Rhinoplasty is one of the most common types of plastic surgery. The procedure alters most looks and functions. Around 220,000 rhinoplasty surgeries are performed every year in America. Most people undertake the operation to improve the appearance of the nose and the face, but many people also choose to get a nose job to improve breathing.
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What are the common reasons to get a nose job?
People choose to get nose jobs for a wide range of reasons. Often, the reason is cosmetic, but in some cases, patients have underlying issues that make the operation advisable.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty
Most patients who are interested in the rhinoplasty procedure have cosmetic concerns that they are hoping to address. Because the nose is in the center of the face, a nose job can completely transform and rebalance your appearance. Surgical rhinoplasty is often performed to address:
- Nose shape and size in relation to the rest of the face
- Nose width
- Size and position of the nostrils
- Size and shape of the nasal tip
- Asymmetry of the nose
All of these cosmetic concerns can be addressed with surgical rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty
A septoplasty is a procedure that corrects a deviated septum. When the septum is poorly aligned, it’s common for patients to experience breathing problems and nasal blockages. A deviated septum can occur from trauma to the nose or can be a natural phenomenon.
If you’re concerned about the alignment of your septum, speak to your doctor about whether a septoplasty might be right for you or not.
Functional rhinoplasty
It may be the case that a deviated septum isn’t your concern, but you still experience difficulty breathing through your nose. There are various other reasons why functional rhinoplasty surgery might be right for you.
You may experience breathing problems due to a narrow nasal passage. A doctor can help to determine if a rhinoplasty procedure will rectify this issue, and will explain the cosmetic change you can expect from the surgery.
Another common problem is enlarged turbinates. Turbinates are the shell-like structures that warm and humidify air as it passes through the nose. They are made of bones, blood vessels, and tissues. When they become swollen, breathing can become inhibited. Speak to your doctor about a turbinate reduction procedure.
What should I expect from the surgery?
Rhinoplasty surgery usually takes between 1.5 to 3 hours. There are two main types of rhinoplasty. In an “open rhinoplasty,” a cut will be made across the skin between the nostrils, while a “closed rhinoplasty” involves making tiny cuts inside the nostrils. It’s a complex procedure to perform, hence, you need to have it done by a Rhinoplasty ENT Specialist to do the job well.
Rhinoplasties are perform with the patient under a general anesthetic. In most cases, the procedure will involve reducing the nose size by removing cartilage. In some cases, a nose augmentation will be performed, which is a more complex surgery as it involves grafting bone and cartilage from elsewhere in the body, such as the ears, hips, elbow, or skull.
For a procedure involving a shape change, the nose may need to be broken for the bone and cartilage to be rearranged into the patient’s desired shape.
Your doctor should discuss the entire procedure with you before the day of the surgery. Each rhinoplasty is slightly different, depending on which concerns are being target. Make sure you know exactly what will happen during the surgery and ask any questions you may have regarding the process.
What should I expect during recovery?
The recovery time after a rhinoplasty surgery can vary. In most cases, your doctor will keep you in the hospital immediately after the procedure for 1 to 2 nights. After this, you’ll likely need to take some time off work.
Most patients experience mild pain for three days or so after the surgery, which can be combated with over-the-counter pain medication. In the first few days after the surgery, you’ll be advise to lie with your head propped up by pillows to reduce swelling. You’ll also be advise to avoid blowing your nose or sneezing through your nose.
After one week, any stitches will be removed. If you have a splint, this may also be removed. After three weeks, any bruising, swelling, or redness will have mostly faded. After a month, you’ll likely be able to resume any vigorous exercise regimes.
What are the risks involved in rhinoplasty?
As with all cosmetic surgeries, there’s always the risk of developing an infection in the area. There’s also always a risk that the nose won’t heal properly, resulting in scarring or a misshapen nose. In some cases, patients may find that their breathing is permanently impairs.
Where should I get a rhinoplasty?
Reduce your risk of complications by choosing an excellent plastic surgeon to perform the operation. Find a doctor you can trust. Be sure to check their qualifications, and whenever possible, try to find reviews from their previous patients. A rhinoplasty is a serious and invasive procedure. It’s imperative that you can rely on your surgeon and their team of doctors and nurses.
You’ll need to feel comfortable speaking with your surgeon about each of your concerns. Lexington ps in Kentucky is an excellent example of the type of surgery patients should look for. Dr. Gerstle is a fully-qualified surgeon who takes his responsibilities seriously. He aims to make every patient feel comfortable and welcome from the moment they step through the front door.
At Lexington PS, you can rest assured that your procedure will be performed safely. After an in-depth consultation, you’ll get the chance to see a digitized image of what you may look like after the surgery. You’ll get plenty of chances to raise concerns with Dr. Gerstle, and you’ll receive comprehensive instructions on how to keep your nose clean and safe after the surgery.
Final thoughts
Rhinoplasty is a dramatic surgery. You must think carefully about both the upsides and downsides to the procedure before you decide whether it’s right for you or not. Make sure you find a great surgeon and discuss the surgery in detail. While the procedure can be invasive and daunting, thousands of people choose to get nose jobs every year and are thrill by the self-confidence they get from their facial transformation.
