Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that is used to improve the appearance and/or function of the nose. The procedure involves reshaping the bone and cartilage of the nose to create a more aesthetically pleasing and balanced appearance.
There are two main types of rhinoplasty: open and closed. In an open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision on the columella (the tissue that separates the nostrils) and lifts the skin to access the underlying nasal structure. In a closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes all of the incisions inside the nostrils, which leaves no visible scars.
The actual technique used in a rhinoplasty procedure depends on the individual patient’s needs and goals, and may involve a variety of techniques such as removing or adding cartilage, reshaping the bone, and adjusting the nostrils. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours to complete.
After the surgery, patients will experience swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes, which can be managed with pain medication and by keeping the head elevated. Most patients are able to return to work or school within one to two weeks, but should avoid strenuous activity and contact sports for several weeks to allow the nose to fully heal.
It’s important to choose an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon for a rhinoplasty procedure. Additionally, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that the final results of the surgery may not be fully visible for several months as the swelling subsides and the nose fully heals.