Nose Job Rhinoplasty

What is a "nose job" or "rhinoplasty"?

A “nose job” - or what we'd call a “rhinoplasty” - is a procedure to fix the appearance of the nose. There can be a variety of different reason to fix the nose. Some can be strictly for cosmetic reasons. Sometimes a nose job is for breathing issues, and sometimes it's for reconstructive issues. A “nose job” is the term for all of those.

How is a nose job performed?

Nose jobs are usually done either under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. The majority of the procedure is done on the inside of the nose so scarring is held to a minimum. For what's called an external rhinoplasty, sometimes there can be a small incision on an area of the nose, which is usually a scar that heals quite well.

Who can get a nose job?

Unless a patient has a medical condition which precludes them from having surgery, almost anybody can have a nose job. One of the most common questions asked is when can young children or teenagers have a nose job for cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. Every plastic surgeon is different. Many of us will wait until the patient is 16 years old to perform a nose job. Depending on the maturity level of the patient, sometimes we will do a nose job a bit younger. Again, every one of those will be a case-by-case decision.

What are the risks and complications associated with a nose job?

The primary risk of having a nose is the risks of anesthesia, which for most patients should be minimal. The real concern patients have about a nose job, or rhinoplasty, is making sure that they have a good result. The nose is obviously a prominent part of the face, so any small defect or abnormality can be seen after a nose job. It's important that you go to an experienced plastic surgeon who really knows how to take care of noses.

Can I get more then one nose job?

You can get more than one nose job, and that is usually called either a secondary rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty. In terms of a rhinoplasty or nose job, these are very common and about 25 to 30% of patients actually undergo revision rhinoplasty to fix a defect or an abnormality from the first surgery.

What incisions or scarring should I expect with a nose job?

There are two types of nose jobs or rhinoplasties. One is called the closed or standard rhinoplasty, and all the incisions are on the inside of the nose, usually hidden right on the inside. The other type of rhinoplasty is what's called the open or external rhinoplasty, and here your plastic surgeon will make a small incision in what's called the columella to open up the nose. That allows him to really take a good look at the tip of the nose, and may allow him to manipulate the tissues a bit better. That scar usually heals quite well and is almost unperceivable.

What should I expect after a nose job surgery?

How much nose job surgery was done, and whether or not the bones were broken, will determine your level of swelling, bruising and pain. If the bones aren't to be broken, then rhinoplasty is a rather painless procedure. You'll have some bruising and some swelling, but that should recover after a couple of days. If in fact the bones are broken to narrow your nose, the recovery and the bruising will take a bit longer to heal after nose job surgery.

What post procedures should I follow after a nose job?

You really need to check with your plastic surgeon or your facial plastic surgeon with regards to what they like to do after rhinoplasty (nose job). Many plastic surgeons have their own routine, their own regimens for after nose jobs. For most of us, you will have a splint on the top of your nose after the nose job. You'll be asked to stay off any blood thinners, you'll be asked not to engage in any contact sports, and you most likely will have to sleep on your back after the nose job. In terms of sneezing, coughing, other areas like that after a nose job, you'll need to check with your own doctor.

Will I have to take time off from work after a nose job?

How much time to take off work after a nose job really depends on what kind of work that you do. After a nose job, there will be some obvious bruising and swelling, and for the majority of nose jobs, you will have a splint on your nose. If you are able to work at home, you could probably work in a day or two. On the other hand, if you're going to be in an office situation, seeing clients or meeting people, then you may want to take at least a week or two off to allow that bruising and swelling to go down. The other issue is going to be wearing that splint, and for many of us, we do have patients wear them for up to two weeks. A lot of it depends on what your social interaction will be after nose job surgery.

What are the costs associated with a nose job?

If the nose job is being done strictly for cosmetic surgery purposes and for an improvement of your nose, the cost will be the doctor's fees, the cost of either the hospital or surgery center, and the anaesthetic fee also. If the nose job is being done for a medical condition, such as difficulty breathing or a deviated septum, there may be some payment that will be made by medical insurance.

Can I get other plastic surgery procedures at the same time as receiving a nose job?

There is absolutely no reason that you can't have a nose job with other plastic surgery procedures. In fact, often the nose job is done at the same time as chin augmentation or other procedures in the body.