Nose Job
Rhinoplasty, also known as a “nose job,” is a procedure that involves reshaping or resizing of the nose. There are 2 major categories of rhinoplasty: aesthetic and functional. Aesthetic rhinoplasty involves changing the outward appearance of the nose for cosmetic reasons. The goal of functional rhinoplasty is to improve the nasal airway to decrease obstruction and improve breathing. Rhinoplasty can also entail a combination of aesthetic and functional techniques. Ultimately, both functional and aesthetic considerations come into play for all rhinoplasty procedures.
Procedure
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing the size, removing a hump, changing the shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. This procedure may also relieve some breathing difficulties when combined with surgery performed on the nasal septum.
Length
Surgery takes approximately one hour or more.
Anesthesia
General or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia are used.
Inpatient/Outpatient
This is an outpatient procedure.
What rhinoplasty can treat
Nose size in relation to facial balance
Nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils
Nose profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge
Nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked
Nostrils that are large, wide or upturned
Nasal asymmetry
While many want a more symmetrical nose, it is important to note that everyone's face is asymmetric to some degree. Results may not be completely symmetric, although the aim is to create facial balance and correct proportion.
Rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum
Nose surgery that's done to improve an obstructed airway requires careful evaluation of the nasal structure as it relates to airflow and breathing. Correction of a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of breathing impairment is achieved by adjusting the nasal structure to produce better alignment.
Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if:
Your facial growth is complete
You are physically healthy
You don't smoke
You have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance
Possible Side Effects
Temporary swelling, bruising around the eyes and/or nose, and some bleeding and nasal stuffiness.
Risks
Infection, asymmetry, unsatisfactory nasal shape and incomplete improvement (which would require additional surgery) are possible, anesthesia risks, infection, poor wound healing or scarring, change in skin sensation (numbness or pain), difficulty breathing, unsatisfactory nasal appearance, skin discoloration and swelling, possibility of revisional surgery, nasal septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum) is rare and additional surgical treatment may be necessary to repair the septum but it may be impossible to correct this complication
Recovery
The patient may go back to work after one week. Activities that are more strenuous may be resumed after two to three weeks. The patient should avoid any activity that could impact on the nose or allow it to become sunburned for at least eight weeks. The use of a sunblock that provides both UVA and UVB protection is useful. The final results may take one year and sometimes longer to achieve.
Results
The results of rhinoplasty surgery are permanent. While the initial swelling goes down within a few weeks, it can take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose until it settles to its permanent outcome.
As your body ages, it is natural to have some gradual changes to your face including your nose but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.