What To Know About A Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty, also referred to as a “nose job,” is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures with more than 218,000 operations performed in 2017 in the United States alone. Used to enhance and refine the nasal structure and to correct structural defects, rhinoplasty improves both the form and function of the nose. The post-operative result can range from subtle to dramatic based on the patient’s needs and wishes.
Patients commonly are concerned with their profile appearance, the width of their nose, and the distance between the tip of the nose and the upper lip. Is the tip drooping, is the columella show appropriate? Is there good light reflex off the tip? All of these concerns can be addressed surgically with a series of procedures that shape the nasal bones and cartilage.
Factors that would make someone a candidate for rhinoplasty would include either inherited or acquired nasal deformity (such as from an accident or trauma to the nose), deviations and subsequent asymmetries.
There is a large functional component to every rhinoplasty. The nasal airway must be improved and not compromised. As a result, patients will often find that they are able to breathe much more easily following the correction of deviations.
Patients also commonly wonder how long they will need to recover following their procedure. “Downtime” following a rhinoplasty will be about a week. Patients will be able to return to heavy exercise at around 3 weeks. Swelling at the bridge of the nose persists for two weeks, but at the tip for 6 months. This is typically when the final result is seen.
If you are considering rhinoplasty, the best thing you can do is schedule an in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and wishes.
If you are interested in learning more about your options regarding any type of facial surgery or a rhinoplasty, it’s best to receive careful consultation of all options to help determine the appropriate course of treatment. Contact us today to meet with one of our skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss which procedure may be best for you, or give us a call at 757-491-3535.
