You’ve probably heard jokes or seen movies that talk about getting a “nose job”. But what is it? This is also known as a rhinoplasty. This article will discuss what occurs during surgery, and what you can expect.
What is a Rhinoplasty?
This is a surgery used to reshape the nose. It can either make it smaller or larger, change the angle of the nose in relation to the upper lip, change the tip of the nose, or remove and correct bumps. It can also remove indentations or other defects in the nose.
During this procedure, the surgeon will make incisions in order to access the cartilage and bones that support the nose. These are usually made inside of the nose so they can’t been seen once the surgery is complete. Depending on what the patient desires, some bone may be removed, or tissue may be added (either from a synthetic filler or from another part of the body). After the surgeon has shaped and arranged the bone and cartilage, this skin will then be redraped over the structure of the nose. A splint will then be placed on the outside of the nose so the shape is supported as it heals.
This surgery can be done using local anesthesia or general anesthesia. It is typically done as an outpatient procedure, but may require a one-night stay in the hospital, or surgery center.
How well does it work?
Depending on what kind of correction you want, the results of your rhinoplasty may be very minor, or very significant. You and your plastic surgeon need to make sure you agree on the goals of the surgery. If you have realistic expectations, and your plastic surgeon shares those with you, you will likely get the results you desire.
This is a permanent thing, although if you get a subsequent injury, that could affect the nose’s appearance. Cosmetic surgery should only be done on a fully developed nose. This usually occurs by age 17 or 18 in males and by 15 or 16 in females. If a surgery is done before development is complete, continued growth can alter the results and even cause complications.
What are the Risks?
There will likely be temporary swelling and bruising around the nose and the eyes after a rhinoplasty has been completed. Other problems may include:
- Injury or holes in your septum
- Skin problems, including the breakdown of skin tissues and irritation from bandaging.
- Bleeding
- Infection. Antibiotics may and should be taken after surgery to reduce the risk of possible infection.
- Complications of anesthesia
- Severe nasal blockage, caused by swelling inside the nose.
- The results may not be what you wanted.
As with any surgery, there are always complications and risks. But if it’s something you desire to have done, talk to your doctor to find out of this procedure is right for you. It may not only improve your appearance, but other things like your ability to breathe! A rhinoplasty can be a great procedure if done by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Reynolds.