Rhinoplasty, which is also referred to as nose job, is a plastic surgery procedure that is performed on the nose to improve its function or alter its shape. This procedure may be performed for medical reasons in a bid to correct breathing problems that arise from the nose or correct disfigurement that could have resulted from birth defects or traumatic incidences. Most people undergo rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons to change the appearance and shape of their nose.
What To Do Before Getting A Nose Job
As earlier mentioned, nose jobs can be done for cosmetic or medical reasons. For those willing to undergo this procedure for cosmetic reasons, it is important that they set an appointment with a surgeon and get the right advice. Tell them how you feel about your nose and how you would like it changed. Even though you don’t achieve a “perfect” nose, a nose job may be helpful in achieving the desired facial features and an enhanced appearance.
This should also be the case for those who need a nose job for medical reasons. The doctor will advise you accordingly on what to do and what to avoid before and after nose surgery. For cosmetic rhinoplasty, a surgeon will assess your nose and facial features and tell you whether your expectations can be achieved.
The surgeon will also discuss with you any risks involved, the recovery time, and the cost of the procedure. The surgeon should also explain the various techniques of rhinoplasty you can opt. If you are a health insurance policyholder, ensure that you talk to your insurer before the procedure so that you understand what is covered and what’s not.
Rhinoplasty Procedure: Step-By-Step Guide
Nose surgery is an outpatient procedure. Before the procedure can begin, one gets a dose of local or general anesthesia. For general anesthesia, a person sleeps through the procedure. On the other hand, local anesthesia keeps the patient sedated so that they will be relaxed and go through the procedure without feeling pain.
During the operation, a surgeon makes incisions within the nostrils. In some cases, the surgeon may also make the cut on the underside of the nose so that they gain access to bone and cartilage underneath. The surgeon uses a scalpel and osteotome to remove any excess cartilage and shape the bone accordingly. Nose jobs are highly individualized and the exact technique to be used will depend on one’️s anatomy and the desired results. Here are techniques that a surgeon can use during a nose surgery:
Open Rhinoplasty
Here, a small cut is made under the tip of the nose, between the nostrils. This technique gives the surgeon access to all the structures of the nose and allows them to sculpt it into the desired shape. Due to the ease of access, surgeons conducting cosmetic rhinoplasty prefer it due to the extent of nose reshaping.
Closed Rhinoplasty
With this technique, the surgeon makes cuts inside the nostril and is used for patients who need minor adjustments to the structures of the nose. This technique leaves no scars after surgery but is not suitable for extensive rhinoplasty procedures.
Tiplasty
Rather than making the incisions, this technique involves the reshaping of the nasal tip and does not affect the other structures of the nose.
Side Effects Of Rhinoplasty
This procedure does not come without side effects, which are mostly mild. In case of any major complications after surgery, it is advisable to visit your surgeon for medical assessment. Here are some of those side effects:
- Swelling of the nose. This may persist for weeks and it normally takes a year for the swelling to vanish.
- Pain and discomfort, which can be suppressed by cold presses or medication.
- Facial swelling, especially the day after surgery.
- Blocked nose, which would force you to breathe through the mouth.
- Light nosebleeds which can last a few days.
- Soreness and swelling around the eyes.
- Numbness and stiffness of the nose.
In cases where nose jobs go wrong, the following could happen:
- Permanent difficulty in breathing.
- Cartilage wall damage.
- Heavy nosebleeds.
- Alteration of sense of smell.
Rhinoplasty refers to the surgery of the nose, which is done to correct medical issues or enhance one’s looks. Various techniques may be used in this procedure and it all depends on the desired results. After surgery, patients may experience various side effects, including swelling of the nose, pain, and discomfort.