If you’re not happy with the shape of your nose or have other concerns about this facial feature, you may consider rhinoplasty to fix it. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common types of cosmetic surgery. Our team at Somerset Plastic Surgery offers this procedure for patients who want to make a change to their nose.
Rhinoplasty Overview
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape or size of the nose. Also referred to as a nose job, it may remove or lessen a hump, narrow a broad nose, or create asymmetry between the two nostrils. This surgery can also be used to correct certain congenital anomalies or other issues that impact the ability to breathe easily through the nose. A deviated septum can make it difficult to breathe through one or both nostrils and can be addressed during rhinoplasty.
Doctors may recommend rhinoplasty for a person who has suffered a facial injury that resulted in nasal disfigurement. This procedure can change the bone, cartilage, or both, along with the skin surrounding the nose. Our doctors are certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery with decades of experience in this and other procedures.
The Consultation
Before getting nose reshaping surgery, a surgeon at Somerset Plastic Surgery will schedule a consultation with you. During this consultation, they will discuss your goals for rhinoplasty. They will review your medical history and conduct an exam to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the surgery. Your surgeon will likely take photographs of your nose and how it currently looks to compare with photos taken after the procedure.
The doctor will discuss your expectations and look at your complete facial profile. The results of rhinoplasty surgery should look natural with your other features. At this meeting, the doctor can also inform you of the steps you should take to prepare for the surgery, such as avoiding blood-thinning medications.
The Procedure
Rhinoplasty is generally an outpatient surgery that takes around one to two hours. It is performed under either local or general anesthesia. The surgeon may perform the surgery from the inside of the nose, or they may choose to make an incision between the nostrils on the outside of the nose instead.
The structure of the nose can be changed in multiple ways. Nasal bone and cartilage may be readjusted from beneath the skin. Cartilage from other parts of the body may also be used to change the shape. Once the nose has been restructured, the skin and tissue are sewn back together.
After the surgery, you will be monitored in the recovery room until you awaken. Most of the time, you can leave on the same day as the procedure. Having a friend or family member pick you up and transport you back home is often recommended.
The Recovery Time
You will likely have a bandage on your nose for up to a week after the surgery. You’ll need to keep your head higher than your chest when sleeping to help reduce swelling and limit bleeding. The doctor may prescribe pain medication, but often over-the-counter medicines are sufficient for relieving any discomfort.
Your activity level will be limited for several days with no heavy exercise. You’ll need to bathe instead of shower until the bandages come off. Avoid blowing your nose. If you need to sneeze or cough, do so with your mouth open to limit the amount of pressure in your nose. When brushing your teeth, use gentle motions to prevent excessive movement of your upper lip.
Avoid pulling clothing over your head when getting dressed. Don’t allow your glasses or sunglasses to rest on your nose until it has fully healed. You’ll also want to limit certain facial expressions and behaviors, such as smiling or laughing until the swelling goes down.
The Results
Results of rhinoplasty vary by patient. Even a tiny change in your nose shape or size can significantly impact your face. It may take several weeks or longer for nasal swelling to subside enough for you to see the final results of the surgery. You may also experience some bruising that can take a few weeks to heal.
The surgeons at Somerset Plastic Surgery can show you before and after photos of other patients who have had rhinoplasty. While each person’s results are unique, the images may help give you a better idea of what to expect.
Choose Somerset Plastic Surgery for Your Cosmetic Surgery
If you want to make changes to your nose for cosmetic or health reasons, rhinoplasty may be the answer you’re looking for. Work with one of our experienced and board-certified doctors to help meet your nose-reshaping goals. The team at Somerset Plastic Surgery is here to answer any questions you might have. Contact us for a consultation and schedule your cosmetic surgery today.