Rhinoplasty - Nose Job - Cosmetic Surgery General Information

A nose job, or a rhinoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is done to reshape the nose in order to enhance its appearance or to correct abnormalities to improve breathing. Aesthetically, a rhinoplasty may change the size and the width of the nose and hide visible bumps or other deformities. However, people who are suffering from breathing impairments due to a deviated septum or who have injured their nose may find a rhinoplasty beneficial.

The first step towards a rhinoplasty is an initial consultation in order for the plastic surgeon to evaluate the patient’s nose. Before the procedure, patients are given strict instructions by their surgeons in preparation for the surgery. Generally, the patient will be ordered to refrain from taking meals or drinking after midnight on the evening before the surgery. Patients should cease smoking because it may inhibit the blood flow in the skin that can compromise the healing of the wounds and may increase the risk for other complications such as death of the skin. Patients should also refrain from consuming alcohol one to two weeks before the surgery.

A rhinoplasty is usually done as an outpatient procedure. In some cases, other surgical procedures are done on the face in order to balance the patient’s features. During the procedure, patients will be under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation and the surgery may be done as an open rhinoplasty or a closed rhinoplasty. In an open rhinoplasty, the incisions are done vertically across the skin on the nostrils. For a closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are done within the nose. The surgeon then reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing the structures of the nose by grafting. Grafting involves getting cartilage from other areas of the body such as the septum or the ear.

For patients with deviated septum, the surgeon will adjust the structure of the nose in order to achieve proper alignment. Once the surgeon achieves the desired structure, the surgeon re-drapes the skin and tissues of the nose before the incisions are closed.

After the surgery, patients are given guidelines on postoperative care for safe and easy recovery. While healing may take approximately one to two weeks from the surgery, the new contour of the nose will be fully evident within six months to one year.

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