Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job and nose reshaping, is one of the most performed cosmetic procedures globally. In this procedure, the surgeon reshapes a patient’s nose to better complement their face.
Besides cosmetic reasons, it is performed for medical reasons as well. The procedure can help repair deformities from an injury, improve some breathing difficulties, and correct a birth defect.
If you’re considering getting a rhinoplasty, here are some things you should consider to ensure you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.
It is crucial that you openly talk with your surgeon. Your surgeon will inquire about your medical history, including any procedures you’ve had before, medications you’re currently taking, any allergies you may have to any drugs or anesthesia, and your lifestyle habits (such as smoking, drinking, and drug usage).
Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
- You’ve reached complete facial maturity
- You don’t smoke or can quit smoking for a couple of weeks before and after the procedure
- You’ve realistic expectations from the procedure
- You’ve no severe medical conditions
Think About How Much Time You’ll Need Off From Work, School, and Other Commitments
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you can have the procedure in the morning and can leave for home in the evening. The recovery will take a few weeks. Afterward, you can gradually resume your routine activities. Usually, the recovery takes around six to eight weeks.
Post-operative Swelling and Bruising
You can expect little swelling and bruising post-surgery near the procedure site. To reduce swelling, you can use cold compression and avoid touching your nose until it recovers completely. Also, regularly clean your nose with a facial after your surgeon takes off the dressing and splints. Furthermore, raise your head higher than your chest when sleeping to reduce swelling and bleeding.
You Have to Wait At Least Six to Twelve Months to See the Result
It might take over six months to see the effectiveness of the procedure. This is because swelling and healing takes time. However, in some cases, you may have to wait for a year to see the final results. Nevertheless, in most cases, patients are satisfied with the final results of their primary rhinoplasty.
If a patient is unhappy with the result, he or she can opt for revision rhinoplasty, which is more complex than the primary one. But choosing a surgeon with expertise in handling nasal anatomical challenges can provide you with the best results.
Do Not Exercise for Three to Four Weeks
After the procedure, your surgeon will ask you to take enough rest and avoid regular activities. If you live alone, you should ask any of your relatives or friends to come to your room for a few days to support you in various domestic activities. You should wait at least three weeks before resuming normal activities. And after four weeks, you can gradually return to your workout routine.
Rhinoplasty Pain
Rhinoplasty is not painful for most people. After one day of the procedure, most people rate their pain between 0 and 4 out of 10.
If you experience prolonged and more than usual pain, you should consult with your surgeon. Your surgeon may prescribe you some medications.
Keep All of Your Post-operative Appointments
Never miss a post-operative appointment, especially the first one where your surgeon might remove the dressing and splints. And book post-operative appointments in advance as recommended by your surgeon. And also, save an emergency contact number of the surgeon or clinic.
Takeaway!
A rhinoplasty is a great option to reshape your nose to improve its aesthetics or correct functionalities. Above, we have discussed some important aspects of the procedure which you should consider before opting for rhinoplasty.
In addition, you should also focus on choosing the best surgeon. It’s always recommended to ask your various questions to your surgeon regarding the procedure.
Asking questions to your surgeon is a great way to get some insight into their thought process, so don’t be afraid to ask. Having this conversation with your rhinoplasty surgeon is a good idea to make an informed decision.