What you need to know before getting rhinoplasty

If you’re thinking about getting a procedure done on your nose,  it’s important to have a solid understanding of what  rhinoplasty entails and how you can prepare for it. Below are six things you should know about rhinoplasty.

1. There are various types of rhinoplasty 

People who undergo functional rhinoplasty do so as a result of medical issues such as  injuries to the nose and breathing difficulties, which can be congenital in nature. However, in the case of top-level athletes, rhinoplasty can get rid of nasal congestion to achieve maximum air intake, with the intention of enhancing their performance. 

before getting rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty patients who require another procedure to address flaws from a previous nose job can undergo revision rhinoplasty. However, not all former rhinoplasty patients are qualified for this type of procedure.

2. There are two approaches to rhinoplasty

Whether someone requires cosmetic, functional, or revision rhinoplasty, nose surgeons mainly resort to two approaches: the closed and open procedures. 

With open rhinoplasty, incisions are made externally, most notably across the columella (the thin cartilage separating the two nostrils). After cutting across this part, the skin is peeled back to reveal the inner workings of the nose. The skin is then stitched back to its natural position at the end of the operation. Some patients are left with minimal, visible scarring.  

Closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is often preferred because the method prevents visible scarring.  Incisions are made from within the nose, without cutting across the columella. Any changes made to the nose are done so with care and precision to make sure the new nose appears natural. The best rhinoplasty doctors in the world excel in this procedure and are frequently sought after by celebrities and other high-profile figures.  

3. The duration of the procedure varies

In general, a rhinoplasty procedure can be done within two hours. This typically applies to cosmetic nose jobs and functional nose jobs that are relatively straightforward. But for cases where severe injury has been inflicted on the nasal structure or a prior rhinoplasty has introduced additional complications, it can take four hours or more. After conducting a thorough assessment and taking into account your desired changes, your surgeon will give you a better estimate of how long it will take to complete the operation. 

4. There is no such thing as a perfect nose

Contrary to expectation, getting a nose job will not result in the so-called perfect nose. Although experienced surgeons can make precise measurements on what’s believed to be  the “perfect nose,” individual facial features play a large part in the final effect. 

Thus, your eyes, mouth, chin, and bone structure determine the perfection of your rhinoplasty. In short, perfection is variable. So a good cosmetic surgeon will modify a nose based on the patient’s desired changes and existing facial features. 

5. Patients need to give up certain things prior to the operation

One month before rhinoplasty: 

Do not drink or smoke. This is because alcohol and nicotine can prevent the body from effectively forming blood clots, which is crucial for a speedy recovery. 

Two weeks before rhinoplasty:

Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, over-the-counter supplements, or any other medication that can exacerbate bleeding during the procedure. 

12 hours before rhinoplasty:

Do not eat or drink. As in any surgery, when anesthesia is used, the patient’s reflexes stop. Food and drink increase the likelihood of vomiting or regurgitation, which in turn risks having the food lodge in the lungs. 

6. Understand the timeline of recovery

1 or 2 days after rhinoplasty:

Bed rest is often recommended. Brush your teeth slowly and carefully to exert minimal pressure in the nasal region. 

7 to 14 days after rhinoplasty:

You will still have your nasal cast on so keep it dry and intact. If you need to blow your nose, do so gently and with as little pressure as possible. 

30 days after rhinoplasty: 

Avoid strenuous exercises, depending on your speed of recovery. Throughout the post-surgery period, your surgeon will have routine check-ins with you to see how you’re recuperating. 

One year after rhinoplasty:

It usually takes a full year for surgical changes to become permanent. Depending on your lifestyle and hobbies, you can safely resume some of your tougher physical activities prior to the operation. 

So, if you’re thinking of getting a nose job and want to know what to expect, read on. We’ll give you an overview of the procedure as well as some tips on how to prepare for surgery and recover afterwards. And remember, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your surgeon – they’ll be more than happy to help.