What You Should Know About Rhinoplasty

RhinoplastyRhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can provide you with a beautifully proportioned face by reconstructing the size and shape of your nose. Although rhinoplasty patients are usually significantly pleased with their results there are a number of factors to consider that will determine if this aesthetic surgery is right for you.

The very first factor in committing to rhinoplasty is to determine what your needs and desired expectations are. Rhinoplasty is not limited to creating a new size, shape and proportion for your nose. It is often most affective in correcting undesirable bumps and crookedness possibly caused by a broken nose. Assuming you will resemble a specific person is an unrealistic expectation of rhinoplasty. However, striving to improve your own individual appearance is an achievable goal that is an ideal expectation of rhinoplasty. Promising rhinoplasty candidates are individuals whom are considering the surgery in order to improve details of their nose such as: proportioned width from the bridge of the nose to the base, overall size of the nose in proportion to the rest of the face, improved nasal asymmetry, improved nasal profile, straightening of the nose, removal of bumps or bulges in the bridge of the nose, size reconstruction of the nostrils and also tip of the nose adjustments.

The second factor to carefully consider prior to committing to rhinoplasty is the technique that is required to achieve your desired results verses the risks in application of that specific technique. There are typically two techniques used in rhinoplasty as follows:

Open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon a precise detailed view of the internal nasal structure by way of temporary elevation of nasal skin. An incision to the columella, the underside of the nose, is made as well as an added interior incision that temporarily exposes the nasal passage for a significantly detailed view during the procedure. These incisions are repaired once the surgeon is finished performing the surgery and may cause a slight scar. Though open rhinoplasty is the more extensive technique of the two, it is also the most effective in terms of durability and desired results.

Closed rhinoplasty is a technique used for a more simplified procedure that does not require as much nasal reconstruction and does not result in predominately noticeable scaring risks. There is no incision made to Columella in closed rhinoplasty but rather a few incisions to the nostrils interior.

Rhinoplasty risks are usually linked to undisclosed pre-existing medical conditions rather than the actual cosmetic procedure itself. This is why it is highly recommended that you consult with a surgeon in full disclosure prior to proceeding with any cosmetic surgery including rhinoplasty. Slight bruising and swelling is common however more serious risks include infection, adverse reaction to anesthetics used during the procedure, as well as amplified bruising and swelling, and difficulty breathing through the nose.

Consultation with the performing surgeon is a must when considering rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery. During your consult you should be prepared to discuss what your current complaints or discomforts with your nose are, any concerns and questions you may have regarding the procedure, the recovery process and what your expected results are and exactly what they will be.

Your performing surgeon will ask you to disclose any medical conditions as well as your medical history during your consult. Rhinoplasty does require you to be sedated during the surgery. Your surgeon will discuss with you which anesthetic option is recommended and go over them with you in full detail. Dependent on your preference, health condition or complexity of the work you are going to have done, you will have two sedative options. Although IV conscience sedated patients will spend less time in the recovery room, most rhinoplasty candidness prefer the general anesthesia option. Regardless of which sedative you opt for you will be unable to operate a vehicle post operation. Your surgeon will inform you that you must have someone accompany you to and from the operative site. The surgeon will discuss any and all preparation you must be willing to take pre and post-surgery during this consult.

As with any surgery, rhinoplasty does demands some preparation. Preparation for rhinoplasty may not seem very complex but the following requirements are essential to achieving the healthiest and best possible results. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will advise you to take extra precautions in remaining physically healthy prior to your surgery and throughout the healing process proceeding your rhinoplasty. In consult, the surgeon will discuss the importance of a vitamin enriched diet to promote affective accelerated healing and what is important to avoid prior to and during your surgery and healing. A few specifics will be to cease smoking cigarettes two weeks prior to your rhinoplasty date as a precaution to decrease the risk of blood clotting. Your rhinoplasty surgeon will also advise you to cease consumption of any prescription and non-prescription medications that thin the blood. Avoid sun exposure and notify your surgeon of any skin irritations you may acquire prior to your rhinoplasty date. Skin irritation such as redness or dryness due to a cold or the flu may decrease your ability to heal quickly so your surgeon will advise you to notify the office and postpone your procedure if this occurs. The surgeon will advise you to keep the skin clean and clear. Do not apply any creams, lotions or makeup to your face on the day of your rhinoplasty. Preparation instructions will also include that you do not eat or drink anything after 12am the night before your procedure.

During your consult your surgeon will also discuss your recovery procedure in detail. Completion of your rhinoplasty can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, possibly longer depending on your reaction to the sedative you chose. Full recovery that reveals the true form and shape of your final results from rhinoplasty can vary dependent on the patient as well as the complexity of the surgery. Some candidates report the true and final rhinoplasty results did not surface visually until up to a year after the procedure. These rhinoplasty recipients reported continuous change of shape or size throughout their recovery.

Immediately following the aesthetic surgery the surgeon will tape down and cast the bridge of your nose as well as the tip. This is to help drain any fluid and to assist in diminishing excessive swelling. The cast however, is removed within the first 1 to 2 weeks. The most significant change in the appearance of your rhinoplasty results will surface within two to twelve weeks. Candidates have also reported temporary side effects during recovery such as facial stiffness, slight facial muscle strain or feeling of paralysis resulting in difficulty with facial expression. Once the swelling from the rhinoplasty subsides these side effects vanish as well.

Finally, another determining factor regarding your commitment to rhinoplasty is cost. The cost of rhinoplasty varies from candidate to candidate. This is because the surgeon will base your estimate on your specific desired requests such as the sedative you chose and the areas of your nose you wish to have corrected. The estimated cost is also reflective of the technique required to achieve these results as well as whether or not the rhinoplasty is covered by your insurance carrier. In most cases rhinoplasty is not covered by insurance companies unless it is necessary for proper nasal functionality. During your consultation with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Dr. Warren Lent, you will receive a cost estimate that includes sedative options, surgeon fees and facility fees.

Rhinoplasty is not for everyone, yet for candidates whom have suffered with a dysfunctional nasal passage or poor self-esteem and self-confidence due to nasal imperfection, rhinoplasty has the ability to affectively improve not only your appearance but also your quality of life.