Rhinoplasties are one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed in the world. Before you commit to getting a rhinoplasty, it is important you understand exactly what it is and what to expect from the procedure.
What Is a Rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, is a type of surgical procedure that corrects the shape and structure of your nose. These surgeries serve to remold or re-form your nose to alter its function or appearance or, in some cases, both.
Why Do People Get Rhinoplasties?
Rhinoplasties are common for a reason. Many factors can contribute to a person’s decision to invest in a rhinoplasty, and not all have to do with just looks. At AM Facial Plastics, we perform three types of rhinoplasties:
- Cosmetic rhinoplasty
- Functional rhinoplasty
- Revision rhinoplasty
No matter the reason for or type of rhinoplasty you require, our team has the knowledge and skills to provide you with the highest quality care and deliver beautiful results.
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
The term “nose job” is most commonly used to refer to a cosmetic rhinoplasty. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is a surgery that is performed to improve the appearance of the nose. Your desired shape can be designed using certain techniques, such as removing cartilage and bone, grafting tissues, and implanting synthetic material.
There are several different aspects of the nose a cosmetic rhinoplasty can correct. Nose surgery can be performed to:
- Make the nose larger or smaller
- Alter the tip of the nose
- Change the angle of the nose
- Smooth away bumps and other defects
Changing the shape of your nose with cosmetic rhinoplasty can have a significant impact on your appearance.
Functional Rhinoplasty
If your nasal passages have become impaired due to an injury or a natural defect, you may be in need of a functional rhinoplasty. Functional rhinoplasties are performed to repair structural issues in your nose and improve the quality of your breathing. The types of issues a functional rhinoplasty may address include:
- Narrowing, collapse, or stenosis of the nasal valves
- Nasal birth defect
- Deformity acquired by trauma, tumor, or infection
If any of the above causes have led to impaired nasal function, you may need a functional rhinoplasty to remove obstructions and restore healthy nasal breathing.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision, or secondary, rhinoplasties are performed to correct a previous nose surgery. A revision rhinoplasty may be required if your nose has not healed correctly from your first surgery or if the previous surgery has left something to be desired, either aesthetically or functionally.
If a previous rhinoplasty does require correction, it is a delicate procedure that requires patients to wait at least a year before getting another surgery. When you choose us for a revision rhinoplasty, rest assured that our team has the skills and expertise to help you achieve a healthy, natural-looking nose that exceeds your expectations.
What Should I Expect from a Rhinoplasty Procedure?
Before we schedule your rhinoplasty, we will walk you through a comprehensive consultation to determine what kind of rhinoplasty you may need. Rhinoplasties can range from simple and straightforward to more complex, so your particular needs may require the use of different techniques.
We will discuss your goals, evaluate your nose using digital imaging, and review your medical history, including records from any previous rhinoplasty procedures, to determine what type of surgery best fits your needs.
If a rhinoplasty cannot deliver the kind of aesthetic goals you are interested in, we will recommend alternative solutions to help you achieve your desired results.
When you come in for your nose surgery, you will be sedated using the type of anesthesia that best fits your surgical needs. Then, Dr. Moradzadeh will progress with either an “open” or “closed” rhinoplasty.
“Open” is when an incision is made at the base of the nose to improve visibility, whereas “closed” is when the incisions are completely hidden within the nostrils.
Once the incisions are made, Dr. Moradzadeh will begin restructuring your nose. The exact methods used will depend on your particular needs. Once the procedure is completed, we will place a splint and use tape to provide support as you begin the healing process.
How Long Does Recovering From a Rhinoplasty Take?
A rhinoplasty, like any other surgery, requires time to heal. As you begin your recovery, you can expect to be wearing a splint for the first 7–10 days. We recommend you take this time off from work and school to rest and allow yourself time to heal.
Approximately a week after your surgery, we will have you come in to remove your splint. We will then schedule follow-up appointments every three months to evaluate your progress. You may experience some bruising or swelling, but this is normal and will subside in the weeks following your procedure.
You can expect to see your fully healed results about a year after your surgery. At this point, we will switch to annual appointments so we can continue to monitor your results.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Rhinoplasty?
Deciding to have a nose job is an important and incredibly personal decision. Your nose is a big part of your appearance, and the quality of your breathing has a big impact on your life.
Regardless of whether you are interested in a cosmetic or functional rhinoplasty, we typically recommend waiting until patients are over the age of 16 for females and 18 for males to decide, as young people’s faces and noses are still maturing.
It is also important to remember that a rhinoplasty is permanent. Patients who are confident in their decision, who have realistic expectations, and who understand what the procedure and recovery period entails can benefit greatly from a rhinoplasty.
Interested in Rhinoplasty?
If changing your nose is something you’ve wanted for a long time, call AM Facial Plastics in LA and Beverly Hills, CA, and schedule your consultation. You can count on Dr. Moradzadeh to be attentive and professional every step of the way, from your very first meeting until you are enjoying life with your new nose.