The Risks and Benefits of Rhinoplasty

the risks and benefits of rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is surgery that reshapes the nose for either cosmetic or medical reasons. This common procedure can correct a broken nose, nasal problems, nasal obstructions, or simply reshape a nose for the sake of changing it's appearance. This procedure can shorten or lengthen your nose, improve the tip, and overall look. Before deciding on any surgery, it is extremely important to discuss the risks and benefits with your plastic surgeon as every person's situation is unique.

Benefits of Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty offers many benefits such as reshaping the nose which can offer a better balance and symmetry of the face. This procedure can reshape the nostrils, make the bridge smaller, and decrease the size of the nose. It can be used to correct a deviated septum and help with breathing problems. Many people don't realize that your own bone and cartilage is used to reshape your nose. 

Anyone getting rhinoplasty surgery should be in good health. It can correct damage that causes problems with breathing caused by birth defects and accidents. Many men and women have improved their looks with this operation. The results has boosted their self esteem and provided improved  their facial features. 

Facts to Consider

The surgeon uses your cartilage and bone to reshape the nose. This means that you must discuss what you want so that the doctor can decide if he can do it. Some cases need careful evaluation and planning and you need to take financial considerations into account. Does your insurance cover the procedure and how much are out of pocket costs? Often the results can take six to twelve months to correct.

You and the surgeon will have to discuss your health, medical history, medications, and allergies as part of the process. If you decide to proceed the surgeon will instruct you on what to do before the operation. Follow all instructions carefully.  You will be given a local anesthetic before the surgery.

Often the surgeon use small instruments and make small incisions. The nose is often accessed through open and closed techniques and stitches are often required. This operation is generally painful and takes several weeks to heal.

The Risks of Rhinoplasty

The nose can be become infected after the operation. You can reduce the risks by cleaning your nose properly and following the doctor’s instructions. Recurring nosebleeds sometimes occur after surgery. There will be pain and swelling that diminishes after two to three weeks. Some patients experience numbness around the nose. If you do not like the results and have to have further surgery.

Swelling occurs around the eyes and nose. Minor swelling sometimes last several months after surgery. The degree of bruising depends on the operation and often last 10 days or more. It creates some scars but often they are not noticeable.

After surgery the doctor and nurses will give you instruction on how to care for your nose. You should hold your head upright as much as possible. They may prescribe medications for pain and antibiotics for infection. They often leave on the gauze and packaging for one week. Broken nasal bones may hurt up to eight weeks. The doctor will tell you to avoid contact sports and take about two weeks off from work to recover.

Who is This Operation For?

This operation is popular with teens, college students and older men and women. Most have noses that are too wide, large tips, wide or pinched nostrils, crooked noses or want corrections due to injury. Teens are very conscious of their looks but should wait until they are 15 or 16 before having surgery. They need to make sure that their noses have stopped growing. Candidates should be good health and have good reasons to have the surgery performed.

The benefits of rhinoplasty should be weighed against the risks of rhinoplasty before having surgery. A good surgeon will talk about both and help you decide if you are good candidate for the procedure. Rhinoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons, to remove polyps, fix nasal factures, and correct congenital defects. It has many positive benefits when performed by a qualified surgeon for the right reasons. 

By Joan Russell