The Typical Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty, better known as a nose job, is performed to change the appearance and or function of the nose. Most of the time this procedure is done for cosmetic reasons alone though there are times when it can be helpful as a medical procedure as well. For many people they want one thing and one thing only when it comes to a nose job, a more aesthetically pleasing feature!
A nose job will generally be performed to change the size, slope or form of the entire nose or even just the tip. This cosmetic surgery is generally classified as either an open or a closed procedure. The most used is the closed procedure as all incisions are made inside the nostrils to prevent scarring.
Open
An open rhinoplasty gives your surgeon the most access to the cartilage and bone of your nose. This surgery is performed by making a small incision under the columella, which allows the doctor to pull back the skin and precisely redefine the cartilage or bone beneath. Afterward there will be a tiny fine scar underneath the nose, and most of the time it is not even noticeable. In many cases, especially complex procedures, physicians feel this is the best plastic surgery option.
Closed
A closed procedure offers you the benefits of a nose job without any external scarring. In most situations your plastic surgeon will be able to access the bone or cartilage with very little problem. Most of the time they can reshape, insert bone from other areas of the body or use artificial implants with little difficulty.
The basic difference between the two types of rhinoplasty comes down to an internal or external cut and your surgeon’s access to your nose. Healing times are pretty much the same in both procedures and again generally speaking, you will get the same results. However, it is important that you talk these options over with your surgeon as you particular procedure may benefit more from one type of surgery to the other. Remember everyone is different and just because a friend may have opted for one type of procedure it may not automatically be the best one for you.
Revision Rhinoplasty
There is another nose job type that has seen recent increases and that is the revision rhinoplasty. This occurs when a patient has had one or more nose jobs in the past and for whatever reason are unhappy with the results. Sometimes a severe injury occurs after the initial surgery prompting the patient to have a secondary nose job.
Revision rhinoplasty is almost always a possibility however the results may be limited by the previous procedures. For instance if the septum has been altered or even removed in previous surgeries then your secondary nose job will be much more difficult. Your septum forms the foundation for the nose and its presence is important to the shaping of your new nose.
One of the hardest things about a secondary nose job is overcoming the disappointment with the initial procedure. This could be because the patient had unrealistic expectations or because the original surgeon did not perform it correctly. If you are considering a second nose job, it is important that you research potential plastic surgeons carefully and keep your expectations within a reasonable range. If you are lacking in self confidence due to your appearance you may want to work through these issues with a therapist prior to having your secondary nose job.
Break Down
To wrap it all up you can expect to go through the following steps when it comes to your nose job:
- Choose your surgeon; make sure he or she is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Check your surgeons references
- Initial Consultation- you should discuss your goals for plastic surgery
- Choose open, closed or revision surgery
- Have your procedure
- Two weeks or more recovery time
- Follow up appointments
Conclusion
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgeries performed today. It is a simple and often times quick way to make a noticeable change in your features. The most important thing you should remember is to be reasonable about your expectations. A nose job is not going to change your entire face; it can only enhance your current features or be made more aesthetically pleasing. People who continually strive to perfect their features often times wind up looking worse in the end than they did in the beginning.
A good plastic surgeon will let you know what is reasonable for your features. If you come across a surgeon, who promises to make drastic changes in your appearance you should be wary. Plastic surgery, a nose job, tummy tuck or face-lift can make a huge difference, but you will still be you in the end.