Rhinoplasty Considerations
Rhinoplasty is surgery used to reshape and/or repair the nose. Reasons behind choosing to have a “nose job” can be to change the appearance of the nose, its function, or both. Rhinoplasty is used to modify bone, cartilage, skin, or all three of the nose. Rhinoplasty is done to change the shape, size, or proportions of the nose. It may be done to repair damage from an injury, improve breathing difficulties, change one’s appearance, or to correct a birth defect.
Your surgeon will discuss with you what you are hoping to achieve from your surgery. Make sure that you talk with your doctor about the other features of your face. Your nose is the central point on the face, and changing it without taking your other features into consideration can leave you with undesired results. When meeting with your doctor prior to surgery, s/he will take photographs of your face and nose from different angles. With the latest technology, doctors are able to use computer software to manipulate your photos to show you what kind of change is possible from your surgery.
The recovery from Rhinoplasty will vary on the amount of changes done to your nose during surgery. Most patients can expect to be on some type of “bed rest” for at least two days as the anesthesia will take time to wear off, and the pain of surgery will linger. Pain medications will be given to patients to alleviate their discomfort during recovery. Patients will be advised not to blow their nose – and this can be difficult to avoid because of the drainage the will occur after surgery. Gingerly dabbing at the nose will help to relieve the drainage, but blowing the nose could cause damage to the surgical area. Once your nose has healed and the swelling goes down, your nose will be evaluated by your surgeon.
All rhinoplasty patients are reminded that the nose changes shape over the years – with or without surgery. Therefore, patients may feel the need to have further surgeries to achieve the most desired result. Your doctor can advise you on the best course of action for what you hope to achieve.
Posted on behalf of Benjamin Stong, MD, Kalos Facial Plastic Surgery, LLC
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