Rhinoplasty Considerations – Is It Right for Me?

Also known commonly among people as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance or functionality of the human nose. While many men and women choose this type of procedure to make their breathing easier or recover function after a burn or trauma, most people elect to have surgery on their nose for aesthetic reasons. Self-esteem and self-confidence issues that build up over a lifetime can be reversed in a few short hours in an operating room.

This procedure is usually performed in two main ways: open or closed. Variations between the two mainly include where the incisions are placed and, in turn, where healing or scarring will take place. Other than that, the process is essentially the same. Whether incised inside the nostril or along the bottom septum, skin and soft tissue will be separated from bone and cartilage. Scalpels or chisels will be used to remove bony humps of cartilage or transplant materials may add support and shape.

Rhinoplasty surgery may also be classified as primary, secondary, functional or reconstructive, depending on if it is the first time surgery has been performed on the nose and what the overall purpose of the surgery is. Primary reconstructive rhinoplasty is the most common cosmetic procedure selected by men and women to improve the overall aesthetic appearance of their nose. Secondary procedures refer to any sort of post-operative revision.

As with any invasive surgery, rhinoplasty operations come with a similar set of potential side effects and risks. Negative reaction to anesthesia, hematoma formation, seroma formation, blood clots, bleeding, infection, asymmetry, irregularities, extended healing or wound dehiscence may all occur. Most of these risks are very rare and highly dependent on the skill and experience of the surgeon performing the operation. As such, it is important to thoroughly research the physician that you will trust your nose with and ensure that you find someone that is highly skilled. Maximizing positive results from the surgery also involves outlining your expectations, questions, and concerns from the onset. A good surgeon will be able to openly and candidly address your concerns and ensure that you are fully prepared for the pre- and post-operative periods.

Recovery from rhinoplasty usually involves wearing a metal splint taped to the nose for at least one week. A small amount of pain, redness, swelling, bruising or inflammation may be present and is a normal part of the healing process. However, these should all gradually subside over a week or two. Be sure to report any increase in pain or swelling to your doctor immediately. Other temporary side effects may include loss of sense of smell or nasal whistling. Both may recover spontaneously as the septum heals or may require further post-operative revision to correct the problem. Of note, rhinoplasty has the most number of post-operative revision surgeries of any cosmetic procedure performed in North America. This high revision rate speaks to how important it is to find a surgeon that you trust and who can give you a realistic idea of what to expect with your new nose.