Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a type of surgical procedure. It is one of the most popular surgeries, both in the United States and around the world. In 2020 alone, there were more than 352,000 nose reshaping procedures in the United States alone, putting it ahead of other cosmetic procedures such as eyelid surgery, liposuction, breast augmentation, and facelifts.
If you are thinking about undergoing rhinoplasty, then this blog post is for you. Here, we will highlight everything you need to know about rhinoplasty, including common reasons for undergoing this procedure, how to prepare for it, the procedure itself, and the recovery phase. Let’s get started with this nose job guide.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
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Put simply, rhinoplasty is a surgery to change the shape or size of the nose. This is done by modifying the cartilage or bone. There are a number of possible changes that can be made through rhinoplasty, including changing the size or angle of the nose, reshaping the tip, straightening the bridge, and narrowing the nostrils.
Rhinoplasty may be performed for either cosmetic or functional reasons. In the case of a cosmetic nose job, a person may simply be unhappy with the appearance of their nose and wish to make visual improvements. In the case of a functional nose job, such a procedure generally focuses on improving breathing by shaping the interior passageways of the nose.
Common Reasons For Rhinoplasty
As highlighted above, there are different reasons why a person may choose to undergo this type of procedure. Let’s take a closer look at some of these here.
As a primarily cosmetic procedure, most people opt for a nose job because they are not satisfied with the appearance of their nose and how it affects their overall physical appearance. If a person feels that their nose is unsightly, it can affect their self-esteem and cause confidence issues, which can affect a person’s happiness and outgoingness.
If you are planning to undergo rhinoplasty for cosmetic purposes, it is important to outline your concerns to the surgeon. They will then be able to create a plan that will achieve your desired nose shape and shape.
Many people also undergo rhinoplasty as they experience breathing issues. Rhinoplasty can help to restore proper nasal airflow and drainage. Common causes of nasal obstructions include internal and external nasal valve collapse and a deviated nasal septum.
A person may also undergo a rhinoplasty procedure if they suffer from a birth defect. Common birth defects such as cleft palate or cleft lip can be corrected by this procedure. A person with a cleft palate may experience difficulty eating, speaking, and other issues.
Another common reason for rhinoplasty is when a person injures their nose. Following nasal trauma, this procedure helps to achieve full restoration of both the function and appearance of the nose.
Preparing For Rhinoplasty
The first thing a person should do when considering rhinoplasty is to speak to their surgeon. They will determine whether or not a person is a good candidate for this procedure. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your goals.
During the initial consultation with a surgeon, they will perform a physical examination. This includes inspecting the skin around the nose, so as to determine what changes can be made. The patient will also be made aware of the costs, risks, long-term outlook, and recovery time for the surgery.
Some of the potential risks of rhinoplasty include:
- Nosebleeds
- Breathing difficulties
- Scars
- As asymmetrical nose
- Numbness
If you have any other questions about the procedure, it is advised that you ask your surgeon during the initial consultation.
During The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Either local or general anesthesia is used during a rhinoplasty procedure, depending on the complexity and the specific case. During the procedure, the surgeon makes cuts either inside or between the nostrils, then separates the skin from the cartilage or bone, and starts to reshape the nose as desired.
If needed, additional cartilage is taken from the ear or deep inside the nose. Typically, the procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours (or longer) to complete, depending on the complexity.
Click here to learn more about nose reduction surgery.
Recovery Phase
Following the surgery, a metal or plastic splint is often placed on the nose, which helps the nose to retain its new shape during the healing face. Patients are monitored in a recovery room for the first few hours following the surgery and are typically allowed to go home later in the day (unless it is a particularly complicated procedure).
In the first few weeks following the surgery, patients should aim to rest as much as possible. They should avoid the following:
- Excessive chewing
- Running
- Swimming
- Laughing and smiling
- Blowing their nose
- Pulling clothes over their heads
Bleeding may occur in the first few days following the procedure. A drip pad helps to absorb any blood and mucus, while pain medication is usually prescribed to manage any pain or headaches. Numbness, swelling, and discoloration around the eyelids are also common in the weeks after this procedure.
Everything You Need To Know About Rhinoplasty
The bottom line is that rhinoplasty is an excellent surgical option for people unhappy with the appearance or function of their noses. It is a relatively easy and safe procedure, though the healing phase can take a while. We recommend that you speak to an experienced surgeon to learn more.
Like this blog post on everything you need to know about rhinoplasty? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
