The development of rhinoplasty occurred primarily as a plastic surgery technique to restore a proportional nose shape, or to correct for constricted breathing, whether after injury or due to a birth defect. In addition to these corrective procedures, surgeons now use cosmetic plastic surgery to perform subtle aesthetic changes to nose size and shape.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, is the second most popular surgical cosmetic procedure in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose for both aesthetic and corrective purposes. Rhinoplasty can enlarge or reduce the nose, as well as reshape the bridge and nose tip. Approximately 15 percent of primary nose jobs require revisions for one reason or another. For most people, revision rhinoplasty is related to a specific cosmetic issue such as a twisted tip or a functional issue like difficulty breathing. Revision rhinoplasty is often more complicated and costlier than a primary nose job.
Best Rhinoplasty Candidates
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if the nose you were born with makes you self conscious or unhappy. Other candidates may be unhappy with how their nose has aged. Even slight changes to the shape of the nose can have a dramatic effect on appearance and can change how people interact with you. Plastic surgery can reshape deformities, reshape changes from aging and other causes, and restore balance.
Expectations are an important element in what makes a good candidate. The best nose surgery candidates simply want to improve the nose appearance, but do not seek perfection. The ideal candidate should not expect rhinoplasty to transform them into someone else. The best candidates are well adjusted and otherwise happy with their lives.
The Rhinoplasty Consultation
Generally the first major step in getting a nose job, the consultation with your prospective rhinoplasty surgeon is very important for ensuring that both of you are on the same page concerning your goals and what you can realistically expect. You can explain your ideal appearance to the doctor; having some pictures from magazines or other sources might help make the process easier. In return, the doctor will examine your nose carefully and explain what can be done. He or she may also take pictures to develop a 3D model of your face and simulate what the rhinoplasty results will look like. This, along with an examination of your past medical history, should help determine whether you are a good candidate for nose reshaping.
The consultation is your opportunity to learn about the credentials and track record of the surgeon. Some of the issues you might bring up during the consultation include how often the surgeon performs nose job operations, whether he or she is certified and by what boards, and how often the surgeon's patients require revision rhinoplasty. Take this opportunity to get a feel for the facility, the surgeon, and the staff to whom you are going to entrust your dreams for your new face. Make sure that this is the surgeon for you before you schedule a nose job surgery so that you can enjoy the benefits of rhinoplasty to the fullest.
The Weeks Prior to Rhinoplasty Surgery
The weeks preceding your nose job should be used to make sure that everything is in order and ready to go forward without a hitch when the big day finally arrives. Aspirin and products containing aspirin should be avoided during this time, as they thin the blood and make postoperative bleeding more likely. Vitamin supplements, though, should be taken to promote healing; multivitamins containing C, E, and iron are particularly recommended. Minor illnesses such as colds may not be alarming in themselves, but they can cause complications with invasive surgeries, so you should notify your surgeon if you develop any. Lastly, make sure that you have everything you need for your recovery period and no pressing tasks to complete during that time. It will be much easier to take care of these things before the rhinoplasty procedure than after.
The Day before Rhinoplasty Surgery
This day is your last chance to get everything in order for your rhinoplasty. Assemble supplies for cold compresses to minimize swelling after the nose job, including ice or frozen bags of vegetables and pieces of gauze. Some surgeons also recommend beginning to take Arnica Montana, an herbal supplement that combats swelling and bruising. You should also stock up on light, easily digestible foods for after the operation, including juices, soups, and crackers.
Wash your face very thoroughly with an antibacterial cleanser the night before the surgery to kill germs that could cause skin infections. Do not eat anything after midnight, or else you may become nauseated after the rhinoplasty surgery. Finally, make sure you get plenty of good sleep overnight so that you are rested for the challenge ahead.
The Day of Rhinoplasty Surgery
The day of the rhinoplasty is a continuation of your preparations from the night before. Once more, you should wash your face very carefully to eliminate bacteria, and you should not eat anything until after the operation is complete. Do not use any cosmetic or hair styling products before the nose job. Wear loose clothing for maximum comfort and to allow the medical team easy access to all parts of your body. Keep yourself as relaxed as possible, and give yourself plenty of time to get to the clinic or hospital where the rhinoplasty will be performed.
FAQ'S
Is There a "Perfect" or "Ideal" Nose?
There is no one nose that will compliment the natural beauty of every face. Today, surgical changes are made to enhance the remaining facial features and emphasize the individual's unique and natural facial beauty. A plastic surgeon can describe the facial features that make you unique and describe the changes that would enhance your appearance.
How Is a Nose Job Done?
A nose job is usually done as an outpatient procedure under either general or local anesthesia. With general anesthesia, you sleep through the operation. With local anesthesia, you are sedated and the nose is numbed so you are relaxed and unable to feel the pain. The incisions are made within the nostrils and in more difficult cases may also be made across the base of the nose. The inner bone and cartilage are reshaped to produce a more pleasing shape.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Nose Job?
A nasal splint is normally worn for the first week after a nose job. You can expect swelling and some bruising around the eyes after surgery which will begin to improve after the third day, but lasts up to two weeks.
After that, you will have a minor degree of swelling noticed only by you and your surgeon. This swelling will go away over the next six months. The final shape of your nose will be apparent after it has healed completely.
You should avoid strenuous activity for three to four weeks after surgery. You may return to your social activities in as soon as two to three weeks without any recognizable appearance that you had surgery.