10 Things to Know about a Rhinoplasty Procedure

If you are considering having rhinoplasty surgery, there are some simple facts you need to know. The more you know about something, the more prepared you will be for what lies ahead. Although it may take a little more time to learn important facts before scheduling your procedure, you will be thankful that you did.

1. What exactly is a rhinoplasty? Often called a nose job, a rhinoplasty is cosmetic surgery of the nose. During surgery, the shape of the nose will be changed by breaking the bones of the nose and resetting them to make the nose look narrower, straighter, or wider, depending on what the patient wants. Rhinoplasty can also remove a bump on the nose to straighten it and the cartilage can be molded to create a compact, sleek look. Breathing problems can also be corrected by rhinoplasty procedure.

2. The very first thing that you will want to do when considering your nose job is to find a qualified, licensed rhinoplasty surgeon. You will want to schedule a consultation first to make sure that the doctor is able to give you the results you need. Before and after pictures of previous rhinoplasty patients should be available at your consultation visit. Also, if you can take a picture of your ideal appearance on this visit, the surgeon may have a better idea of what you are expecting. At this visit, you will be able to get to know the doctor and see if you are comfortable talking with him or her.

3. Ask lots of questions. There are many things you need to know before you can even consider a nose job. You must find out the cost of the operation - including all expenses, not just the surgeon's fee. Find out rather or not your insurance company will cover any costs and if there are payment plans available. You also need to find out how to prepare for the surgery. You need to ask about any medications you are currently taking. Will you be in a hospital for the procedure, and if so, which hospital? You will want to know what to expect once the operation is complete. There will be a recovery time when you will be bruised and not look or feel very well. Start now to write down your questions so you will not forget anything.

4. Some patients require general anesthesia, but many procedures only need light sleep sedation. Surgery usually is done early in the day and the patient is able to return home the same day. Closed rhinoplasty is when the surgeon operates using incisions inside the nostrils, while open rhinoplasty is when incisions are only made under the nose. The cast or splint need to stay in place on the nose for about one week.

5. After surgery, you should be prepared for your nose to be packed and gauze placed underneath your nose to catch any fluids. You may feel sick to your stomach for awhile, from the anesthesia, and because of blood that may have been swallowed during the procedure. Your eyes will probably be black and blue and you may have some trouble breathing out of your mouth, because your nose is impacted. Sometimes, the surgeon can make small air holes in your nostrils to help you get air through.

6. Within a few hours after the cast has been removed, the swelling will begin to go down. There is not usually any pain when the cast is removed. It is important to remember that the results of the full extent of the surgery will not yet be obvious.

7. About a week after the cast is removed, the swelling should be nearly gone. Nearly 80% of the bruising and swelling should be gone within two weeks. The rest of the healing will take place during the new few months.

8. Although possible, side effects from rhinoplasty surgery are very rare. Sometimes blood vessels burst under the skin during surgery, which can cause permanent spots. Although surgeons try to be very careful, there is the slight possibility of scarring. As with any other surgery, there are risks to consider.

9. The ages that are acceptable for rhinoplasty surgery are usually between 13 and 16 years of age, depending on how mature the teen is. At least 90% of their bodies' growth should take place before the surgery can be done. Of course, earlier surgery can be performed if it is due to trauma to the nose or an accident. However, it is most successful when performed after the teen stops growing.

10. Your final decision should be one that you are comfortable with. Spend time asking questions, talking to your health care provider and reading material about the procedure. You will want to have the surgery done at a time when you are not busy and there will be people who can help you as you go through the recovery process.

There is nothing to fear about getting a nose job. With the technology and knowledge available today, surgeons will perform several rhinoplasty surgeries in one day. Put your dream about your nose job into action by looking for a qualified surgeon today!