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Nose Job: Rhinoplasty Types, Recovery and Risks

Rhinoplasty, also known as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure that involves altering the shape or size of the nose to improve its appearance or function. The procedure has a long history, with the earliest recorded examples dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was used to restore damaged noses that had been amputated as punishment for crimes. In the modern era, rhinoplasty has become a common cosmetic surgery procedure, with millions of people around the world undergoing the procedure each year to improve the appearance of their noses.

What can be achieved by rhinoplasty “nose job”?

With rhinoplasty, a patient can correct:

  • the overall nasal size in relation to facial balance
  • the size and/or the position of the nostrils
  • the width and/or the shape of the bridge (e.g. if it is humped or depressed)
  • the size and/or the shape of the nasal tip
  • any type of nasal asymmetry.

There are two main types of rhinoplasty: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. There is also the nonsurgical nose job. In open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision across the columella (the thin strip of skin that separates the nostrils) and then lifts the skin off the nose to access the underlying bone and cartilage. This allows the surgeon to have a clearer view of the nasal structure and make more precise changes. In closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes all the incisions inside the nostrils, which can make the procedure less visible but may limit the surgeon’s access to the nasal structure. Find a plastic surgeon near me.

What happens during a nose job procedure?

The procedure itself typically takes two to three hours to complete and is usually performed under general anesthesia. After the surgery, the patient will need to wear a splint over the nose to help maintain its shape and may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days. Most people are able to return to work within a week or two after the procedure, but it can take up to a year for the final results to be visible as swelling and bruising resolve.

The cosmetic surgery can be either closed, where the incisions are hidden inside the nose and not visible from the outside, or open, where there is usually a single incision made across the columella – the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. In regard to the latter, the columella incision allows the superficial skin of the nose to be raised enough to have access to the underlying shape – giving structures e.g. nasal cartilage. The next steps depend on the desired effects which both parties have agreed to – bone or cartilage can be removed to reduce nasal shape, the slope of the nasal septum may be corrected to improve breathing etc. Additional incisions alongside the nostrils may also take place if the nostrils are to be included in the surgery. After the desired shape is sculpted, the incisions are closed.

The goal of rhinoplasty is to create a balanced and harmonious nose that is in proportion with the rest of the face. The procedure can be used to alter the size, shape, and angle of the nose, as well as to correct any functional issues such as a deviated septum (a condition where the wall between the nostrils is crooked or displaced). The procedure can also be used to correct any asymmetry in the nose or to improve the appearance of scars or other blemishes.

How fast is rhinoplasty recovery?

After getting a nose job a splint and/or packing may be placed inside the nose, same for its outside that can also be bandaged to protect the nasal structures during initial healing. At first, the post-surgery swelling will increase for a few days but will start to naturally subside afterwards. Most of the rhinoplasty nose job recovery is achieved within a few weeks, nevertheless the complete recovery takes around a year. During this time, the shape of the nose and the level of swelling may change to finally reach the desired proportions.

What needs to be done before getting a rhinoplasty?

  • Firstly, one needs to be qualified for the surgery by a licensed professional – many factors will be taken into consideration here. A doctor will assess if the facial growth is complete, if a person is healthy enough to undergo a surgery, if one does smoke or takes medication which may predispose to dangerous complications. Naturally, the patient’s expectations regarding the shape correction will also be discussed.
  • A patient needs to inform the doctor about any drug and/or food allergies to avoid a life – threatening allergic reaction during and after the surgery. Same for any coexisting medical conditions – some drugs cannot be administered for example if the patient has asthma.
  • The photos and measurements will be taken by a professional to closely examine one’s face shape.
  • The patient needs to stop taking pain killers like ibuprofen or aspirin for at least 2 weeks before the procedure. It increases the risk of dangerous bleeding. Other medications also need to be discussed with the surgeon.
  • The lab tests need to be done soon before the surgery so that the doctors have information about current health parameters of the patient.

What are the side effects of a nose job?

There are a few potential risks associated with rhinoplasty, as with any surgery. These include infection, bleeding, and an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. There is also a risk of complications related to the nasal structure, such as changes in the shape or function of the nose or damage to the blood vessels or nerves. In rare cases, the procedure may need to be revised to correct any problems that arise.

Some common side effects of a nose job include:

  1. Swelling and bruising: Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes is normal after surgery and typically subsides within a few weeks.
  2. Pain: Some discomfort is normal after surgery and can usually be managed with pain medication.
  3. Dry nose: The inside of the nose may feel dry and crusty for the first few days after surgery.
  4. Nasal congestion: It is common to experience nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose for the first few days or weeks after surgery.
  5. Numbness: The skin around the incisions may feel numb for a few weeks or months after surgery.
  6. Scarring: There will be small incisions made during the surgery, and these may leave scars. The scars will typically fade over time and will be hidden in the natural creases of the skin.

Your surgeon will be able to provide you with more detailed information about the specific risks and side effects associated with your surgery.

How Much Does a Nose Job Cost?

Like most cosmetic surgeries, the price of a nose job will vary from surgeon and location to location. On average, a nose job can cost between $4000-$10,000. There are several variables that can influence the costs involved. See how popular rhinoplasty is and other plastic surgery statistics.

Overall, rhinoplasty is a safe and effective way to alter the shape or size of the nose for both cosmetic and functional purposes. It can help improve the appearance of the nose and bring it into balance with the rest of the face, as well as correct any functional issues that may be causing problems with breathing or other activities. While there are risks involved with any surgical procedure, the vast majority of people who undergo rhinoplasty are satisfied with the results and experience few complications.

Nose Job References

Rhinoplasty – Medline

Predicting the results of rhinoplasty before surgery: Easy noses versus difficult noses

Things I wish I had been taught about rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery)