Cosmetic Surgery: Rhinoplasty 101

Considering a “nose job”? This post is all about Rhinoplasty!

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular and well-known types of cosmetic surgery. The procedure alters the shape of the nose, either to improve its functioning or to change its appearance. If you’re considering undergoing rhinoplasty, you may wonder exactly how the procedure works. It’s important to be knowledgeable about the surgery before you make your final decision, so you know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

How does rhinoplasty work?

The upper portion of your nose is made of bone, and the lower portion is made of cartilage. During a rhinoplasty surgery, your doctor can remove or rearrange the bone, cartilage, and skin to change the appearance of the nose or to improve your breathing. Your doctor may also add tissue to your nose from another part of your body or from a synthetic filler.

Rhinoplasty can change the size or angle of your nose, or it can correct indentations, bumps, or other imperfections. The procedure is done with general or local anesthesia. Your surgeon will make incisions in the nose, rearrange or reshape the nose to achieve the desired result, and then bandage up your nose and apply a splint.

What problems can rhinoplasty treat?

Rhinoplasty can correct most cosmetic issues in the nose. It can make the nose larger, smaller, and more symmetrical. It can smooth out a bump on the bridge of the nose, make a crooked nose more centered, and make the nostrils narrower or wider. You can make multiple changes to your nose with just one rhinoplasty procedure.

Rhinoplasty also has lots of functional benefits. If you have trouble breathing due to structural issues in your nose, rhinoplasty can open up your airways and allow you to breathe better. It can also fix damage to your nose caused by an injury or trauma.

What are the types of rhinoplasty?

There are two main types of rhinoplasty: open and closed. Open rhinoplasty is more commonly used for major changes or reshaping. The surgeon makes an incision in the skin separating the nostrils and lifts the skin and tissue off of the nose. This allows them to directly see the nasal anatomy and make more precise changes.

During a closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions inside of the nose. Then, they remove the skin from the bone and cartilage to manipulate the structure of the nose. Closed rhinoplasty leaves a smaller scar than open rhinoplasty, and it usually requires less surgery time and less post-op healing time. However, it’s not as effective as open rhinoplasty for major reshaping. Your doctor will make a recommendation based on your cosmetic goals.

Another type is filler rhinoplasty, which uses injectable fillers to alter the nose shape. This surgery can smooth out bumps or sharp angles, change the size or shape of the tip of the nose, and make the nose more symmetrical. Because it’s nonsurgical and only uses injections, it can’t reduce the size of your nose or correct functional nasal problems.

Revision rhinoplasty is a procedure that corrects issues from your original rhinoplasty. Although most people are happy with their first rhinoplasty procedure, mistakes sometimes happen. You may feel unhappy with your results, or you may experience an injury or trauma that affects your nose’s appearance. Revision rhinoplasty fixes mistakes and helps you get closer to your cosmetic goals.

Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

Ideal candidates should be in good physical health to reduce the risk of complications during the surgery. They should be at least 15 years old, which is the average age that the nose stops growing. They should also have reasonable expectations for the surgery. Rhinoplasty can make you feel more confident in your appearance, but it won’t fix all of your worries or insecurities. Candidates should want to improve their appearance, but they shouldn’t expect to perfect it, and they shouldn’t expect the surgery to transform their lives.

What happens during and after rhinoplasty surgery?

Before the procedure, your doctor will go over your medical history and conduct a physical exam to make sure you’re ready for surgery. Your doctor may take photos of your nose and use computer software to manipulate these photos and show you what your nose will look like after the rhinoplasty. Two weeks before the surgery, you will have to stop smoking and taking aspirin and ibuprofen, which can increase bleeding.

You will either have general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The best anesthesia option for you depends on how extensive the surgery will be. During the procedure, your surgeon will make incisions in your nose and rearrange the bone, cartilage, and skin to achieve the desired shape. When you wake up, your nose will be bandaged up and will have a splint. You may be able to go home that day, or you may have to stay overnight for observation.

The bandages and splint will remain on your nose for about a week. Some bleeding is common during the first few days of recovery, and you’ll have to sleep with your head elevated for the first few days. For a few weeks after your surgery, you’ll be instructed to avoid strenuous activity. You should also avoid blowing your nose and wearing clothes that you have to pull over your head.

The most noticeable swelling will subside after a few weeks, but some swelling will remain for a year. You won’t see the final results of the rhinoplasty until all the swelling is gone, so don’t panic if you don’t like how your nose looks right after the surgery.

The Glasgold Group is one of the top plastic surgery practices in New Jersey. They perform rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and numerous other surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Dr. Mark Glasgold, Dr. Robert Glasgold, and Dr. Joelle Rogal are all board certified plastic surgeons with excellent credentials and years of experience. Learn more about the Glasgold Group, visit their website.

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