Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, is a facial cosmetic surgery that changes the structure of the nose to make it look good and function well. Also referred to as nasal reshaping or nose surgery, rhinoplasty is considered to be one of the most challenging procedures in plastic surgery.
Those who have noses with bulbous tips may turn to rhinoplasty for reducing the overall size of the nose. Extremely small noses can also be modified by increasing the nose’s overall size. Other processes that may be performed in a rhinoplasty procedure include removal of a hump, changing the shape of the tip of bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angles between the nose and the upper lip.
Not only is rhinoplasty for aesthetic purposes, it is also employed to correct certain breathing problems and other discomforts caused by inappropriate or incorrect nasal structure.
Before a patient undergoes rhinoplasty, he or she must have a thorough consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. The consultation process enables the plastic surgeon to check the present condition of the patient, and later come up with a surgical plan that would aid in attaining the best possible result. The choice of a rhinoplasty surgeon is crucial in this case because it the success and failure of a surgery greatly depends on the skills and abilities of the surgeon.
After consultation, the plastic surgeon may decide on performing the procedure in his office-based facility, in an outpatient surgical center, or in a hospital.
Nasal reshaping may use either general anesthesia, or local anesthesia mixed with sedation. Typically, the procedure lasts at most two hours. For patients with complicated cases, the procedure can take three to four hours to finish.
After surgery, patients may feel puffiness, and aching of the head and nose. If the pain is intolerable, the rhinoplasty surgeon may prescribe medications to relieve the pain. There will also be bruising and swelling on the affected areas, though, they will eventually subside after two to three weeks.
Patients may return to work within two weeks. However, vigorous activities must be avoided for at least three weeks to one month. All dressings and stitches would have already been removed by then.
Like other plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty also has a list of complications that may arise after the operation. These include allergic reactions to anesthesia, infection, nosebleed, and small burst blood vessels. Additional surgery may be needed for severe complications. This is where the choice of the rhinoplasty surgeon becomes very, very important.
Rhinoplasty is for everyone who wants to improve their looks, and correct certain deformities. The procedure is best for physically healthy individuals with realistic expectations.