Rhinoplasty is surgical reshaping of the nose. The term rhinoplasty, aka nose job or nose surgery, includes a
wide variety of different procedures used to correct a multitude of cosmetic defects.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed; however, it is
considered to be the most difficult procedure in plastic surgery as the nose is a
complex structure made up of interconnecting small bones and cartilage. People choose
to have rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons including making the nose smaller, larger,
thinner, or flatter. Most people seek to have the procedure to change the bridge of
the nose, the tip of the nose, or both. Some people choose rhinoplasty after an injury
or because of a birth defect. Finally, some people have rhinoplasty to improve breathing
problems related to the internal structure of the nose.
How is the rhinoplasty performed?
Rhinoplasty describes a group of procedures which are chosen based both on your
individual anatomy and preferences. In consultation with your surgeon, you will
decide which procedures are right for the correction that you seek. For example
some of the techniques used to reshape the nose include re-contouring of the nasal
bones (the bridge), rebuilding the nasal bones, reshaping of the cartilaginous part
of the nose, shortening of the septum (the wall between the nostrils), and placement
of grafts in the nose. Often, much of the work is performed from inside the nose.
However, some procedures are best performed using incisions on the outside of the nose.
The details of these procedures are beyond the scope of this discussion. However,
it is important that your surgeon discusses the procedures that she recommends in
detail before you chose to have the surgery. Rhinoplasty can be performed under general
anesthesia or under local anesthesia with sedation. There are benefits to using local
anesthesia such as a faster recovery and less cost. However, not all patients are able
to tolerate being awake through such an invasive procedure. Once you have been sedated
or anesthetized, the surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb the entire nose. The
procedure/s will then be performed, the incisions will be sutured and usually the nose
will be packed with dressing material. Splits will then be taped into place.
More Rhinoplasty Facts...
What is the recovery period like after a nose job?
Recovery depends in part on the kind of anesthesia used, the procedure performed,
and your ability to heal. Initially, you will be unable to breathe through your nose.
Often, you will be given prescriptions for antibiotics, pain medication, and nasal
spray. Icepacks are routinely used to reduce swelling. Usually, your first follow up
visit is 24 hours after your surgery at which time the intranasal dressing is removed.
Your second follow up visit is usually 5-7 days after your surgery. Sutures and splits
are usually removed at this visit. Bruising and swelling are normal parts of the
recovery process. Most people return to work 1-2 weeks after rhinoplasty. Full
activity such as contact sports are not allowed for at least 4 weeks. Most of the
swelling is usually gone after a few weeks but subtle swelling can last for months.
More Rhinoplasty Facts...
What are the risks of a nose job?
Risks vary depending on which procedures are used and on whether or not you have
general anesthesia. In general, the most important part of any cosmetic procedure
is understanding what to expect and what the potential complications are. Some of
the common complications are discussed below; however, you and your surgeon will need
to discuss the specific risks in detail. Early postoperative complications include
bleeding, infection, swelling, nose bleeds, and bruising. It is imperative to stop
any medications (prescription and over the counter) prior to rhinoplasty to decrease
the risk of bleeding. In most cases, bruising resolves in 2-4 weeks. Swelling can
take months or even years to completely resolve. Dilated blood vessels (telangiectasias)
are a minor skin complication. Necrosis (death) of the nose skin is a rare but
devastating risk. Cosmetic complications include saddle-nose deformity (sunken bridge),
knob-like protuberances (called bossae), polybeak formation (excessive fullness of the
tip), and excessive scarring. Revisions are needed in 5-10% of cases.
More Rhinoplasty Facts...
How much does nose surgery cost?
Nose surgery costs vary from doctor to doctor depending on other fees such as
anesthesia and operating fees. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery, the average nose surgery costs in 2007 was $4,357. More Rhinoplasty Facts...
Disclaimer:
This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure.
This information should not be used to determine whether you will
have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your
elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and
procedures should be discussed with your physician.
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
