Procedure of the Month
An attractive face relies on each of its features to cooperate harmoniously with the others. When one part of your face demands more attention than the other, that pleasant harmony is upset.
So when your nose demands more attention than it deserves, it can become a great source of embarrassment and shame - which is why rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures in North America.
Who is rhinoplasty for?
Rhinplasty is designed for those who are dissatisfied with the shape or size of their nose and would like to make it more aesthetically pleasing. This is typically achieved by creating a nose that is harmoniously balanced with the rest of the face.
The nose may be straightened, widened or narrowed or the shape of the bridge or tip altered. Rhinoplasty may even change the shape/size of the nostrils or modify the angle at which the nose and upper lip meet.
Like all cosmetic procedures, ideal patients are those with realistic expectations and are in good mental and physical health. It is recommended that complete growth has been achieved before undergoing the procedure.
Anesthesia
Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia.
The Procedure
What is involved in the nose job procedure depends on what type of problem the patient aims to correct. During the consultative process, your cosmetic surgeon will detail what is involved during your procedure so that you can be mentally prepared.
A variety of things may be done. For example, if a bump on the bridge is to be removed, the skin is separated from cartilage and bone, and the unappealing bump is filed or chiseled down before reattaching the skin. For a bulbous tip, cartilage may be trimmed to make it smaller. Wide nostrils may be sutured to make them more narrow. Whatever the technique, any external incisions made are quite small and placed in discreet locations.
Depending on what the procedure entails, a nose job may take anywhere from 1 to 3 hours, or even longer.
After the Procedure
Dressing will be applied to protect the nose and help it heal. Some level of discomfort may be felt once the anesthesia wears off, which may be eased with prescribed medication. During recovery, it is recommended that the patient sleep on their back with the head elevated.
In the days and weeks following the procedure, bandages/gauze and any undissolvable sutures will be removed.
The true results of rhinoplasty will gradually appear in the months following surgery. It may take up to a year.
Side Effects
Aside from discomfort, swelling and bruising, which are all considered common and temporary effects of rhinoplasty, other side effects may include difficulty breathing through the nose due to swelling and hardened drainage. This is also considered temporary.
More serious complications include injury to the nerves in the nose and permanent numbness.
