What is Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)?
Rhinoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery that is performed in order to reshape the nose. Although rhinoplasty is most often sought for cosmetic reasons, it can also help correct structural defects that may cause breathing problems.
Rhinoplasty Candidates
Nose reshaping candidates should be at least in their mid teens — 14 to 15 for girls, and slightly older for boys. At these ages, the nasal bone has matured and the shape of the nose has stabilized. All rhinoplasty patients should have realistic expectations for their surgery. It is helpful for the surgeon to know, prior to surgery, what the patient hopes to look like after rhinoplasty, but it is important that those expectations be aligned with what is surgically possible. Before the rhinoplasty surgery, you'll have a chance to discuss your personal goals in detail with your rhinoplasty surgeon.
Risks and Benefits of Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty carries the same risks as any other surgery. Bleeding, infection, and reactions to medications or anesthesia are possible side effects of rhinoplasty surgery. In addition, there are several risks that are unique to plastic surgery of the nose. These include burst blood vessels that can lead to red spots and small scars on the underside of the nose. You might also require a revisionary second procedure at some point in the future to remove or correct tissue.
Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery
When preparing for your rhinoplasty procedure, it's a good idea to make sure you have received and filled any pain medication prescription from your doctor, as you will want this after your anesthesia wears off and probably won't feel like going out to pick up a prescription at that stage of your recovery. You should also have someone drive you to and from your procedure, because you will not be able to drive immediately after your surgery. Other than that, you will want to prepare yourself mentally for the physical change that you'll be going through, as well as the recovery time that will be necessary.
About the Rhinoplasty Procedure
Plastic surgery of the nose begins when the rhinoplasty surgeon makes an incision either inside the nose or across the skin that separates the nostrils (this skin is called the columella). The cartilage and bone that make up the framework of the nose are then exposed and sculpted to create the desired shape and profile. The plastic surgeon then stitches the skin back into place to complete the nose surgery. Rhinoplasty surgery generally lasts one to two hours and is usually an outpatient procedure.
Recovery after Rhinoplasty Surgery
Following your nose job procedure, you can expect to be somewhat sore. Beginning on the first day and continuing for several days after, you can expect swelling and bruising to increase — black eyes are not unusual during rhinoplasty recovery. Applying cold compresses around, but not directly to, the nose will help reduce swelling. Furthermore, most patients report that the pain is not as bad as the facial appearance may make it seem.
Rhinoplasty Results
The vast majority of rhinoplasty patients who choose qualified surgeons to perform their surgery are satisfied with their results. In many cases, very slight changes to the structure of the nose — sometimes as little as a few millimeters — can produce drastic and pleasing results. To ensure the greatest chance of satisfactory healing following your procedure, there are several steps you should take following your surgery.
Revision Rhinoplasty
When mistakes are made during a rhinoplasty procedure, or when patients are simply so dissatisfied with the results of their procedure that they cannot accept them, revision rhinoplasty is the answer. Though following the initial nose surgery, the tissue usually must be allowed to heal for some time before a revision procedure may be undertaken, nevertheless significant improvements may be seen through revision rhinoplasty.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty is a nose surgery designed to improve aesthetics while still maintaining ethnic characteristics. People with the same ethnic backgrounds tend to have similarities in their nasal features; some have particularly wide bases, while others might be more pronounced. Ethnic rhinoplasty can preserve or enhance these characteristics, depending on your taste.
Rhinoplasty for Men
Rhinoplasty surgery, as far as the procedure is concerned, is essentially the same for men as it is for women. But there are differences in the aesthetics of the male nose versus the female nose that must be taken into consideration. While every case must be addressed individually, based on your physical condition and goals, there are certain aesthetic commonalities in male noses.
Choosing a Rhinoplasty Surgeon
The most important task for anyone considering rhinoplasty is to choose a qualified surgeon. A skilled and experienced surgeon will make all the difference in any surgical procedure, but for a cosmetic procedure in an area as prominent as the nose, you will want to make sure you choose someone who is fully qualified.
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