What is rhinoplasty?

A person seeks a rhinoplasty procedure, or what some people call “cosmetic nose surgery” for three reasons. The first reason is that they feel their nose is unattractive, too big or too asymmetrical. The second possible reason is for repair of a birth defect or trauma, and the third is that a patient finds that he or she has difficulty breathing, likely from a deviated septum.

Common cosmetic complaints that people seek a rhinoplasty to correct, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, include:

·       The nose is too large in proportion to the rest of the face.

·       The nose is too wide at the bridge or at the nostrils.

·       There are visible bumps and depressions at the bridge of the nose.

·       The nasal tip is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked.

·       The nostrils are too wide, too large, or upturned.

According to Medline Plus, a rhinoplasty procedure is usually performed in a doctor’s office or an outpatient facility. Depending on the extent of the procedure, either local or general anesthesia is used. The procedure lasts between one to two hours. You can usually go home the very day of the procedure.

Immediately after the procedure, your nose and face will likely be swollen and painful, with headaches possible, but this goes away fairly quickly. The nasal packing that the doctor will install during the procedure will be removed within three to five days, making you far more comfortable.

Full recovery takes several weeks though they might be some soreness at the tip of the nose for months. In some cases, the full results of the rhinoplasty procedure will not become apparent for up to a year after it is performed.

For more information contact us.