Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is an aesthetic plastic surgery method for changing and reconstructing the upper face. There are two categories of plastic surgery used in rhinoplasty surgery: reconstructive surgery, which reconstruct the actual form and function of the nasal nose and aesthetic surgery which alter the look of the face. This article will focus on reconstructive rhinoplasty surgery. It is performed on patients who have injuries to the upper face or any other part of the face. Most rhinoplasty surgeries are performed on children and teenagers. Patients who wish to undergo rhinoplasty can go either with an experienced surgeon or with a surgeon who specializes in reconstructive surgeries.
Let’s start with the most common disfigurement which rhinoplasty surgery is meant to correct, and that is the “overbite”. Overbearance of the upper face occurs when there is a gap between the upper lip and the lower teeth. The result is that the upper face looks shorter and wider than it actually is. A plastic surgeon can adjust the facial plastic surgeon so that the upper face retains its natural balance and shape, while the lower face matches the rest of the face. In addition, correcting overbearance also requires reshaping of the nasal bridge, creating a more natural appearance of nostrils.
Another common deformity that results from rhinoplasty surgery is the “over-contour”. This occurs when the lower face has an overly long, wide, prominent nose, which may not meet the upper lip. The patient may feel that he has no choice but to wear dentures, but there are ways of getting around this issue. In this case, the plastic surgeon will make an incision in the higher part of the bridge of the nose, along the soft palate, and bring it down slightly. Once this is done, the patient can use some of his or her nasal bones to fill in any remaining spaces between the teeth, thereby making the bridge more natural looking. Learn more about rhinoplasty surgery, and top rhinoplasty surgeons at The Rhinoplasty Society and make an informed decision about nasal contouring.
Other common deformities resulting from rhinoplasty surgery include drooping eyelids (also known as “haloed” eyelids), hooked ears (known as “haloed” ears), a “hump on the brow” (also called “troll eyes”), excessive eyelid contractions, protruding nipples, and “double chin”. All of these issues require a revision of the original rhinoplasty surgery, which may require additional surgery and recovery time. A revision may also be necessary for patients who have had both fillers and rhinoplasty at the same time. Some of these patients may require two separate surgeries. For example, patients who had both a chin-strap and a face-lift simultaneously may require another rhinoplasty procedure after a few years.
Recovery Period After Rhinoplasty Surgery Many patients are able to return to normal activities shortly after their cosmetic surgery, including driving and some light housework. The entire recovery period usually takes one to two weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure, the severity of the swelling and pain, as well as other personal factors. Patients should not lift any heavy objects during the recovery period, and they should stay home until the stitches go away. Common sense will help you avoid doing anything strenuous during this period. Your dressings will need to be changed frequently, as will the contact lenses and the adhesive tapes used to hold your new nose job in place.
Swelling and Pain After Rhinoplasty Surgery Most rhinoplasty surgery causes minimal swelling and minimal pain, so most patients return to work and most of their daily household activities within a day or two of their surgical procedure. The only exception is if the incision was made into a joint, where the healing process can take longer. In this case, you may experience significant swelling and pain for a week or more, although you should be able to return to all but light activity within a few days. You may also need an injection of an anesthetic agent to control the swelling.
Medication and Strenuous Activities Although most people will be able to return to their normal daily activities within a few days of rhinoplasty surgery, you may experience some discomfort or soreness for several weeks after your procedure. This is often treated with over the counter or prescription pain medication, as well as hot packs or ice packs. If you are able to bear the pain and swelling, you may wish to consider staying at the hospital for a day or two while your incision heals. You will find that any type of strenuous activities will make the healing process slows down, and it will be important to keep moving in order to prevent any bone loss from occurring.
The majority of patients are able to resume normal daily activities within a couple of months, although a small minority will have to take a year or longer to achieve their new shape. If you have any concerns or complications during the course of your recovery, you will want to speak with your surgeon before proceeding. Your surgeon will be able to assess your current health, and he or she will be able to recommend the most appropriate rhinoplasty surgery for your needs. In many cases, it is possible to avoid surgery if the patient has a pre-existing medical condition, so it is always important to ask your surgeon about all possibilities before proceeding.
For more information about rhinoplasty or finding a rhinoplasty surgeon contact The Rhinoplasty Society at https://www.rhinoplastysociety.org