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Rhinoplasty: 5 Things You Need To Know
Rhinoplasty is the surgical procedure to alter the shape or size of your nose often called a "nose job" which can balance facial features and have psychological benefits. Before you go under the knife make sure that you are fully aware of what is involved and what you can expect.
What is it?
A rhinoplasty is used to reshape the structure of the nose. Whilst it is usually used as a cosmetic procedure it also can be performed for those with deviated septum's or other problems that result in breathing difficulty. Facial structure is fully developed at the age 14 for females and 15 for males and the structure will not change or grow after these ages. Dr Tristan de Chalain of the Auckland Centre for Plastic Surgery says that whilst the "motivations may vary, the most common outcome for all patients would be an increased sense of self-confidence". He goes on to say that many sufferers of distorted or mis-shapen noses may choose to have a nose job for physiologic reasons however there is usually "something about the size or shape or symmetry of their nose that they don't like and now they finally have a 'valid" reason to have something done".
Procedure
Rhinoplasty can be performed either through closed surgery or open surgery and with a local or general anaesthetic. An injection of local anaesthetic is used to numb the area and to reduce the blood vessels to minimise bleeding. With closed rhinoplasty some small incisions are made in the nostrils to access the internal structure whilst with open surgery a small incision is made in the small area of cartilage between the nostrils. The skin must be separated from the cartilage and tissue of the nose and then the cartilage and bone can be re-shaped with a chisel. The most common nose surgeries are to remove a "hump" from the bridge and to narrow the nasal bone and the tip. Once the bone and cartilage have been re-shaped the incisions are sutured and a dressing is applied to contain blood loss and keep the new structure from damage.
Recovery
Once you have undergone rhinoplasty you can immediately return home for aftercare. Antibiotics, pain medications and often steroids are prescribed by your surgeon to manage pain and infections. It is advisable for you to be home-bound for at least 1 week following surgery. Any external sutures will be removed in your surgeon's office after 4-5 days and the external dressing removed after 1 week. The telltale signs of rhinoplasty such as bruising and swelling will disappear after around 2 weeks. It can take up to 1 year for your nose to fully settle with minor changes noticeable within that time frame.
Risks
Rhinoplasty is considered one of the safest and most successful cosmetic surgeries to undertake, however it comes with risks. Whilst uncommon, post surgery bleeding can occur and will usually not need treatment. An allergic reaction to the anaesthetic is also improbable but if it does eventuate your surgeon can prescribe treatment. Infections are rare with this surgery and can be treated with antibiotics or another surgery to drain the affected area. When too much of the base structure is removed the outward appearance can appear shrunken and have very little shape or the bridge can sink into the nose cavity. All of these risks are extremely rare and if you go to a surgeon that is well practiced with the procedure you will have little to worry about.
Non-surgical alternatives
The use of fillers can be used as a non-surgical approach and does not require an anaesthetic and they do not damage the structure of the nose. The fillers can reshape the nose however, it is limited as to how much it can affect the shape of your nose. Whilst it is not a full alternative to a surgical procedure the fillers can fix small deformities or dents on a much more cost effective level and regular activities can be resumed immediately.
The nose is the most prominent feature on your face so when undergoing rhinoplasty you need to be comfortable with your surgeon and have realistic expectations. It is by far the most dependable and risk-free of cosmetic procedures and the physiological and psychological benefits make it worthwhile.
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