Rhinoplasty

A nose job can correct any number of problems. Some problems that are commonly corrected include shortening the length of the nose, narrowing the width of the nostrils, reducing the prominence of the tip, or removing a bump on the bridge of the nose. If the problem requires minor to moderate correction, a nonsurgical nose job may be more suitable. Non-surgical rhinoplasty involves the injection of a dermal filler to correct aesthetic defects such as bumps on the bridge and a droopy or undefined tip. However, surgery may be the only alternative if you want to make your nose or nostrils smaller.

There are two types of rhinoplasty procedures – open and closed. Open rhinoplasty surgery involves a discreet incision made outside of the nose, typically between the nostrils. Closed rhinoplasty surgery is performed through incisions made inside the nose.

Patients who are good candidates for nose surgery are those who are at a stage where their nose is fully developed. Because results from the procedure may be undesirably altered with further development, you must be at least 15 years old to have a nose job, which is when the structures of the nose stabilize.

There can be instances where patients decide they wish to have additional work done on their nose. This could be due to an error on the part of a surgeon, a change of heart on the part of the patient, or simply a need to fine-tune the nose. Putting so much time and effort into a procedure that doesn’t have the desired result can be upsetting, but in many cases an additional nose surgery can remedy the situation. Performing a secondary, or revision rhinoplasty procedure is almost always more difficult and complex than the original procedure. The structures of the nose are changed during the first procedure, making the surgery even more delicate.

It’s extremely important that you fill out your paperwork correctly regarding any medications or supplements you take as they might interfere with the smoothness and safety of your surgery. Also, if you’re a smoker, you should stop smoking at least 15 days prior to your procedure.

How long it takes to recover from your nose job will depend on a number of factors including the type of procedure (open vs. closed), your age and health status and your usual healing time. Swelling and discoloration of the skin should start to recede and fade within 2 weeks of the procedure. External stitches will be removed in a week, while internal stents, which are used to remove blood from the area, may be removed in 4 days or may remain in place for as long as 2 weeks. In the first few weeks following your surgery, you should be careful to avoid strenuous activities, especially any kind of sports that put your nose in danger of being hit, which can cause permanent damage.

After rhinoplasty surgery, it’s common for patients to see some bruising. Bruising may be seen around the nose which may extend beneath the eyes. Bruising is one of the body’s natural responses during the healing process. Bruising develops as blood leaks into the top layer of the skin. Though some lucky patients enjoy a speedy recovery with little or no bruising around the incision areas or eyes, the reality is that bruising and black eyes are normal effects of the procedure and are to be expected to some degree. Post-rhinoplasty bruising can have a lot to do with the techniques used during surgery.

Bruising occurs when damaged blood vessels get trapped underneath the skin, causing a blue or purple bruise on the skin. After rhinoplasty, blood vessels get trapped along the orbital rim of the eye, creating the appearance of a black eye.

Any post-operative bruising should begin to dissipate in 7 to 10 days. Patients can apply a bag of frozen peas or ice packs to the cheek or eye area for at least 2 to 3 days after surgery, as cold compresses will reduce swelling and help any bruising heal more quickly.

Changes in swelling are completely normal following your nose job and may last up to a year. You may have times when your nose looks amazing and wake up the next day to find it has swollen again. This is caused by the nasal skin reestablishing its drainage pathways. Massaging your nose can help reduce swelling and increase the speed of recovery.

In the early stages of recovery, you will experience swelling that could cause one nostril to look larger than the other. The case or dressing on your nose may also be compressing one side more.

Crusting around the sutures is a normal occurrence for up to 3 weeks after surgery. It may cause a strange odor for up to 2 months following your surgery. Infections are a rare occurrence.

Yes. Sunscreen will protect the sensitive skin of your nose after surgery. Be especially vigilant in applying sunscreen to cover the incision site because the sun can cause discoloration of the skin.

You start seeing the result after 3 to 4 weeks, the final result is after 3 to 6 months but may continue to shift and settle for up to a full year.