Cosmetic nasal surgery (Rhinoplasty; nose job)
Aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery of the nose, also called rhinoplasty, can improve the shape, size, and general appearance of the nose as well as the overall balance of facial features. The procedure involves reshaping the internal cartilage
framework of the nose in order to change its external appearance.
In addition to aesthetic reasons, the procedure can also be performed to correct breathing difficulties, which may have been caused by a previous injury to the nose.
The procedure:
Alterations may be made to increase or decrease the nasal bridge, reduce the size or width of the nose, narrow the nostrils, change the angle between the nose and the upper lip, or reshape the tip. Often incisions will be placed
inside the nose, where they will not be visible. This technique is called a closed rhinoplasty. Sometimes, a very short incision is made across the vertical strip of tissue that separates the nostrils, called the columella.
This technique is called an open rhinoplasty.
Through the incision, modifications are made to the cartilage and bone that form the framework of the nose. Sometimes, the position of certain bones may need to be altered slightly in order to make the nose look narrower and
straighter. If the nose needs to be built up in certain areas, this can be done using nasal cartilage, or perhaps bone or cartilage from another site.
The procedure takes between 1.5 and 3 hours and is performed under general anesthesia. Minor alterations to the nose can be performed as a day-surgery procedure, but most patients usually spend one to two nights in the hospital
following a rhinoplasty.
Benefits:
- High patient satisfaction when expectations are realistic.
- Significant complications from rhinoplasty are infrequent.
- Results are permanent, except for changes associated with the aging process.
- Incisions are usually inconspicuous.
- Patients may be able to return to work as soon as 7 – 10 days after surgery. Most normal activities, including gentle exercise can usually be resumed within 2–3 weeks.
Risks and considerations:
- Every surgery carries some risk. Potential complications include bleeding, infections, and reactions to anesthesia. Numbness of the skin is usually temporary. Noticeable swelling may last for several weeks, but minor residual
swelling may continue for many months. Bruising around the eyes and cheeks is most apparent during the first three days following surgery. - Occasionally, additional surgery may be necessary. Since the healing process is gradual, the patient should expect to wait up to one year to see the final results.
- Patients must avoid exposing their reshaped nose to direct sunlight and must be conscientious about using sunblock.
- Patients should allow 1 to 2 weeks off work following a nose operation. Although gentle exercise may be resumed after 2 to 3 weeks, more strenuous exercise should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
- After a rhinoplasty, some patients experience an altered sense of smell, while others find that their nasal breathing is affected.