Rhinoplasty is a surgery that changes the shape of your nose. It can be done for cosmetic reasons or to correct breathing problems. The surgery can change the bone, cartilage or skin of your nose.
A physical exam. The surgeon will look at your facial features, inside and outside your nose.
What is rhinoplasty?
The nose is the dominant feature of the face and plays a vital role in facial balance, aesthetics, and symmetry. Many people feel their nose doesn’t match the rest of their face, and rhinoplasty can change this.
Rhinoplasty can also be used to correct a congenital disability or injury. It can also improve breathing by addressing the narrowing of the nasal airway. This can alleviate snoring and sleep apnea.
During rhinoplasty, your nose will be lifted, and the surgeon will remove excess skin. The surgeon will then readjust the underlying bone and cartilage. They may add or subtract tissue depending on your desired results. The procedure can take between one and three hours. After Bellevue plastic surgery, you will wear a small plastic splint for a week to minimize swelling and protect the new nose shape. After the operation, you will also experience pain, numbness and bruising, but this should clear up within a few days.
How does rhinoplasty work?
Rhinoplasty can change the size or shape of your nose. It can also fix a congenital disability or injury. It may help relieve some breathing problems, such as snoring or sleep apnea.
The surgeon will take a detailed history and physically examine your face, nose and neck. You will be asked about your surgery goals and past nasal surgeries or injuries.
Rhinoplasty usually takes about two to four hours. The operation is done under general anesthesia. A small incision is made to access the bone and cartilage that needs to be reshaped. The surgeon will chisel and break the nasal bones, then realign them. They may trim and remove any extra bone or cartilage. The doctor will then close the incisions with dissolving stitches.
What are the risks of rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty can affect how the nose fits the face, changing its appearance. It can also change facial balance, which can have positive or negative consequences depending on the patient’s goals and circumstances.
Rhinoplasty has other functional benefits, including improving airflow and reducing snoring and sleep apnea. It can correct narrow nasal passages or a deviated septum that reduces airflow.
Like any surgery, rhinoplasty has risks and complications, including infection, adverse reactions to the anesthesia and bleeding. However, most rhinoplasty patients experience only minor side effects. Swelling and bruising may occur for four to six weeks after the procedure, but most of it will go away within three months. If symptoms persist, contacting a plastic surgeon for help is important. This can help prevent further damage and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
What are the benefits of rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty can be an effective cosmetic treatment for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose. It can also improve breathing function. In addition, it can have emotional benefits for people who are self-conscious about the shape of their nose.
The surgery is typically done in a hospital, doctor’s office or outpatient surgical facility. Depending on the surgery you need, you will receive local or general anesthesia to numb your nose.
Before the surgery, your surgeon will ask about your medical history and current medications. You should tell them about any allergies and if you have any conditions that affect healing, such as blood-clotting problems or hemophilia. You should also avoid taking aspirin or other medications that can increase bleeding during and after the procedure.
What are the alternatives to rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic procedure that can positively impact your appearance, self-esteem and quality of life. But it’s important to understand the alternatives before deciding whether this surgery is right for you.
The first step is to schedule an initial consultation with your facial plastic surgeon. During this appointment, your surgeon will perform a physical exam and take photographs of your nose from various angles. These photographs will be used for comparison during your surgery and reference throughout your recovery.
During the exam, your surgeon will also discuss any medications you’re taking and review any medical history relevant to the procedure. Your surgeon may order blood tests or other lab work if necessary. Read more interesting articles on Ebeak