Are you unhappy with the shape or size of your nose? Does the angle of your nose, a nasal hump, or a drooping nasal tip make you self-conscious? Is your nose out of proportion to the rest of your face? Do you have trouble breathing because of the size or shape of your nose? All these problems can be fixed by plastic surgeons with a nose job surgery (medical name: rhinoplasty). Please continue reading to learn everything there is to know about nose jobs.
What is a rhinoplasty nose surgery?
A rhinoplasty is surgery that is performed to change the size or shape of the nose. The reason for a rhinoplasty nose surgery can be to improve the appearance, improve breathing, or both.
Rhinoplasty surgery involves manipulating the bone, cartilage, and skin to balance the facial features. It is a highly customized nose surgery. The plastic surgeon assesses the patient's face, listens to their concerns, and develops an individual surgical treatment plan for each patient.
Why is a nose job done?
A nose surgery is done to alter the size, shape, or proportions of the nose. It may be done for cosmetic purposes or medical reasons (to repair a deformity due to injury, correct a birth defect, or improve breathing difficulties).
Am I a good candidate for a nose job?
If you feel that your nose is too big or too small, that it doesn't match the rest of your face, or it is crooked or hooked or out of proportion, a nose surgery can help. A rhinoplasty surgery may also help if you have nasal blockage and problems breathing through your nose. However, it is important to understand that a nose job can achieve improvement, not perfection. Therefore, a positive outlook, realistic expectations, and good general health are key attributes for patients desiring nose surgery (rhinoplasty).
What is the best age to get a nose job?
There is no right or wrong age for plastic surgery on the nose. In general, the best age for a rhinoplasty is between the ages of 18 and 40. This is considered the ideal age range because your physical development is complete after age 18 and you are mature enough to understand the pros and cons of plastic surgery. Before age 40 is advisable because your skin retains a youthful elasticity.
What to expect before and after a nose job?
Consultation
You will meet with your plastic surgeon in consultation before your rhinoplasty. At this time, your doctor will obtain a complete medical history and perform a physical examination to determine if you can undergo nose surgery safely. Your surgeon will carefully examine your face to see what changes can be made to enhance your physical features. They will look inside the nose and assess the thickness of your skin, bone and cartilage. They will also evaluate how the surgery could impact your breathing.
Your surgeon will discuss various techniques such as open rhinoplasty (incisions are made in the columella - the bridge of tissue between the nostrils) or closed rhinoplasty (incisions are made inside the nose).
Photographs will be taken from many angles. This will help in comparing before/after nose job photos. Your plastic surgeon will also discuss your expectations from the rhinoplasty surgery to ensure you have a realistic idea about the cosmetic surgery can and cannot achieve. If you are deemed an appropriate candidate, your closed or open rhinoplasty will be scheduled.
Preparation
For two weeks before and after your rhinoplasty, your surgeon may ask you to avoid certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding. Be sure to tell your doctor about all your medications, including herbal products and over-the-counter dietary supplements. Smokers will need to stop smoking to ensure good healing after surgery and reduce the risk of infection.
Rhinoplasty surgery
There are no fixed steps in a nose job. The nose surgery is customized and unique based on a patient's anatomy and aesthetic goals. Rhinoplasty can be done under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation - your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate option for you.
Plastic surgeons make the incision for the nose surgery (rhinoplasty) either inside the nose (closed surgery) or outside (open rhinoplasty). They then adjust the nasal bones and cartilage under the skin to change the shape and size of the nose. Some cartilage may be added (from the ear or rib) or taken away to refine the nasal contour. At the end of the procedure, plastic surgeons close the skin and tissue with sutures (stitches). The nasal septum (wall between the nostrils) can be straightened if you have a condition called deviated septum that causes trouble breathing. This type of nasal surgery is called a septorhinoplasty.
Nose job recovery and aftercare
You may be able to go home later the same day or be asked to stay overnight in the hospital after your cosmetic surgery. Your surgeon will advise you to rest with your head raised to reduce swelling and bruising. You may feel congested from the swelling and splints left inside the nose. The dressings, splints, and drip pad are usually removed within 7 days of nose surgery. Total recovery time is around two to three weeks.
Plastic surgeons advise nose job patients to avoid strenuous workouts, take showers instead of baths, avoid blowing their nose, and eat a high-fiber diet after the surgery (this is to avoid constipation and straining). They also advise brushing the teeth gently and avoiding extreme facial expressions. Patients may need to rest eyeglasses on the forehead or cheeks during the recovery period from rhinoplasty surgery.
How long does a nose job last?
Even small changes in the structure of the nose can make a big difference in your appearance. A rhinoplasty makes permanent changes to the bone and cartilage of the nose and the results last a lifetime. If for some reason you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, it will require a second surgery to make changes. Plastic surgeons generally advise waiting at least one year after the original surgery so that the nose can go through normal post-surgical changes and settle into its final shape before attempting revisions.
What are the risks of a nose job plastic surgery?
Like all cosmetic procedures and any major surgery, a nose job carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, reactions to medications, and anesthesia risks. Risks that are specific to nasal surgery including numbness around the nose, problems breathing through the nose, scarring, pain, asymmetrical results, septal perforation, and the need for revision surgeries.
Pros and cons of a nose job
Pros
- Improved size or shape, angle, and proportion of the nose.
- Improved breathing and relief from nasal congestion.
- Boost in self-confidence.
Cons
- Scars can develop and may be visible if you have an open rhinoplasty surgery procedure
- Wound healing problems and other surgical complications are a risk.
- The nose may not look like you imagined.
- Most patients take time to get used to their new look.
How much is a good nose job?
A nose job costs around $5,500 according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. The actual rhinoplasty cost will depend on where you live and the skill of your surgeon. A part or all of your rhinoplasty surgery may be covered by insurance if the procedure is deemed medically necessary.
Finding a plastic surgeon for a nose job
A nose job is one of those cosmetic procedures that can dramatically change your appearance. A rhinoplasty requires not only a surgeon with exceptional surgical skills but also an aesthetic sense that matches yours. The MeTime app makes it easy to find experienced board certified surgeons for a nose job. You can chat with experts, ask questions about the operation, send photos across, and schedule an office consultation when you're ready. Download the MeTime app today and take the first step towards your nose reshaping surgery.
