What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose. The layman's term for it is a "nose job." Most rhinoplasty procedures are strictly cosmetic procedures, done to improve the look of the nose and face, but many are performed to correct defects from either birth or trauma. Some procedures may be needed to open nasal passages and improve breathing. Rhinoplasty can reshape the bones of the nose through infracturing, breaking and resetting them to be narrower and straighter. Outfracture is when nasal bones are broken and moved outward to widen the nose. A hump can be removed to give a more pleasing, symmetrical look. In addition, the cartilage of the nose and nose tip can be molded and trimmed to create a more compact or pleasing shape. Rhinoplasty can create a nose that is in harmony with the rest of the face.
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At what age can rhinoplasty be performed?
Nose jobs can be performed on teenagers and adults. For teenagers, it is usually best to wait until the face has finished most of its growth. In cases of severe disfigurement due to birth defects or accidents, rhinoplasty can be done in younger individuals. For lesser problems, surgery is best deferred until after the child stops growing.
Rhinoplasties performed on teenagers and young adults may be beneficial to the social development and confidence of the individual. The aging process is reflected in many ways in the nose, and its correction can add youthfulness and freshness to the appearance.
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What does a typical rhinoplasty consultation entail?
First, your doctor will discuss your goals with you and will explain what a rhinoplasty can achieve realistically for you. You should express how you want to look after surgery, and bring pictures if possible. Your surgeon should work with you to create the look you are seeking.
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How is rhinoplasty performed?
A rhinoplasty can also be performed under either light sleep or general anesthesia and, in most cases, the patient can go home the same day. Surgery generally lasts about 1 to 2.5 hours, unless other procedures are being performed. For more specific information, see the Overview section.
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What should I expect postoperatively?
You may awaken with your nose packed with gauze and, in some cases, a cast on your nose. The cast will be worn for about 1 week. You may also have a pressure dressing over your eyes. You can remove the pressure dressing after a few hours or as specified by your surgeon. During a nose job, it is not unusual for blood to collect in the throat and be swallowed. Some rhinoplasty patients become nauseated from this ingested blood, and may vomit a black mixture of stomach acid and blood. This is normal, and the nausea will pass. If you continue to vomit and/or run a high fever, contact your doctor immediately.
You nose will be sensitive for approximately a month and a half, although many patients report no serious pain or discomfort. Many patients feel uncomfortable breathing with the packing and cast on the nose. This feeling widely resembles a head cold or sinus infection.
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When will the cast be taken off, and does this hurt?
The cast is removed approximately 7 days postoperatively. You may feel a slight stiffness in the upper lip as the swelling moves downward. This should subside in a matter of hours. You must be very careful not to bump your nose, as it is tender and vulnerable to breakage.
If you had a rhinoplasty where the nostrils were narrowed (in the case of flared nostrils), you will have your sutures removed. This may sting a bit.
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When will I be able to see the results?
Your nose will be very sensitive for approximately a month and a half. You will start to see a difference immediately, but your nose will be swollen. The swelling starts to disappear about a week after the cast is removed. Approximately 80% of the swelling and all the bruising are usually gone by 2 weeks after surgery. Ninety percent of the swelling is gone by 2 months after surgery, and the rest slowly disappears over the next year. You will see your nose become more refined with better definition over the first year. The inside of your nose may be swollen for approximately 3 weeks after the surgery. Breathing through your nose may be difficult during this time. If surgery is performed to straighten the nasal septum, an improvement in breathing will be noticed starting at about 3 weeks.
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What are the risks of rhinoplasty?
As with all surgery, there is the risk of developing an infection or excessive bleeding. There is also the risk that you may not be happy with the results or with scarring. Scarring is usually minimal if the incisions are made inside of the nose. With an open technique, the scars made on the outside of the nose may be visible for some time.
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