One of the most common procedures we get asked about at Plastic Surgery of New York is rhinoplasty (also known as a nose job). This surgical procedure involves reshaping and resizing the nose. It has enabled patients around the world to achieve beautiful aesthetic results, empowering them to feel more confident and happy with this central feature of their face. In this blog, we will explain the process of getting a nose job and answer your questions about exactly what happens before, during and after a rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. This procedure may be used to achieve a wide range of goals:
To correct damage caused by nasal injuries
To reshape and resize the nose
To correct breathing problems
With this simple procedure, which generally takes just a few hours, patients can improve their quality of life and also enhance their aesthetic. The surgeon can change the size of the nose as well as the angle. They can also straighten the nose’s bridge, reshape the tip and narrow the nostrils.
At Plastic Surgery of New York, our surgeons focus on crafting results that naturally fit the patient’s face, avoiding the “obvious” or “overdone” look. With a relatively painless recovery process, and bruising that fades after one to two weeks, a rhinoplasty is a strong option for many candidates.
Consultation (Before)
When a patient decides they’d like to move forward with a nose job, the first step is to book a consultation with a surgeon at Plastic Surgery of New York.
Consultations enable the patient and surgeon to discuss expectations and agree on the goals for the nose job. The surgeon will also use this time to ask questions about the patient’s medical history and assess their suitability for the procedure. The patient will have their photograph taken, capturing their nose from various angles, in order for the surgeon to plan and assess the long-term results of the surgery.
With a patient-driven and surgeon-guided approach, these meetings are always an informative and collaborative start to the rhinoplasty journey. After the consultation, patients will be provided with extensive information and will have the opportunity to ask any questions that they may have as they await the planned date of their surgery.
Procedure (During)
It’s important to note that no two rhinoplasties are the same. Depending on the patient’s unique facial structure and goals, a personalized surgery plan will be drawn up. That being said, a few key techniques and methods are generally used across most rhinoplasties.
On the day of the procedure, the patient will be put under general anesthesia. The board-certified Plastic Surgery of New York surgeon will usually start by making a small incision at the base of the nose, in between the nostrils. The bone and cartilage will then be readjusted under the skin, according to the desired aesthetic or the correction goals. Surgeons may also use cartilage taken from deep inside the patient’s ears or nose in order to make small changes. They may also correct the existing cartilage. After all changes are complete, the surgeon replaces the skin and stitches the incisions closed.
Staff in the recovery room will then oversee the patient for the next few hours, monitoring them as the anesthesia wears off. Some patients may return home that day, while others may stay overnight, depending on their health issues.
Recovery (After)
Recovery is relatively simple, with bruising and swelling subsiding after two weeks. A splint is taped to the patient’s nose in order to provide support and protection, for about a week. Immediately after the surgery, patients should rest in bed with their head elevated slightly, to reduce the bleeding and swelling. Internal dressings may remain in the nose from one to seven days after the surgery.
Patients report that they love seeing the subtle changes to their nose as soon as the swelling goes down. It can take up to six months to see the final result.
This article is a detailed but brief overview. If you’re considering a rhinoplasty and have any questions, or just would like more information, please reach out to us for free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
