All of us have been blessed with a unique face. Our face is what identifies us to others. For the most part, you probably like the way that you look. When you see yourself in the mirror, you see that there are some areas where you could make some minor adjustments, but overall you feel that your appearance falls within the range of what is considered normal. However, there might be one or two things that you feel could be adjusted to improve your overall appearance. For example, you may not like the way that your nose looks. If that’s the case, you may be interested in learning how rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, may be able to help you improve the appearance of your nose and give an overall sense of balance to your face.
Basic Facts About Rhinoplasty
This procedure is performed to repair, change, or correct the nose. In order to accomplish this your surgeon is going to sit down with you and have a detailed discussion about your goals. A major part of this discussion will be helping you have a realistic idea of the anticipated results.
Having realistic goals is key to being happy with the surgery. At times, people will look at a nose job as a way of completely revamping their face. Their goal is to have an appearance similar to a movie star or a famous individual. This type of thinking is often unrealistic. This is because, as we mentioned, all of us have a unique face. We have a unique bone structure, and this limits what changes can be done to our nose. It may not be possible for your surgeon to shape your nose so that it looks like your favorite celebrity. Or, even if they could, this does not mean that a nose that looks good on another individual is going to work well on your face.
A nose job is a surgical procedure that usually is done as an outpatient surgery. This means that you will have the surgery done, you will recover for a brief period of time in the outpatient surgery center, and then you will be able to return home the same day. Since this is an invasive surgical procedure, you are going to need to have assistance the day after the surgery. You will need to have someone take you home and monitor you that first day.
What is Rhinoplasty?
This surgical procedure is designed to improve the appearance of your nose. It is often seen as a reconstructive procedure. During the surgery, the bones of your nose and your nasal cartilage are modified. Tissue could be added or tissue could be removed with the goal of improving the appearance of your nose.
A nose job is often requested by patients after they have had a nasal fracture. When the procedure is performed under these circumstances, the goal is to bring a person’s appearance to what it was prior to the injury.
A person may seek a nose job as a way of repairing functional issues with their nose. For example, if a person has an internal obstruction, the procedure can be used to remove that obstruction and stabilize structures inside the nose that might be inhibiting a person’s ability to breathe. It is important to note that in many cases when a person has a functional nose job, they see cosmetic benefits. This is because there is often a correlation between the function of the nose and its aesthetics.
During your initial consultation with us, we will have a frank and open conversation with you about your concerns as well as what you should expect from the surgery. We will discuss with you any limitations that may arise as a result of the structure of your face, the elasticity of your skin, or the structure of your nose. Photographs of your face without make up are often taken prior to surgery. This helps to plan the surgery, and it serves as a way to document the results after surgery.
What You Should Expect Before Surgery
In most cases, surgery is going to be performed in a surgical center that is set up for outpatient care. This is good because you will get quality care without the expense that comes with staying in the hospital overnight.
During the procedure, an anesthesiologist is present. They will not only apply the anesthesia, but they will also monitor all of your vital signs during the entire procedure to make sure that you are safe. In most cases the anesthesiologist wants to speak with their patient the night before or the day before just to get an overview of their medical history. Also, your doctor will request preoperative lab studies to make sure that there is nothing that is going to interfere with your ability to receive the surgery.
Since this procedure requires sedation and since this is an invasive procedure, it is recommended that you have someone ready who can take you home after the surgery. That person should be able to stay with you during that first night.
Every case is different. However, in most situations your doctor is going to recommend that you stay away from aspirin for 10 days prior to the surgery. Medications like Advil and Motrin should be avoided for at least seven days before the surgery. If you are going to use over-the-counter medications or if you are using prescription medications, it is important to talk to your doctor and let them know what medications you are using. Your doctor will be able to work with you and see if any of these medications should be avoided in the days leading up to surgery.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you fast for between 12 and 16 hours before the surgery. If you have food in your stomach, there could be complications with the anesthesia. Smokers are often encouraged to quit smoking entirely in the weeks leading up to surgery or to drastically reduce the number of cigarettes they smoke daily. Doing this will reduce postoperative coughing. Studies have also shown a link between smoking and difficulties healing after surgery.
What Happens During Rhinoplasty Surgery?
The length of time the surgery takes will vary depending on the severity of the correction that is being made. It could take as little as one hour, or it could take several hours. As you are in the recovery room, your surgeon will talk with your family and friends to let them know how the surgery went.
What Happens After Rhinoplasty Surgery?
In the moments following your surgery, you will be placed in a recovery room. There you will be monitored by a nurse. As soon as you have recovered from the anesthesia, you will be able to go home. Complete recovery from anesthesia usually takes a couple of hours. The individual who you brought with you to transport you home will then be able to travel with you out of the hospital.
Once you get home, you are going to lay in a bed with your head elevated by two or three pillows. Having your head elevated and using pillows will minimize swelling since your head is elevated above your heart.
This is a surgical procedure, so it’s normal for you to deal with some swelling around the area that has been operated on. Over the next few days you’re going to notice that the swelling will go down. Your doctor may recommend that you use ice on your face to help minimize swelling. Some individuals have found that using a bag of frozen vegetables is a great way to minimize postoperative symptoms. One of the nice things about using a bag of vegetables, such as frozen peas, is that the bag will conform to the patient’s face.
Your doctor will provide you with a nasal splint or a cast that can be used on the outside of the nose. During your follow-up visits, your doctor will monitor you and determine when this splint can be removed. Some patients notice that as the swelling goes down, the splint does not fit as well, and so it falls off of their nose. In most cases this is not a problem and does not impact the procedure’s outcome.
Your surgeon will tell you the steps you can take to care for your nose, including dealing with the moderate bleeding that is a normal part of the recovery process. Your surgeon will likely tell you to stay away from anti-inflammatory medications for a few weeks after your surgery.
Recovering from rhinoplasty surgery requires you to make adjustments to your diet. It is recommended that you eat soft foods and cold foods during the first few days of your recovery. You want to stay away from hot liquids, such as coffee or hot tea.
Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics after the surgery. It’s important to use all of the antibiotic pills that your surgeon prescribes. They may also prescribe some form of narcotic to help you stay comfortable during the first few days after the surgery. These should be used on an as-needed basis. It’s recommended that you stay away from operating heavy machinery and that you use overall good judgment while using narcotics.
Any medication that is given to you by your surgeon should be used according to the prescription. It should not be discontinued prematurely, nor should it’s doses be doubled up or cut in half.
For a week or so after surgery, you are going to have to modify your activities to protect your nose. This means avoiding things like strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, or excessive talking or smiling. If you wear glasses, you should not rest your glasses on the bridge of the nose while your nose is still swollen.
It’s recommended that you stay away from tobacco and alcohol in the days after your surgery as their use may prolong the healing process. Stay away from things that could lead to nose irritation or cause an infection, such as smoke, fumes, and dust.
Within three weeks of your surgery, you may be able to go back to your complete exercise routine. For the first week, though, you should rest. Stay away from facial tanning for at least six months after your surgery. You will be able to use makeup freely immediately after the surgery.
As you can see, rhinoplasty is a serious surgical procedure. However, it can produce amazing results. It can help correct cosmetic issues or structural issues that have been affecting you for years. It can help restore your self-esteem, improve your breathing, and make you happier with the way that you look.
Would you like to learn more about how you can achieve your ideal aesthetic with rhinoplasty? If so, feel free to visit us at Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery in Manhattan, Woodburg, Southampton, and Boca Raton. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!