Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that aims to improve the appearance and function of the nose. It’s a popular cosmetic surgery option, with over 200,000 procedures performed annually in the United States alone, says our plastic surgeon.
If you’re considering a nose job, it’s essential to understand what happens during the procedure. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the steps involved in a nose job surgery.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Anaesthesia
The first step of a nose job is the administration of anaesthesia. Depending on the patient’s preference and the level of complexity of the procedure, either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation may be used.
General anaesthesia involves putting the patient to sleep, while local anaesthesia with sedation numbs the area around the nose but allows the patient to remain awake and relaxed during the procedure.
Your surgeon will discuss the best anaesthesia option for you during your consultation.
Step 2: Incisions
After anaesthesia is administered, the surgeon will make small incisions inside the nostrils or across the columellate (the strip of tissue between the nostrils). These incisions allow access to the bones and cartilage that make up the structure of the nose.
Depending on the desired results of the Rhinoplasty, additional incisions may be made in other areas of the nose.
Step 3: Reshaping the Nose
Once the surgeon has access to the underlying structures of the nose, they will reshape the bone and cartilage to achieve the desired result. This can include reducing the size of the nose, removing humps or bumps on the bridge of the nose, or altering the shape of the nasal tip.
During this step, the surgeon may use techniques such as rasping (filing down bone), fracturing the nasal bones to narrow the bridge, or trimming and suturing cartilage to reshape the tip.
It’s important to note that each nose job is unique, and the specific techniques used will depend on the patient’s individual needs and desired results.
Step 4: Closing the Incisions
Once the necessary reshaping is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures.
If the incisions were made inside the nostrils, there will be no visible scarring. However, if an incision was made across the columellate, a small scar may be visible but will typically fade over time.
Step 5: Recovery
After the procedure is complete, the patient will spend some time in the recovery room before being released to go home. It’s essential to have someone available to drive you home after the procedure, as the effects of anaesthesia can last for several hours.
The majority of rhinoplasty patients experience minor discomfort and swelling after the procedure, which can be managed with pain medication and cold compresses. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your nose during the recovery period.
Most patients are able to return to work or school within one to two weeks after the procedure, although more physically demanding activities should be avoided for several weeks.
It’s important to note that full recovery from a nose job can take up to a year, as the nose continues to settle into its new shape over time.
Conclusion
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can improve the appearance and function of the nose. Understanding what happens during a nose job surgery can help ease any nerves or anxiety you may have about the procedure.
The steps involved in a nose job surgery include administering anaesthesia, making incisions, reshaping the nose, closing the incisions, and recovering from the procedure.It’s essential to choose an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon to perform your nose job and to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully to achieve the best possible results.
