Nose Job

There are many reasons for rhinoplasty, the formal medical name for a nose job. Injury can deform a nose and require the help of a surgeon in restoring former looks; medical issues such as breathing problems may require a structural change in the nose; and yes, sometimes the reasons are purely cosmetic: wanting to change the look of that promiment, and sometimes too prominent, organ in the middle of your face.

Nose surgery can address various features. A qualified and skilled surgeon can change its size, width (at the bridge), the angle of the tip of your nose, the nostrils' position and size, and any internal or external assymetries. In essence, one's nose can almost be sculpted into any new form desired by the patient, and decided upon in advance with your doctor.

Rhinoplasties are the number one requested plastic surgery procedure. In order for the surgery to be successful, extensive work must be done prior, during and after the procedure. The patient needs to be aware before even signing the forms, of the risks, the pros and the cons of their decision; the periods of swelling, bruising and the possible eventual outcome.

There should be a detailed anatomical analysis of the nose completed prior to the surgery. When it comes to nose surgery, one size does not fit all. Physical, aesthetical and psychological aspects should all be weighed by both patient and doctor. Previous surgery, life habits (such as smoking), and above all patient expactations, all come into play here.

Nose surgery is a complex procedure comprising of several stages. The first stage is always anesthesia, where you may receive intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Incisions are then made, either internal or external ones, depending on the nature of the operation, and the soft tissues covering the nose are lifted to allow the surgeon to work on the cartilage. In some forms of nose surgery, cartilage is moved around in the nose, and sometimes even taken from the ears, to create a new structure. Deviated septums may be addressed at this stage, if necessary. Finally, tissues are placed back and incisions stitched as required.

The last, and crucial phase, of the operation is the healing process and the final setting in of the results which can take up to a year. The initial decrease in swelling lasts several days to weeks, but your body needs to let the new tissue "sink in" and arrange itself for the final shape to take place. During that period, swelling may still occasionally occur and subside.

As every operation, a nose job has possible complications. These include anything and everything from complications from and during the anasthesia, poor healing, hematomas (bleeding), infections, scarring and loss of sensation in parts or all of the nose. Follow-up surgery may be required in some cases, either to treat sutures that may surface above the skin, or simply to revise the shape of the nose. Post-op care is crucial for proper healing, so be sure to carefully follow your physician's instructions once you're home.