Otherwise known as a nose job, more than 22,000 people undergo rhinoplasty each year. That makes it one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the United States.
The procedure is done for a variety of reasons, including for functional purposes and appearance reasons. No matter why you want to explore rhinoplasty, it’s imperative that you work with a skilled surgeon.
Before you make a decision, it’s a good idea to have all of your questions answered, including “what is a rhinoplasty,” as well as what to expect before, during, and after.
Armed with this information, you can make the right choice for your face and your health. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about getting a nose job.
Table of Contents
What is a Rhinoplasty?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to reshape the nose.
This is often done because a patient wants to improve the appearance of his or her nose. That might be smooth bumps, change the size of the nose so it’s proportional to the face, and to correct drooping or asymmetry.
What is a Full Rhinoplasty?
This refers to a nose job that addresses the entire nose, rather than just the tip, which is called a tip rhinoplasty.
A full rhinoplasty is the most common version and changes the structure of the nose from the inside, as well as its appearance on the outside.
What is a Functional Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty can also be done to correct breathing problems. This could be to change the location of the nostrils or to fix a deviated septum that obstructs the airways.
It might also be done to correct trauma or injury to the face that interferes with proper breathing patterns.
Who is a Candidate?
Rhinoplasty isn’t right for everyone. A good candidate is someone who is generally healthy and whose face has finished growing. That means that teenagers likely need to wait a few years before having a nose job.
Surgeons also look for candidates who don’t smoke. Smoking can interfere with the procedure and the healing process.
You also need to have realistic expectations for what the procedure will look like when it’s finished. You’ll also need to have a good understanding of how the surgery might affect your overall appearance and outlook on life.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before your rhinoplasty is scheduled, you’ll need to consult with your surgeon. This gives you a chance to discuss important information that helps you prepare for the big day.
You’ll go over your medical history and what your goal is with the surgery. It’s vital to be as honest as you can be. In some cases, other medical issues may make rhinoplasty dangerous.
Your surgeon will also perform a physical exam, which includes looking at the outside and inside of your nose and the surrounding structures.
You can also expect your surgeon to take photographs and may use a computer system to show you the potential results.
Another important part of preparing for rhinoplasty is a discussion about your expectations. Your surgeon will go over what you can expect from the surgery and what else you can do surgically to enhance your appearance.
Avoid smoking and medications like aspirin for several weeks before the surgery. This lowers the risk of excessive bleeding.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Rhinoplasty is typically done on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home afterward and won’t need to remain overnight in the clinic.
The surgery is done under anesthesia so you’ll be asleep while it’s performed. In some cases, only local anesthesia is used, which means you’ll be awake, but won’t feel any pain. Your surgeon can help you decide which is best for you.
Your surgeon will make incisions inside the nostrils and will reshape the nose from inside. Sometimes, in more difficult cases, incisions are required at the base of the nose.
Once your surgeon has reshaped the bone and cartilage to create the look and feel you desire, he will suture the incisions and bandage the area.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
You will remain in the clinic as your anesthesia wears off. This allows the nurses to watch for complications and reactions. Most of the time, you’ll go home the same day.
You’ll wear a splint on your nose for about a week after the surgery. You will likely notice some swelling and bruising at the site. This may extend to your eyes but will start improving after a few days.
Avoid any kind of strenuous activity in the weeks following your surgery. Complete healing takes about six weeks, but most people won’t be able to tell you had the procedure after about two or three weeks.
What is a Liquid Rhinoplasty?
Liquid rhinoplasty is a non-surgical way to reshape the nose. It’s done by using dermal fillers in the nose and the surrounding area to change its look.
This is an ideal option for someone who only needs minor changes, such as to make the nose more symmetrical. It’s also a good choice for patients who can’t undergo surgery or who don’t want to spend the money on surgery.
Unlike a surgical rhinoplasty, the liquid version isn’t permanent. The fillers will need to be used regularly to maintain the results.
What is Rhinoplasty Revision?
Rhinoplasty revision is done to correct issues that may arise during the original surgery. This isn’t common but can occur for various reasons.
Sometimes during the healing process, breathing difficulties can arise. Healing can also cause deformities on the outside of the nose.
The goal of revision surgery is to correct these issues. It’s done in much the same way as the original surgery, though healing may not take quite as long.
Are You Ready to Get Started?
Now that you have answers for “what is a rhinoplasty,” are you ready to move ahead with the procedure?
Work with your surgeon so you get the results you want, but remember to be realistic about what the surgery can do.
Before you go, read our other articles for handy advice you can use for your lifestyle.
