Rhinoplasty can alter the shape and proportions of someone’s nose, with procedures typically done to correct an injury, address birth defects or improve breathing problems.
But the results can be transformative. Here’s what you should know before opting for a nose job surgery:
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What is Rhinoplasty?
Considering rhinoplasty? It’s one оf the most popular Calgary surgery procedures for facial rejuvenation. Often referred tо as a “nose job,” this procedure reshapes the nose tо improve both aesthetics and breathing function.
Your doctor will likely ask about your medical history, any previous nose surgeries you’ve undergone and medications you take as part of their examination process. They may also examine both sides of your nose as part of this examination process.
Before-and-after photos may be shown at your consultation to demonstrate the changes that could result from rhinoplasty. But in order for any final appearance to blend seamlessly into your facial features, pictures of noses that appeal to you should also be brought along as inspiration.
Who Might Consider Rhinoplasty?
People seeking rhinoplasty typically seek to address multiple aesthetic and functional concerns related to their nose. Common examples include dorsal hump, nasal deviation and an uneven profile causing breathing and sinus issues.
At an initial consultation, you’ll meet with your surgeon and discuss what results you want from surgery. They can then explain what can and cannot be achieved during their care plan.
Surgeons offering rhinoplasty frequently ask their patients to use 3D simulation tools as part of the surgery process, to help identify potential surgical outcomes and help manage expectations based on photos or other people’s noses, which could cause unrealistic expectations leading to dissatisfaction with your results. It also allows your surgeon to better understand your goals so they can provide suitable options during the operation.
Key Things to Consider
At the initial stages of considering rhinoplasty, consultation with an expert surgeon should be your priority. He or she will examine your nose before asking you about your medical history in order to plan a proper course of action for your surgery.
Your surgeon may use 3D imaging technology to demonstrate what your results may look like. It’s essential that you understand this technology so you’re not misled by unrealistic images.
Your doctor will explain and answer your questions regarding rhinoplasty surgery. Rhinoplasty typically takes place in either a hospital or surgeon’s office under either local or general anesthesia – for general anesthesia you will remain unconscious throughout; otherwise you’ll receive oral and IV medication that will put you into light sleep during surgery.
Understanding the Procedure
Rhinoplasty can be performed either at a surgeon’s office or hospital as an outpatient procedure, typically using local or general anesthesia depending on its complexity.
Surgeons will first perform an evaluation and ask a series of questions in order to understand your aesthetic goals for rhinoplasty. A skilled surgeon should listen closely and determine the patient’s priorities.
A surgeon will then perform surgery, using local anesthesia or sedation as appropriate, in addition to placing absorbent dressings inside the nose as well as plastic or metal splints to support healing, which will be removed within a day or two postoperatively.
Recovery
Rhinoplasty surgery can be relatively safe when performed by an experienced surgeon in a certified surgery center or hospital with board-certified anesthesiologists; however, all surgeries involve some risks.
One of the primary risks associated with surgery is not healing properly afterward, so to reduce this possibility it is wise to carefully follow all pre-surgery instructions from your surgeon and plan for recovery period early.
As part of your recovery from surgery, make sure you arrange a ride home and create an ideal recovery nest with comfortable bed, plenty of water and healthy snacks, plus activities to keep you occupied while your nose heals completely – which could take four to six weeks after surgery and up to three months!