No Reason to be Insecure about the Way Your Nose Looks
Not everyone is satisfied with the way their nose look – be it the size or the shape. That is why a “nose job” is a common option for many, medically known as rhinoplasty – one of the most common kinds of plastic surgery. Apart from cosmetic benefits, the procedure has evolved and have versatile applications like improving nasal function after an illness or an injury and improving the breathing system.
The upper structure of the nose is bone, and the lower is cartilage. Rhinoplasty can change the bone, cartilage, skin, or all of them. The surgeon considers your facial features, skin type, and what you are looking for. After you decide to move forward, a customized plan is planned.
Why do people undergo rhinoplasty?
Many people undergo rinoplastia either to repair their nose or correct breathing issues or a birth defect.
Changes that you may see after the procedure are the following:
- Size and shape change
- Straightening the nose bridge
- Reshaping the nose tip
- Narrowing the nostrils
If your reasons for the procedure are purely cosmetic, you should wait for the nasal bone to grow fully. In girls, the age for this is 15, but with boys, it is a bit later.
If the surgery is because of breathing impairment, it can be performed at a younger age.
Risks involved
Like any other major surgery, rhinoplasty has its own set of risks, including:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anesthesia
Other risks associated with the procedure are the following:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Numbness in and around the nose
- Uneven-looking nose
- Persisting pain and swelling
- Scarring
- Septal perforation
- Requirement of another surgery
You must discuss these risks with your surgeon beforehand. In case, you want a second surgery, give your nose time to heal from the previous one which may take around a year.
Preparing for the surgery
Before the surgery is performed, discuss vital factors with your surgeon and also whether surgery is a good option for you or not. The meeting should revolve around the below-mentioned points:
- Medical history
The first question the surgeon asks you is the reason you want the surgery. He may also ask about your medical history, which includes nasal obstruction, medications you might be taking, or any other previous surgery record.
People with hemophilia (a bleeding disorder) are not good candidates for the surgery.
- Physical exam
The surgeon will conduct a physical examination with laboratory tests. The facial features inside and outside the nose are also examined.
- Your expectations
You must discuss your goals or expectations from the surgery. The surgeon then, will tell what the surgery can or cannot do for you. Discussing your appearance is a step that you do not want to miss.
- Photographs
The doctor may take photographs of your nose from a lot of angles. And then, with the help of computer software, you are shown the possible results.
Precautions
After surgery, the surgeon may ask you to avoid some things for a few weeks that include:
- Strenuous physical exercises like running
- Blowing your nose
- Swimming
- Excessive chewing
- Expressions that needs many facial movements
- Spectacles on your nose
- Tooth brushing (do it gently)
You should also be aware of too much exposure to the sun, it may cause permanent discoloration of the nose. You can return to the work after a week or two.
Results
Rhinoplasty is considered a safe and easy procedure, but it may take you some time to heal completely. You may feel swelling and numbness in the tip of your nose for months. But, it is nothing to worry about. The complete results can be seen within a year.
