Rhinoplasty - Getting a Nose Job

Aug 11
06:59

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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One of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery, a rhinoplasty is the surgical correction of the nose for either practical or aesthetic purposes. Here is some information on this common procedure.

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One of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery,Rhinoplasty - Getting a Nose Job Articles a rhinoplasty is the surgical correction of the nose for either practical or aesthetic purposes. So common is the procedure that the American Society of Plastic Surgeons estimates that approximately 300,000 people a year get the surgery. Around 75% of the patients are female. 

A rhinoplasty can be done to correct any number of problems a patient may have with their nose. Too long, too crooked, too wide? A nose job can fix all of these problems. In many cases, an extensive nose job can make the patient look like an entirely different person. This, of course, is a two way street. Some patients are gratified to see a very different looking face shining back at them in the mirror. Other patients have a very hard time adjusting to this new reality, especially if they have friends and family members who are unsupportive. Of course, aesthetic corrections are only part of the story. Many people go under the knife to correct problems with their breathing created due to a deviated septum. This condition can be caused by a broken nose that grew back crookedly or simply due to genetics.

Deciding to have any form of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, is a big decision and should be made with realistic expectations and a solid support system. Finding a good surgeon is a critical part of the process. Many plastic surgery offices have special software that can give the patient an idea of what they will look like after the surgery is complete. Because a nose job can make such a drastic difference in the appearance of the face, this software can help the patient to know what they have in store and avoid unpleasant surprises later. 

The surgeon will choose between using general or local anesthesia in the procedure, although most rhinoplasty is now performed under local anesthetic. The doctor will make incisions in the nose and pull back the skin from the underlying bone and cartilage. It is to this bone and cartilage that the doctor does the cosmetic work, reshaping it until it meets the desires of the patient. The skin is then sutured back into place and is dressed with gauze. Recovery time varies according to the extent of the procedure. Most patients are able to return to many of their normal activities within a week. In some cases, revision surgery may be needed several months down the road.