Rhinoplasty surgery is most frequently used for cosmetic reasons; however, it may also help correct injuries or birth defects. When visiting with your surgeon for consultation purposes, he or she will meet you face to face to discuss what bothers you about your nose and what changes might need to take place in order to make you happier with its appearance.
Your doctor will administer medication to induce sleep for the surgery, either through IV infusion or inhalation. It could take place either at a hospital, physician’s office, or outpatient surgical facility.
Identifying Your Problem
The nose is one of the most notable components of any face. People notice it right away when meeting new people and it has an enormous effect on how others view us. Many individuals who feel self-conscious about the size or shape of their nose opt for rhinoplasty, hoping it can restore facial balance and harmony while improving breathing problems caused by congenital conditions or trauma injuries such as nasal deviated septum.
Finding a surgeon to perform your rhinoplasty should be approached carefully. At your initial consultation, a surgeon will discuss your aesthetic goals before conducting an analysis on both two- and three-dimensional images of your nose and facial features. In addition, they will review any medications you are currently taking such as blood thinners.
Your surgeon can assist in helping you understand what can be realistically accomplished through surgery based on your facial skeleton and other structures. Furthermore, setting realistic expectations is crucial – opting for too large or small of a nose could not only look artificial, but lead to substandard results as well.
Before your rhinoplasty procedure, be sure to purchase both over-the-counter and prescribed medication that you will require during recovery (e.g. antibiotics, pain relievers and anti-nausea medication) as well as arrange a place in your home where you can stay for one week post surgery. Also arrange someone who can assist with housework and child care during this timeframe.
Choosing a Surgeon
When considering rhinoplasty, selecting an experienced surgeon is of vital importance. Rhinoplasty surgery is highly specialized and it is important to make sure your surgeon possesses both education and experience to perform it well. Look for surgeons certified by either the American Board of Plastic Surgery or Otolaryngology with prior experience performing nose surgeries; check their surgical portfolio as this should feature before-and-after photographs that reflect how your own nose might change from multiple angles (front, side) before and after.
At your consultation, the surgeon will assess your physical appearance to identify any changes that can be made to your nose. They’ll consider its shape, skin thickness and strength of cartilage at its tip as possible areas for change. Furthermore, they may assess your facial structure to see if additional surgery such as chin augmentation would help balance out proportions in your face.
Your surgeon will discuss your desired goals for surgery and answer any of your questions, as well as explain any associated risks of rhinoplasty based on your specific situation. He or she will also take an in-depth medical history, taking note of any medications currently or previously taken that could impact this decision.
Your surgeon will discuss whether rhinoplasty is suitable for you and if it’s covered by your insurance. Most policies cover cosmetic rhinoplasty treatments; to find out the specific details in your case, speak to your provider.
Preparing for Surgery
Rhinoplasty is often considered a cosmetic procedure, but it can also assist in alleviating breathing difficulties caused by blocked nasal passageways. Furthermore, rhinoplasty may also help repair damage sustained through injury or to correct an accidental birth defect.
Dependent upon the extent of your surgery, anesthesia could range from general anesthesia to local anesthesia and light sedation. Most times you should be able to return home the same day after being monitored briefly following your operation – make sure someone will accompany you home and be with you overnight afterward!
Before your nose surgery, it is important to inform your surgeon of all medications you take – both over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements – as certain of these could increase bleeding or interfere with healing of your nose. You should also inform them if you suffer from nasal or sinus allergies or have had previous surgeries on it.
No matter if it is for functional or cosmetic reasons, most patients experiencing nose reshaping surgery experience some tenderness and ache in the days following surgery. Ice compresses may help keep this to a minimum; normal outcomes include puffy and swollen features on your nose and slight shape changes that will take several months to heal fully; typically though swelling should reduce within a month while full healing could take up to a year before swelling disappears completely and your nose looks as if nothing ever happened!
During Surgery
Your surgeon will discuss with you the procedure they will undertake to achieve your desired result, which could include incision type and length as well as possible cartilage graft requirements. He or she will also consider any special considerations such as bleeding disorders.
As part of surgery, you will receive either general or local anesthesia to numb your nose and face, so that you remain awake yet relaxed during surgery and may even communicate with the surgeon directly during their procedures.
Your surgeon will first make an incision inside of your nose, before moving aside the skin to access the bone-and-cartilage framework underneath. He or she can reshape this framework until your desired nose shape has been reached – using cartilage from other sources such as septum (which separates nasal cavity from nose), ears or ribs if necessary. After making any necessary alterations, absorbable stitches are used to close incisions – which eventually dissolve without needing removal at a post-op visit one week post-op appointment a week post surgery.
Swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks after surgery, but should gradually diminish over time. Though full resolution could take up to one year, you should start seeing results within just months – making sure not to participate in activities which could damage or interfere with its healing during that timeframe. If you’re unhappy with the outcome of your rhinoplasty procedure, another surgery may be possible once your nose has fully recovered.
Post-Surgery Care
Rhinoplasty surgery can transform any nose that’s too small or large for its face, leaving you looking your best and returning home the same day. Outpatient procedures performed under general anesthesia typically allow patients to return home the same day. Before scheduling this operation, however, certain steps should be taken in order to get optimal results and to achieve the best outcomes.
Be mindful to set realistic expectations about your results. While photos of altered noses may inspire your surgeon, the final shape will ultimately depend on your unique anatomy as well as his or her skill and judgment.
Prodding or poking at your nose after surgery should be avoided as this can interrupt the healing process and lead to complications. While resisting temptation may be difficult, doing so could delay recovery and make seeing any desired changes more challenging.
Get enough sleep. A full night’s rest each night will help your body heal after surgery and provide enough energy for fighting infections that might hinder its recovery process.
Sleep with your head elevated, especially at night, to prevent nasal fluid from pooling in your nasal cavities and reduce swelling, bruising and congestion. Furthermore, avoid bending over or lifting anything heavy as this may increase blood pressure in your head and increase bleeding post surgery. Finally, spray saline solution into each nostril every few hours in order to keep them moist.
