Rhinoplasty, otherwise called a nose job, is an aesthetic plastic surgery technique for transforming and restructuring the nose. There are two kinds of cosmetic plastic surgeries used in rhinoplasty: reconstructive rhinoplasty which restructure and restore the shape of the nasal nose, and aesthetic rhinoplasty which alters the look of the face. A nose job is often considered the most ‘performed’ plastic surgery and many rhinoplasty patients are dissatisfied with the final result, which is why it is imperative that you select a reputable rhinoplasty surgeon.
One of the main reasons that rhinoplasty surgery fails is because of complications such as infection and clotting. The risk of infection increases dramatically if the patient does not take good care of their nasal cavity after the procedure has been performed. To avoid this, you will need to use clear nasal antibiotics right after the operation. Additionally, you will be placed in an ice pack until the cartilage grafts have healed. When swelling and redness occur, you should reduce any extra exposure to the sun.
During rhinoplasty surgery, the plastic surgeon will make several incisions, each leading to a different portion of your nose or cartilage. The cartilage will then be folded and sutured at the incision sites. Once these steps have been completed, your plastic surgeon will re-sculpt the tissue by making numerous small incisions. Finally, your facial plastic surgeon will place all of your nasal bones and cartilage back in position.
There will be several postoperative complications, including:
- Swelling
- Bruising pain
Swelling and bruising may last for several weeks and may decrease during your recovery time. Pain relief medications will be prescribed by your plastic surgeon. You will also be provided with an array of special splints to help you prevent any facial pain from occurring as you heal.
Post-op complications can also occur if the surgeon makes an incision in your nose without the aid of a scalpel. Sometimes the nasal bones and cartilage will separate from the skin, creating a “hump“. This is common after rhinoplasty surgery and can lead to discomfort in the area. To minimize this bump, the plastic surgeon may re-sculpt the bones and cartilage to restore them to their normal position. Some patients even find that wearing prescription glasses works best after their surgery since they are able to see the open incisions better.
One of the most common complications of rhinoplasty surgery occurs when the plastic surgeon severs or removes the cartilage and bones that support the nasal cavity. When the cartilage is removed, it is not able to properly support the airways while you are breathing. The result can be difficulty breathing, congestion and a feeling that you are “short of breath”. This often results in additional surgery to rebuild these supporting structures.
Most plastic surgeons will also recommend that you wear a post-operative breathing splint. This device keeps your airway open during the recovery period. The device is specially designed for you and can often help to ease some of the discomfort and inconvenience that you will experience post-op. While it is important to follow your plastic surgeon’s advice in terms of your post-operative care, it is also important to use the nasal splint as per your recovery guidelines.
As with any type of surgery, you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty only if you meet the following criteria.
- You must be 18 years or older;
- You need to be healthy;
- You need to have a good nose structure that functions properly
If you fall into one of these categories, then you are a good candidate for this procedure. Once you have been chosen as a good candidate for this surgery, then your medical insurance provider will likely pay for most of your expenses.
