What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can change the size, shape or proportions of the nose. It can improve breathing problems, repair deformities caused by an accident or birth defect, or enhance the appearance of the nose.

It’s the nose that gives your face its sense of balance and proportion, so it’s important to choose a skilled cosmetic surgeon who can give you the look you want. Before surgery, be clear about what you dislike about your nose and discuss it with your doctor to help ensure the results will match your goals.

Your surgeon will use the exact techniques needed to meet your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals during your rhinoplasty, depending on the approach you choose. Some procedures involve making small incisions in the nose, while others require the removal of tissue, cartilage or bone.

Swelling and bruising are common after surgery, but should go away within a week. During this time, you’ll need to avoid contact sports or activities that could result in your nose being hit (like running or swimming). Swelling can last for months and can affect the final results of your procedure.

The amount of swelling and bruising depends on the type of rhinoplasty you’ve chosen. For example, the tip of your nose will swell more than other parts because it’s more sensitive and requires special care during recovery.

There’s no set timeline for rhinoplasty recovery, but the majority of patients are able to return to work or school after a week. During the first few weeks, you may feel a little tired or sleepy because your muscles aren’t used to being in a resting position.

A splint will be placed over your nose to prevent it from moving during the recovery process. Swelling and bruising should go away after you’ve recovered from surgery, and most people have a “restaurant-ready” nose after two weeks.

You should avoid wearing makeup during this period. It’s important to let your nose heal completely before you start experimenting with makeup, as it can cause the nasal structures to become distorted.

It’s important to find a rhinoplasty surgeon who has experience performing the procedure. He or she should be able to offer you 2D simulations and 3D modeling so you can see what changes will look like on your nose, says Dr. Sam Naficy, a facial plastic surgeon in Bellevue, Washington.

He or she should also have a wide range of before-and-after photos showing a variety of results. The rhinoplasty results you see should be natural-looking to you and make you happy with the new shape of your nose.

The nose is a complex three-dimensional structure, and many subtle changes to the structure of the nose can have a major impact on its appearance. This makes rhinoplasty a challenging operation.

Your surgeon will have a clear understanding of what your goals are before the procedure begins, and he or she should be able to explain how the changes will affect your appearance and functionality. In addition, your surgeon should be able to answer any questions you have about the procedure and recovery process.