Rhinoplasty – What you need to Know

Rhinoplasty is often referred to as a “nose job” and is a plastic surgical procedure that is used to reconstruct and correct the form of the nose. This procedure can also restore functions and aesthetically improve the nose. A plastic surgeon, a maxillofacial surgeon, or an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) can create a facially proportionate, aesthetic, and functional nose by correcting them as needed for function and form.

For aesthetic reasons, many people opt for a rhinoplasty procedure to soften the “bump” on the bridge of their nose, to get a narrower nose, to correct a dropping tip, or to have their tip more defined. This procedure is also utilized to change the position between the top lip and the nose and to increase or decrease the size of the nose. For medical purposes, this procedure is also utilized to correct an injury, improve breathing problems or correct a birth defect. With a surgeon that incorporates sound precision, you can receive an amazing transformation.

Through a clinical evaluation with a surgeon, determination is made whether or not you are a good candidate for a rhinoplasty procedure. This evaluation includes your complete medical history to determine if you are in good psychological and physical health. If you are deemed a good candidate for this procedure, your surgeon will begin the process of preparing you for surgery.

A rhinoplasty procedure typically takes 1-2 hours or longer to perform. During this surgical procedure, a surgeon separates the soft tissues and the nasal skin from the osseocartilaginous nasal framework and sculpts the desired shape. Next, the surgeon redrapes the skin over the new framework. The surgeon sutures the incisions and puts a stent in to immobilize the nose for proper healing. Soft splints or nasal packs may be placed within the nostrils for septum stabilization. With a professional and knowledgeable surgeon you can have the nose you always hoped for.

The type of surgeon you choose is vital in order to get the desired functionality or aesthetic appearance from your rhinoplasty procedure. There are some surgeons that choose an “open” type of procedure and typically in more complex cases and there are many surgeons that perform this procedure by making incisions within the insides of the nostrils. A knowledgeable and experienced surgeon will always choose the type of procedure that is best for the patient’s physical needs and aesthetic desires.

Following surgery, especially the first 24 hours, you will experience puffiness in your face, you may have a dull headache, and your nose may ache. Your surgeon will explain to you in your consultation about after surgery care such as medications you may need that will be prescribed by your surgeon to relieve discomfort. You should also prepare to stay in bed following your procedure with your head elevated during the first day.

Additional information your surgeon will explain to you about your procedure may include what to expect the days and weeks after surgery such as increased swelling in the facial area, when to expect the swelling to disappear, the possible occurrence of bleeding, feeling stuffy, when the splints, stitches, and dressings will be removed and more.

If you are looking into getting a rhinoplasty procedure done, you can visit the website of a prospective surgeon, check out his/her credentials, view before and after pictures, and learn additional information about this procedure. When you are ready to take the first step to your new and improved nose, you can call a surgeons office and schedule a complimentary cosmetic surgery consultation