Rhinoplasty: Give Yourself a Wonderful New Nose
Published on May 19, 2020 by MD Randy Proffitt
A person’s nose is generally the first feature that comes in the line of vision. A properly structured nose is not only aesthetically pleasing but also essential to maintaining proper breathing function. Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a cosmetic surgery performed to alter the shape of the nose to improve its shape, size, structure, or functionality. A person who feels conscious about the appearance of their nose or has breathing difficulties (often due to deviated septum) can opt for rhinoplasty to achieve their desired outcomes.
Procedure:
- First consultation: A person who desires to get the procedure done will schedule an appointment with a professional plastic surgeon. The patient communicates their expectations, reservations, and concerns.
- Assessment: The doctor will conduct tests and collect the medical history of the patient. This is to ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure. Once all the tests and checks are done, the surgery is scheduled.
- Surgery: Depending upon the case, the surgery is an outpatient procedure, or the patient is admitted in the hospital for an overnight stay.
- General or local anesthesia is administered based on the complexity of the case.
- The surgeon will make incisions at the base of your nose or an extended cut between the nostrils. The surgeon will reshape the nose by separating the cartilage and the bone. The surgeon may need to add cartilage from other parts of the body or place an implant to alter the size.
- The surgery is generally done in 1-2 hours, and the patient is observed in the post-op room.
Recovery:
- Bandages and dressing remain in place for a week, with drainage pads to absorb discharged fluids or blood.
- Bruising and swelling are seen in patients, which will subside after a few weeks. The application of cold compresses is recommended to keep the swelling down. A splint may be placed on the nose to retain its new structure.
- Patients are advised to keep their head elevated on a surface to avoid excessive bleeding and swelling.
- Any physical activity that could strain the nose is to be strictly avoided. (Nose blowing, laughing, exercise) for at least six weeks.
- The stitches come off after about a week of the surgery.
- Work and routine activities can be resumed gradually after 7 to 10 days.