Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular types of facial plastic surgeries in the United States. Around 220,000 rhinoplasties, more commonly known as nose jobs, are performed each year. This type of cosmetic surgery will change the way a person’s nose looks or even functions. It’s important to understand that not all rhinoplasties are simply for looks, and can correct some fairly major health concerns as well.
Rhinoplasties can help balance the look of your nose on your face, and they can also improve the way you breathe. If you struggle with a snoring partner or seem to not be able to get enough oxygen, you should consult with a plastic surgeon because this might be a procedure that helps you. Let’s take a look at whether rhinoplasty might be a good solution for your problems.
When Is A Rhinoplasty Medically Necessary?
People who get rhinoplasties don’t do so just for the cosmetic aspect of it. Nasal obstructions are very often a common medical condition that requires surgery to improve. These types of obstructions can impact a person’s sleep, breathe, and ability to exercise. If you have a nasal obstruction, it can cause you to be a heavy snorer or even a deadly condition known as sleep apnea, which should be treated right away.
If you can’t seem to find solutions that work, like a CPAP machine for sleep apnea or nasal sprays to help open your nasal passages, the rhinoplasty might be the next step you should take in treating this condition. In this case, your medical insurance might be able to cover this procedure since it’s for a medical reason and not purely cosmetic.
Usually, these types of nasal obstructions are connected directly to the septum. The septum is a wall of cartilage that is set between both sides of your nose. When it’s deviated, a common issue known as a deviated septum, it can interfere with proper nose function. That would require a rhinoplasty to fix if the deviation is severe enough. This will help you be able to breathe normally again, fixing the deviated septum.
What Is A Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?
A cosmetic rhinoplasty is done solely to improve the look of the nose. If you have a deviated septum or other structural issues, you can correct these problems and make cosmetic changes to your nose at the same time. But if you do not have any medical issues, you can undergo a cosmetic rhinoplasty just to improve the appearance of your nose.
Patients often ask to refine the tip of the nose or reduce the size of the bump on their nose. If you would like to change the look of your nose, discuss your options with a plastic surgeon.
Should You Expect Scarring?
Many patients worry about scarring because they fear that a rhinoplasty will leave them with marks on their face. There are two types of rhinoplasties: open and closed. If an open rhinoplasty is performed, there will be a small scar at the tip of the nose. However, this scar is barely visible, so you may be the only one who notices it. If a closed rhinoplasty is performed, the incisions are made inside the nostrils. This means that there will be no external scarring after this type of procedure.
What Should I Expect When Recovering From Rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, which means patients typically go home the same day. It’s expected that most patients would take about a week off to rest and recover. The swelling and bruising around the nose may remain for up to two weeks following the procedure.
You may find breathing a little difficult immediately following the procedure. This is because there will be nose splints placed inside your nostrils to help the healing process. You might also need to wear a small splint on your nose to help protect it while healing is taking place.
You should not engage in any strenuous activity for up to six weeks after the surgery. However, you can resume normal social activities within several weeks. Slight swelling may remain for months after the surgery, but it will most likely only be visible to you and your surgeon. The new shape of your nose is not apparent until the swelling has completely subsided.
Before you agree to get rhinoplasty surgery, make sure the surgeon you choose is board-certified. That ensures that they are true professionals and experts in the field of cosmetic surgery.