Even though some people are born with a perfectly proportionate nose that complements all of their facial features, you might not be so lucky. Having an oversized or unbalanced nose can have a major impact on an individual’s confidence, and it will be nearly impossible to alter the shape of the nose without a cosmetic surgeon. Rhinoplasty can be an option for almost any healthy adult who is struggling with nasal bumps, flared nostrils, a crooked septum, or an oversized nasal hump.
A Look at Nasal Imperfections
Nasal imperfections are more complicated than most people realize because that area of the body is a unique mixture of cartilage, bones, skin, and mucus membranes. For many people, nasal imperfections are genetic issues that they were born with. Others suffer acute injuries to that area of the face at some point as they grow older, and damaged nasal tissue sometimes results in a crooked or uneven appearance. While many other types of blemishes can be taken care of with beauty products or preventative measures, adjusting the appearance of your nose will generally require professional assistance.
Consulting With Your Surgeon
After you have done some research on your own and taken a look at before and after rhinoplasty surgery photos, it will then be time to contact a skilled cosmetic surgeon who has plenty of experience with this operation. There are a few different reasons why that first appointment is so important, and you should try to schedule it at least a few weeks before you plan on having the operation carried out. Your surgeon will need to speak with you about your cosmetic goals as well as take a very close look at your medical history. They can then give you further information on what needs to be done before the operation and what you can expect on the day of your surgery.
What Takes Place During the Procedure?
The procedure itself usually takes two to three hours to complete, but you should plan on spending four or five hours at the outpatient center. When you first arrive, you might need to fill out some paperwork before you will be taken to a private treatment room. Rhinoplasty surgery can be carried out with a local or general anesthetic depending on your personal preferences as well as the extent of the alterations. After the anesthetic has been administered, one or more small incisions will be made on or around the nose. The process itself is highly personalized, and the surgeon might need to focus on a few different techniques to achieve ideal results.
The Average Patient’s Recovery
Your recovery is going to depend on many different factors, and that includes your overall health and what types of alterations were made. As a general rule, a patient can head home on the day of the procedure, but they will need to have a loved one drive them and look after them for at least 48 hours. During the initial week, you must plan on staying home and relaxing in a comfortable area. Your surgeon will give you further instructions on how you can minimize swelling, bruising, discomfort, and other side effects.
After a week, you must head back to the surgeon so that the nasal dressings, splints, and sutures can be removed. While every patient has a different experience, most can resume light activities at that time. As long as you are healthy and not dealing with any complications, you should fully recover within six or seven weeks.