5 important things to know about a nose job
There is nothing standard about Rhinoplasty Surgery. Your nose is one of the most prominent features of your face, and the emotional toll of being dissatisfied with its appearance can be devastating to your self-confidence. Whether you are unhappy with an abnormally large nose that throws off the balance of your face, or you’re hiding a hump on your nose that makes you feel self-conscious about your profile, Rhinoplasty Surgery can be life-changing.
“Rhinoplasty is one of the most common procedures performed in plastic surgery, but it is also one of the most complex,” says Dr. Michael Philbin, a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at Edina Plastic Surgery. “A nose job requires a very high level of surgical skill and artistry,” he explains. “The outcome of the surgery must be highly tailored to the patient’s face to achieve harmony and balance between all features,” he continues. “Expectations are critical when considering Rhinoplasty Surgery because the nose you have in mind may not be the size or shape that is right for your face or even surgically realistic. Also, other facial features, such as the chin, may need to be enhanced or modified to achieve true balance.”
Here are five important things to know if you are considering a nose job.
#1 There is a difference between Rhinoplasty Surgery and Septoplasty Surgery
Not all “nose jobs” have the same end goal. Nasal surgery generally focuses on either correcting breathing issues or enhancing the appearance of the nose.
“Septoplasty surgery is a functional nasal surgery that straightens a patient’s septum to help alleviate breathing issues that result from blockages to the nasal passages,” explains Dr. Philbin.
“At Edina Plastic Surgery we specialize in Rhinoplasty Surgery,” says Dr. Philbin. “This cosmetic surgery is focused on improving and enhancing the appearance of the nose, not necessarily how it functions,” he continues.
#2 A Chin Implant may improve your Rhinoplasty Surgery results further
A natural-looking, attractive nose that lays in balance with the rest of your facial features is the goal of a successful Rhinoplasty Surgery. But sometimes, other components of your face can play a role in this this balancing act. If you naturally have a receding chin, this can continue to make your face appear disproportionate even after a nose job.
“During a Rhinoplasty Surgery consultation, I take several measurements of a patient’s face to identify where balance needs to be restored,” explains Dr. Philbin. “There are certain ratios we want to observe because we know that they result in a more attractive and balanced outcome to your surgery. The prominence, or lack thereof, of your chin is a key player in this balance. I am very honest with patients when I think that a chin implant with their Rhinoplasty Surgery will lead to an outcome that they will be happier with!”
#3 Subtle changes can make a huge difference
Rhinoplasty Surgery is measured in millimeters, with each increment having the potential to result in significant changes to your appearance. For this reason, your surgeon will be very conservative during your surgery. It is not uncommon to return after the first year of your operation for further revision. This systematic and conservative approach is necessary to ensure the best results possible for each patient.
#4 The condition and health of your pre-surgery nose matters
“I know it seems kind of strange to discuss the health of your nose, but it can have an impact on your results with Rhinoplasty Surgery,” shares Dr. Philbin.
“The ideal candidate for a nose job has healthy, elastic facial skin and firm, strong nasal cartilage,” he explains. “Because aging and prior facial injuries can compromise both of these factors, we recommend that Rhinoplasty is performed early in adulthood to achieve optimal healing and surgical outcomes. Basically, if you’re considering a nose job, do it sooner rather than later in life.”
“The ideal candidate for a nose job has healthy, elastic facial skin and firm, strong nasal cartilage,” he explains. “Because aging and prior facial injuries can compromise both of these factors, we recommend that Rhinoplasty is performed early in adulthood to achieve optimal healing and surgical outcomes. Basically, if you’re considering a nose job, do it sooner rather than later in life.”
#5 Your recovery plays a pivotal role in your Rhinoplasty results
There are definitive stages of healing after a nose job. Each chapter presents varying characteristics. Although you may experience minimal discomfort after surgery, your bruising and swelling can be substantial during the first week. This is the stage where you may also be wearing a nose splint and bandages and may not feel too keen about being seen in public.
Your nose splint is generally removed 7-10 days after surgery. Most patients require an extra week of healing after this stage before they feel comfortable returning to work or being social outside of the home. Your surgeon may also advise you to observe these precautions for the weeks following your surgery:
- Use an SPF 30 on your nose when venturing outdoors, especially in Summer to avoid darkening the pigment of any scarring
- Avoid resting your eyeglass on your nose for the first month after surgery
- Don’t wear clothing that you need to pull over your head to avoid accidentally bumping your nose
- Moderate your facial expressions to avoid ones that may pull or strain your nose area
- While still wearing bandages, avoid the shower and opt for baths
- Avoid vigorous exercise or activities that raise your blood pressure or require you to be upside down (like Yoga).
- Be very gentle and careful while brushing your upper teeth to avoid pulling on your upper lip
- Try to avoid sneezing when you can and avoid blowing your nose
“You’ll need about a month to feel recovered from your Rhinoplasty Surgery,” advises Dr. Philbin. “By this time, swelling and bruising will have subsided some, you’ll be breathing better, and you’ll be able to see your results setting in,” he continues. “Swelling can last up to a year after surgery for some patients, which can be frustrating. It’s important to hang in there and be practice patience because the results will be worth it!”
Are you dissatisfied with the appearance of your nose? Do you have problems breathing through your nostrils? Has a prior injury altered the appearance of your nose or how you can breathe through it? Please schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons to discuss Rhinoplasty Surgery by calling (952) 925-1765!
