What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, or getting a nose job, involves changing the outer appearance of the nose. Its intent to better balance the different areas of the nose so that it looks more pleasing. This commonly involves reducing a hump or bump, narrowing and lifting the tip of the nose, and overall making it look slimmer and more defined.
What are the risks associated with Rhinoplasty?
The most significant risk in Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic one. Did the nose turn out like what was planned? Are they any areas that don’t look right or are still out of proportion? Revisional surgery in rhinoplasty is not rare and about 10% of noses may benefit by further minor surgery. Generally, it is adviseable to wait at least six months before considering revisional rhinoplasty surgery.
What does a Rhinoplasty procedure involve?
Rhinoplasty involves three surgical phases; exposure, cartilage and bone manipulation, and closure and splinting. It is an outpatient procedure done under general anesthesia. One thing that rhinoplasty doesn’t involve is packing of the nose! That is no longer done except under unusual circumstances of uncontrolleable bleeding during surgery.
Are there any age restrictions for undergoing rhinoplasty?
That would depend on the reasons for rhinoplasty and what portion of the nose is being considered for surgery. Cosmetic rhinoplasty should wait until one is 15 or 16 years of age to allow for adequate face development and some maturity about the decision. Reconstructive rhinoplasty for congenital or traumatic deformities can be done at younger ages based on the problem and the need to repair it.
Why does it take a full year to see final rhinoplasty results?
It takes about a year for the overlying skin to completely shrink back down to the underlying altered cartilage and bone framework. The skin of your nose is just a reflection of the support underneath it. While much of these changes are subtle after the first few months, the final resolution of skin swelling can ultimately reveal some favorable or unfavorable nasal areas.
Is it true that the nose is more runny after rhinoplasty?
No. If internal breathing correction is done at the same time as external rhinoplasty, there will definitely be a period (weeks to months) of some stuffiness and congestion. With that will be some runniness but it should not be a prolonged or permanent problem.
Does rhinoplasty leave scars?
Yes but no. Closed rhinoplasty techniques are all done from inside the nose and those scars are never seen. Open rhinoplasty procedures leave a tiny scar across the columella (strip of skin between the nostrils) but that heals in an undetectable fashion later.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana