What is rhinoplasty?
A nose job, also known as a rhinoplasty, is a procedure which improves shape and function of the nose, by modifying bone or/and cartilage. Rhinoplasty can enhance aesthetic appearance as well as breathing function.
A rhinoplasty should be considered by patients who are unsatisfied with their nose size, shape or width, or those who have visible humps, wide or asymmetrical nostrils. Rhinoplasty can also help patients with obstructed airways by adjusting a deviated septum, which is a common cause of many breathing problems.
During rhinoplasty a patient is usually put under general anesthesia. Therefore, the patient will have to stay in a hospital overnight.
Who is a proper candidate?
- As with all surgeries, it is of high importance to be in good overall health in the first place.
- Well-balanced diet and regular exercise are significant to a successful recovery.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption, on the other hand, can have a negative impact on wound healing and skin elasticity.
- Specifically for rhinoplasty, patients should be at least in their late teens, because the nose stops growing and changing approximately at this age.
- Moreover, the person getting rhinoplasty should have realistic expectations and a desire to improve their current appearance, not perfect it completely.
- People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart and blood clotting disorders are also eligible for the procedure, but additional preparation might be necessary. Informing your surgeon about all present medical conditions is crucial, so that the medical team can prepare in advance and prevent any possible complications.
Recovering after rhinoplasty
Depending on the technique chosen for the procedure, a patient will have either dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures inside the nose or columella. The dissolvable sutures are supposed to dissolve after approximately a week and do not require to be removed. If the stitches are non-dissolvable, they should be removed by the surgeon 7-8 days after the surgery. The patient should also expect to have external and internal nasal dressings which will be placed inside and outside of the nose. A small gauze is placed right under the nose so that it absorbs any blood discharge, which is normal and common after rhinoplasty surgeries. Bear in mind that in the first few days after surgery, an absorbent gauze is required to be changed as often as 10 to 20 times. Nasal dressings should be removed in 5-7 days.
Patient’s upper part of the face is likely to be swollen, especially the eyes and the cheeks. Approximately 2 weeks off work are recommended to rest and heal properly because swelling and discomfort usually subsides in that time. After two weeks post-surgery swelling is usually not as noticeable and should not interfere with any daily tasks. Final results can be appreciated after residual swelling is gone, which usually takes about 6-12 months.
It is not recommended to wear eyeglasses since it puts pressure and disrupts the blood flow. In order to reduce swelling overnight, it is advisable to elevate one’s head with multiple pillows.
The patient should avoid bending forward and lifting heavy objects or children and high-intensity activities should be limited for at least 8 weeks after surgery.
Interesting facts
- A demand for rhinoplasty surgeries is higher and recovery is easier during colder months because of the lower average weather temperature.
- The first ever nose surgery was performed over 2000 years ago by an Indian surgeon Sushruta. At least a part of his techniques are still being used to this day.
- In some rhinoplasties, cartilage is harvested from other parts of a patient’s body and then strategically grafted in certain areas of the nose.
- A rhinoplasty surgery is fairly quick to complete. It takes from 1 to 2 hours and the patient is usually discharged the same day after the procedure.