Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, refers to a procedure that changes the shape of your nose. This can be modifying cartilage or bone.
Reasons To Get A Nose Job
Rhinoplasty is done for medical or cosmetic purposes. For instance, you may do it to correct a birth defect or breathing problem, repair it after an injury, or just to improve its appearance.
With rhinoplasty, the doctor may help change the size or angle of the nose, reshape its tip, straighten the bridge, or narrow the nostrils.
There are many centers for Rhinoplasty in Orange County that offer specialists’ opinion and guide a safe way of getting it done.
Who Can Get A Rhinoplasty Done
Usually, if rhinoplasty is done for cosmetic purposes, it’s best to wait until your nasal bone is completely grown. This is:
- Age of 12 or above for girls
- Age of 15 or above for boys
However, if you need rhinoplasty for breathing problems, it can be done at a younger age.
If you want a second rhinoplasty, you may need to wait for a year to allow healing of the nose.
Are There Any Risks?
As with all surgical procedures, rhinoplasty may also have a few risks, such as:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Breathing difficulties
- Numbness
- Scars
- An asymmetrical nose
The Procedure
Before the procedure, your doctor will ask about all the medications you may be taking. They may advise you to stop painkillers and medicines that alter your blood-clotting process a few weeks before and after the procedure.
Nicotine in cigarettes narrows your blood vessels, delaying healing. Quitting smoking can help boost the healing process.
On the day of the procedure, you will be given general or local anesthesia. Once you are unconscious or numb, the doctor will make cuts inside or between the nostrils. They will move the skin away from the cartilage and start reshaping the nose.
If the doctor feels that your new nose may need extra cartilage, they may take it from deep inside the nose or your ear. The healthcare professional may also use a bone graft or implant if an extra bone is needed.
The procedure is usually completed in one or two hours.
Recovery From The Procedure
After the surgery, the doctor may place a metal or plastic splint on the nose. This will help retain the new shape while your nose heals. You may also need packs inside your nostrils to stabilize the part of the nose between the nostrils (septum).
You may experience bleeding or drainage from the nose a few days after the surgery. A gauze pad taped below your nose may help absorb the mucus and blood. Your doctor will advise on how frequently you need to change this drip pad.
They may also advise you to restrict certain activities a few weeks after the surgery, including blowing your nose, strenuous physical activity, excessive chewing, and swimming.
You’ll be able to regain your normal activities within two or four weeks.
Final Thoughts
Rhinoplasty is a comparatively simple procedure that helps in changing the shape of your nose. Follow all the instructions carefully, and the risk of complications is minimal.
