Rhinoplasty Explained in 7 Key Points [Quick Guide]

Once you decide there is something you don’t like about your nose, and that you want to do something about it, you will need to find a qualified cosmetic surgeon to do the job right. When considering Rhinoplasty, you will need to know all the steps taken to change your nose and why.

Here are 7 key points that explain the Rhinoplasty procedure:

1. Consultation 

Before you choose a doctor, you will want to meet with him or her first. You need to know what type of doctor they are, if they are kind, if they explain everything to you, and to check their references. You will also want to meet their staff to assure the same is true for the other people who are going to be taking care of you.

2. Anesthesia

On the day of your surgery, you will be given anesthesia to help you relax and sometimes fall asleep completely. Depending on how much surgery you will undergo, you may not need to be put in a deep sleep. Most cosmetic type nose jobs are done with minimal anesthesia, similar to a dentist numbing the local area.

3. The Incision

There are two types of incisions. There is a closed procedure which is an incision on the inside of the nose, and an open procedure, which is an incision on the outside of the nose. The open incision is made in the small area between the nostrils called the columella.

4. Reshaping 

If you are having your nose reduced, the surgeon will remove cartilage and/or bone. If your nose is too small, a surgeon may need to do a procedure of cartilage grafting which is added to your nose shape. If there is not enough cartilage from the septum, they will use, the cartilage from one of your ears.

5. Correcting

If you are undergoing Rhinoplasty for a deviated septum, or another medical condition, the surgeon will make the corrections after the incision. This takes place inside the nose and is done by moving the cartilage or taking part of it away.

6. Closing the Incision 

Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will carefully close the incision. They will be extra careful to close the ends of the cut to match so there is little to no scarring, even if it is under the nose on the columella. There may be times in which the incision is on the sides of the nose, near the check, although this is rare. In this case, a skin graft may be required to make sure the incision is invisible after it heals.

7. Recovery

Depending on which procedure you have done, inside the nose or outside, your recovery time will vary slightly. In most cases, you will be able to return to normal activities like work outside the home, within a day or two. You will want to avoid sports that could have a ball or other type of equipment near your face, for a week or more.

Before undergoing Rhinoplasty, make sure you are going to be happy with your new look or feel of your nose. Asks a lot of questions to make sure you know exactly what is going to happen.