What is rhinoplasty?

Sometimes referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is cosmetic nose surgery that is performed to change the shape and size of the nose, or to help improve breathing problems. For some patients, the goal is to accomplish both.

How is rhinoplasty surgery performed?

During a rhinoplasty surgery, the patient is put under general anesthesia. Once sedated, your surgeon will make an incision in the nose. There are two types of nose surgery. The type of surgery being performed will determine where your incision is made. For a closed procedure, the incision is made inside the nose. For an open procedure, it is made at the base of the columella, the strip of tissue separating the nostrils.

Once the incision is made, your surgeon will reshape the nose. Many patients are looking for a nose reduction, which just requires the removal and reshaping of the existing bone or cartilage. In some cases where the nose needs to be built up and cartilage is sparse, you may require skin grafting from another area of the body to be transferred to your nose.

Once the reshaping is complete, the skin is draped back over the surface of the nose and the incisions are closed.

Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

Reasons for getting rhinoplasty can vary and aren’t always cosmetic. The surgery can help change the size, shape and proportions of the nose, help repair deformities, correct birth defects and improve breathing quality.

So, if you’re wondering, “should I get a nose job?” Well, if you have breathing issues that originate in your nasal passages and they are affecting your quality of life, or the look of your nose is impacting your self-esteem, then rhinoplasty may be a good option for you.

Is a rhinoplasty safe and effective?

When performed by an experienced surgeon, a rhinoplasty, or nose correction surgery can be a safe and effective way to reshape your nose or correct breathing problems.

Some patients do experience side effects, most of which are temporary. Possible side effects can include numbness, bleeding, infection, difficulty breathing, pain, discoloration, scarring, prolonged swelling or a hole in the septum.

How do I prepare for rhinoplasty?

You will need to rest for at least a few days following your rhinoplasty surgery. Preparing your space to be as comfortable as possible beforehand is important. Ensure that you have a relaxing environment with medical supplies, healthy food and hydration on hand.

Depending on the complexity of your procedure, your splint and bandaging may need to stay on for up to a week. Bandaging may need to be changed during this time. Your surgeon will go through this with you prior to the procedure.

About 1 week before your surgery weeks before your rhinoplasty procedure, you will need to:

  • Arrange for someone to transport you to and from the clinic on the day of the surgery
  • Arrange for someone to stay with you for the first 24-48 hours following the surgery
  • Stock up on supplies and prepare your space for rest and relaxation
  • Prepare loose fitting clothes that are easy to change in and out of
  • Arrange for child or pet care, as needed
  • Avoid aspirin or other drugs that increase blood thinning
  • Stop or pause taking certain supplements or medications
  • Avoid exercise a few days before the surgery
  • Refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol at least one week before your surgery
  • Stop using any topical cream on your face
  • Avoid long periods in the sun

What should I expect from the procedure?

You should plan to rest for at least the first 2 days following your rhinoplasty surgery. Your nose will be bandaged up with a splint for up to a week. It is important to keep the area clean and the bandaging fresh. You may need assistance with changing the dressings, so plan to have a friend or family member who can help you with this.

Our office will schedule a follow up appointment for about a week after your surgery. During this appointment, your splint will be removed. Some bandaging may still be required and any stitches remaining will eventually dissolve. Your nose will be swollen, and you may have some bruising. Depending on the extent of this, you can determine if you’re ready to resume some of your daily activities.

For the first 2 – 3 weeks following your procedure, it is important to:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink lots of water and maintain a healthy diet
  • Brush your teeth and wash your face two times daily to maintain hygiene and reduce risk of infection
  • Refrain from strenuous exercise for at least 2-3 weeks
  • Refrain from smoking or alcohol

Rhinoplasty recovery time can vary, but much of the swelling a bruising should be gone within 2 – 3 weeks. Keep in mind that the nose holds on to swelling longer than any other part of the body, so you may have minor swelling for up to a year before seeing your final result. For most patients, this is rarely noticeable.

Is there a consultation fee for rhinoplasty?

All cosmetic consultation fees at SIH Dermatology & Plastic surgery are $100.00, which is applied to the cost of surgery (if booked).

How can I book an appointment to discuss rhinoplasty?

For consultation and treatment, please call our office at 618.351.9140 or send us a message through MyChart. You can also book online at request a consultation.

 
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