Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job,” is surgery to change the shape of your nose by modifying the bone or cartilage. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common types of plastic surgery. However, very frequently patients choose to undergo rhinoplasty NJ without understanding the procedure. Before choosing plastic surgery, it can help to learn a little more about the procedure, what to expect from recovery and the possible risks. Going into your discussions with your plastic surgeon armed with a little information can be very helpful. It can provide peace of mind about your decision and ensure you are asking your surgeon the right questions. It can also ensure that you are making the right medical decision for you. Before undergoing rhinoplasty, learn more about the procedure and why choosing the right plastic surgeon matters.
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How does a surgeon perform a rhinoplasty?
Before your procedure, you will meet with your plastic surgeon to discuss your desired results and answer any lingering questions you may have. He or she should put your mind at ease and make you feel as comfortable as possible with the medical choice you have made.
Once you are in the operating room, a doctor will administer anesthesia. This is for your comfort during the procedure. Typically, with rhinoplasty, the plastic surgeon makes the incisions within the nasal cavity. In some cases of difficult rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the columella. Removing bone or cartilage may be necessary at this point. The surgeon removes or repositions the nose to achieve the desired outcome.
After the surgeon completes the repositioning, he or she will close the incision using stitches or sutures. Your medical team will then move you to an observation room to ensure you wake up safely from the anesthesia, monitoring your vitals.
How long is recovery from rhinoplasty?
The time it takes to recover from rhinoplasty varies from patient to patient. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nose to really take form. As time passes, you’ll notice that your nose looks slightly different as it adjusts to its new shape.
After your procedure, a splint and/or packing may be placed inside your nose. Additionally, a splint or bandages are on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing. Note that swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning. This continues for the first year following your rhinoplasty surgery.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions including the following.
- What to avoid and how to rest properly for healing
- Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
- How to care for the surgical site
- Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
- When to follow up
What side effects and risks should I know before undergoing this procedure?
With rhinoplasty, as with any other surgery, there is always some risk. Some of the more common side effects and risks are listed below.
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Poor wound healing
- Swelling
- Skin sensation changes (numbness or pain).
- Excessive scarring
- Skin Discoloration
- Breathing problems
- An undesired appearance of the nose
- Anesthesia-related risks
- Septum perforation
- A possibility of revision surgery
Make sure you consider these risks before choosing rhinoplasty. Ask your surgeon all the questions you can before the procedure.
Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
Before choosing to undergo any cosmetic surgery, your plastic surgeon will need to confirm that you are a good candidate. To be a good candidate for this procedure, you should be in good health. You should also have a clear understanding of the risks and rewards of the procedure.
We should note that if your doctor says that you are not a good candidate for rhinoplasty, you may become one in the future. There may be a temporary health condition that your surgeon wants you to work on, you may need to lose weight before the procedure, or you may simply need some time to pass due to a past illness. Your surgeon should make it clear why you are or are not a suitable candidate at this time.
Remember that rhinoplasty is serious surgery. If one surgeon refuses to perform the rhinoplasty, it is likely not in your best interest to have the procedure. Seeking out another surgeon to perform the rhinoplasty may pose a risk to your health. Make sure you consider all of the details before putting yourself at risk.
Reasons Why You May Not Be a Good Candidate
- Your health. You must be a healthy individual to undergo this procedure. If you have a chronic medical condition, you might not be a good candidate. Some of the following conditions may put you at higher risk for complications. If the risk is too great, your surgeon will explain.
- Uncontrolled high blood pressureDiabetesObesitySmoking do not rule you out as a rhinoplasty candidate
- Your goals. Before undergoing rhinoplasty in New Jersey, you must have a realistic idea of the possible outcomes from the procedure. If you want something that is not surgically possible, your surgeon will let you know. This may make you ineligible for the procedure. Remember that it would be unethical for a surgoen to perform rhinoplasty if your goals are unattainable.
- Your age. If you are too young for the procedure, your surgeon will let you know. He or she may conclude that you are not emotionally ready for surgery. At that point, your surgeon will suggest that you wait.
- Recent surgery: If you recently underwent any other surgery, you’ll need to fully heal before you can have a rhinoplasty. You may risk interfering with future healing if you undergo additional surgery too soon.
- Pregnancy: You cannot undergo this procedure if you are pregnant. However, there is no strict rule about women who were recently pregnant choosing to have a nose job. If you feel ready to have rhinoplasty fairly soon after pregnancy, you could be a good candidate. Note, however, that your body is still healing from one condition and choosing surgery may not be advisable. If so, your surgeon will explain.
Choosing the Right Surgeon Matters
The decision to undergo cosmetic surgery should not be made lightly. Choosing to have a rhinoplasty is no different. Finding the right surgeon is crucial. The best doctor for you will have experience with the procedure and he or she will be able to answer all of your questions. Dr. Anthony Berlet serves the northern New Jersey and New York City area, helping patients with rhinoplasty procedures. For over 20 years, he has helped patients achieve their goals. Reach out to our team to learn more!