A nose job–a rhinoplasty–remains one of the most common surgical procedures. Most often, this is done to reshape your nose to make it more aesthetically appealing, but sometimes it is done to improve your breathing.
While this surgery is common, you may need to figure out what to expect from recovery. The specialists at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center explain more about the recovery and healing process expected after rhinoplasty.
A rhinoplasty is more commonly known in the vernacular as a “nose job.” This is because the upper part of your nose is made out of bone, while the lower part is made of cartilage. A rhinoplasty can work on each of these parts separately or all together.
We take other factors into account before deciding to perform a rhinoplasty. These other factors include the condition and elasticity of your skin, the proportions of your facial features, and your desired goals from the procedure.
People choose rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, the reason is merely cosmetic. You might have a bulbous or upturned nose with an unappealing “hook” shape at the end, dips in your nose, or nostrils that are inappropriately sized or shaped.
Other reasons for rhinoplasty include:
Your doctor will have first asked about any medications you currently take, including the dosages. He will also want to see photographs of how you would like your nose to look and tell you how realistic it is for you.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you can go home the same day as the procedure. However, you’ll want someone else to drive you because you'll have general anesthesia.
After the procedure, your nostrils will usually be packed with gauze, which you’ll keep in place for 24–48 hours.
You’ll also wear a small splint to keep your nose in its new shape for about two weeks.
It is also normal to have bruising and swelling, especially around your eyes and nose. This can take 4-6 weeks to disappear completely. You may also have facial swelling, especially in the morning, which may take up to a year to go away.
Although rhinoplasty is a common procedure, it is still a surgery, and you'll need to take it easy for a few weeks. This includes the following:
Most people recover from rhinoplasty and eventually return to normal activity. If you're curious about getting a rhinoplasty, the best thing to do is schedule a consultation. Contact the specialists at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center or request an appointment online.
