is an obstruction that prevents proper airflow through the nose such as a deviated septum, it will be straightened to improve breathing quality.
Once the reshaping and correcting stages are complete the incision is closed with dissolvable stitches. Splints are placed to protect and support the new structure of the nose and absorbent dressings may be placed inside the nose temporarily.
Aftercare instructions will be provided to ensure a healthy and smooth recovery. Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes are common and may continue for several weeks. Pain medication and cold compresses can help to alleviate discomfort and swelling. Avoiding strenuous activity for a few weeks may also be necessary during aftercare.
It is important to note that though the nasal splints will be removed and the swelling will decrease, the nose may take a full year to heal.
Remember to speak with your physician before scheduling an appointment. With your doctor’s approval, you and your surgeon can then create a plan tailored to your individual goals. If you think rhinoplasty might be right for you or if you have any questions regarding this procedure, please contact Skin Deep/a> today.
