12 Benefits of Rhinoplasty & 10 Potential Risks
The benefits of rhinoplasty surgery are not limited to looks alone. It can enhance your self-esteem, encourage life-changing results, and improve nasal health issues. That’s why rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) was the 3rd most common cosmetic procedure last year, according to new statistics from plasticsurgery.org.
What Are The Benefits Of Rhinoplasty?
Over 500,000 people consult with their physician about rhinoplasty each year.
- Improved Self-Esteem – A majority of patients have a nose job to increase their confidence.
- Enhanced Breathing – Rhinoplasty can fix chronic and congenital breathing issues, which allows you to breathe easier during the day and while asleep.
- Alleviation Of Pain From Trauma – This procedure is often used to help alleviate pain associated with trauma, such as a broken nose.
- Fixed Birth Defects – Rhinoplasty can fix lumps, masses, curves, clefts, underdevelopment or any other type of nasal defects.
- Reduction in Snoring – Snoring can hinder the way you sleep and affect your daily life. Nasal surgery may be a solution for those who snore.
- Changed Shape and Size Of Nose – Rhinoplasty allows the shape and size of your nose to be reconfigured.
- Improved Facial Symmetry – Enhances the balance among facial features, ensuring they flow well with one another.
- Improved Deviated Septum – Deviated septum means the nasal wall is curved to one side or the other. Rhinoplasty can fix deviation in your septum and alleviate associated symptoms.
- Same Day Procedure – This is an outpatient procedure, which means you will go home the same day. Healing takes place in the comfort of your own home.
- Improved Social Life – Rhinoplasty can restore a positive vibe and enhance the way a person looks and feels. This can help those who lack confidence or are withdrawn from society due to bullying. Looking different can hinder the way a person interacts with others. This procedure will enhance how you socialize with others and make you confident in who you are.
- Enhanced Career Possibilities – Rhinoplasty surgery is popular among performers, entertainers, models, politicians, and other careers that are heavily dependent on looks. Enhanced looks mean more confidence and better career performance.
Rhinoplasty Can Fix Cosmetic Flaws
There are a variety of ways a surgeon can fix your nose during rhinoplasty surgery. These include:
- Increasing or decreasing the size of the nose
- Changing the angle of the nose
- Correcting curves in the bridge of the nose
- Reshaping the tip of the nose
- Narrowing the nostrils
You should wait to have a cosmetic nose surgery until your bones have fully grown. Growth typically stops around the age of 15. However, if you are having the rhinoplasty surgery due to a health-related issue then it can be performed at a younger age.
10 Rhinoplasty Risks You Need To Know About
With any surgery there are risks. Here are some you should be aware of before having your nasal surgery
- Pain and Discomfort – With rhinoplasty you may experience some discomfort or pain, but it is typically controlled with medications.
- Numbness Around or Inside Nose – There is a risk that you may experience numbness, but this will subside as you heal.
- Bleeding – There may be some after your procedure . If this occurs, the facility you have your procedure in will be well equipped to take care of any type of excessive bleeding.
- Infection – With any type of surgery the body can be introduced to bacteria, which can then develop into an infection. All precautions are taken to ensure this risk is kept at a minimum.
- Anesthesia Complications – All surgeries may run some risk of anesthesia complications. This highly depends on what other underlying health issues you may have. You will undergo a rigorous health exam before being cleared for rhinoplasty.
- Trouble Breathing – You may need to breathe through your mouth for the first few days to a week while healing is taking place.
- Bruising and Swelling – The nose is a delicate area, and skin can sometimes become bruised or swollen. This may occur around the nose or under the eyes.
- Unsatisfactory Results – If you are having this procedure done for cosmetic reasons, you may be unhappy with results. This may then lead to a rhinoplasty revision needing to be performed.
- Septal Perforation – Although surgeons are highly skilled, in rare cases septal perforation is rare but may occur. This may need to be repaired if it happens.
- Improper Healing – Everyone heals differently, and there are no guarantees. Scarring may occur.
What Should I Expect During My Rhinoplasty Recovery?
Here are just some of the things you can expect to experience during your recovery.
- Nasal Splint – You may be required to wear a nasal splint for the first week.
- Swelling and Bruising – Because the skin around your eyes and nose are delicate, you may experience some swelling and bruising.
- Avoid Activity – It is recommended that you avoid all strenuous activities for the first few weeks after rhinoplasty.
- Social Life – You can return to your normal daily routine as you want. Typically, rhinoplasty patients return to social activities within two weeks after surgery.
Should I Be Concerned About Rhinoplasty Pain?
There will be some rhinoplasty pain, which can be controlled by medications that your surgeon will prescribe to you before you go home. As long as you follow your doctor’s instructions and take your medications, your pain will be well-controlled.
Rhinoplasty Aftercare Tips To Speed Up Recovery
Believe it or not, a positive outlook can help enhance healing, as stress will hinder the body from recovering properly.
Consider these tips to help speed up your recovery time.
- Doctor Appointments – Follow through with all doctor appointments after your procedure.
- Listen To Your Doctor – Now is not the time to be stubborn. Ensure you listen to all directions that your doctor gives you, as it is a guideline to help speed up the healing process.
- Take Medicine – Do not try to be a hero at first, as there may be some pain involved, so make sure you take your medications as prescribed. This will help keep your pain under control while your body is healing.
- Caring For The Surgical Site – The goal is to promote healing and prevent infection. It is normal to have bloody nasal drainage the first few days after your surgery. The drip pad under nose can be changed often. Make sure you have the proper supplies in your home before having your surgery.
- Elevate Your Head – You will want to keep your head elevated at night for at least the first two weeks. This will be an important part of healing, as it will help decrease swelling, bleeding and bruising. You can do this by sleeping on two pillows or resting in a recliner.
- Use Cold Compress – You may want to keep a cold compress handy for the first 72 hours after nasal surgery, as this will help decrease any swelling. Keep in mind that swelling is normal for the first 24 to 36 hours and typically peaks at 72 hours after your surgery. You may not be able to directly place it on your nose, but you can use the compress in surrounding areas.
- Get Plenty of Rest – Ensure that you get plenty of rest while healing. It is a very important part of recovery.
- Stay Cool – It is recommended that you stay cool. Heat can cause the tissue of your nose to swell up even more.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities – You will not be allowed to engage in strenuous activities for the first 4 to 6 weeks. Rethink any type of movement that you may consider harmful to your recovery, including stretching, lifting or bending. If the activity applies pressure to your face, you will want to avoid it.
- Blowing Your Nose – Avoid blowing or rubbing your nose for the first 4 weeks after your surgery, as this can cause bleeding. You will more than likely experience congestion for a few weeks or even up to a month. This is mainly due to the tissue that is swollen inside your nose. You may be prescribed nasal spray that will help.
- Eat a Healthy Diet – Anytime you have surgery it is important that you give your body the correct nutrition so healing can take place. Eat plenty of protein, as this will help encourage the regrowth and repair of tissue in and around the nose.
- Avoid Wearing Glasses –You will not be able to apply pressure to your nose during the first 4 weeks of your recovery. This includes wearing your glasses. You can use your glasses by taping them to your forehead or ensure they rest on your cheeks and not on your nose.
- Avoid Sun – You will want to protect your skin, so avoid getting too much exposure to the sun. The nose is a sensitive area and is prone to sunburns. Too much sun can cause any type of scarring to darken, as well as heighten your chances of increased swelling. Any time you do go out in the sun, make sure to wear a hat and use sunscreen.
- Modify Sneezing – You will want to avoid sneezing when possible. Try sneezing through your mouth and not put pressure on the nasal splint.
- Avoid Chewy Foods – For the first few weeks, you will want to avoid foods that require excessive lip movement, such as apples and corn on the cob.
- Removal of Splint and Sutures – After your sutures and splints are removed you can use a saline solution (saltwater) to gently remove crusty formations from inside your nose. Use two squirts in each nostril 4-5 times each day. An antibacterial ointment such as Bacitracin can be used on a Q-tip to gently clean the incisions and the inside of your nose. Avoid inserting the Q-tip too far or using it vigorously to clean.
- Trouble Breathing – You may experience some difficulty breathing due to the excess swelling in your nose. You can use a nasal spray such as Afrin intermittently after the first week of your nose surgery, but you will want to discontinue using this spray after 5-7 days. It will help improve nasal breathing.
- Numbness – Sometimes the tip of the nose and the front teeth may feel numb or funny after rhinoplasty. These feelings will gradually improve or disappear.
Types Of Activity To Avoid After Rhinoplasty
Rigorous activity can mean something different to everyone. Here is a list of activities you should avoid after your nose surgery.
- Running
- Weight lifting
- Swimming
- Blowing your nose
- Excessive chewing
- Excessive facial expressions that require lots of movement
- Resting eyeglasses on your nose
- Aerobic exercise
- Bicycle riding
Quick Week-By-Week Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
Healing time will depend on the extent of your surgery. It can take up to a year to fully heal. Here is a quick guide that will help you understand what to expect throughout the rhinoplasty recovery process.
- Week 1 – Your nasal splint will be removed in 1 to 2 weeks, and you will be able to go out in public with little to no signs of nasal surgery unless you have excessive bruising around your eyes. In this case, it may take up to two weeks for this bruising to subside.
- Week 2 – Most of your facial swelling and bruising will be gone.
- Week 3 to 4 – You will be allowed to return to normal cardiovascular activity, such as jogging, swimming, and cycling.
- Week 6 – By this point, the bones in your nose will be healed. You may be able to return to resistance workouts, such as weight lifting. You will also be able to wear your glasses and blow your nose.
- 3 to 6 Months – Any numbness or abnormal sensations that you have felt should be resolved by this point. This may be around or inside the nose.
- 12 Months – You will be completely healed within 12 months of your surgery.
Is Rhinoplasty Worth It?
Here are some questions you should consider to help you decide if rhinoplasty is worth it for you.
- What results should I expect from rhinoplasty surgery? Typically, it is to either enhance your overall looks or improve the functionality of your nose. Your surgeon will be able to help you visualize rhinoplasty results with the use of advanced computer software.
- Why am I considering this surgery? Ensure you know why you want to have this surgery and what results you expect. Ask loads of questions and be certain rhinoplasty is the answer you are seeking.
- Will it better the way I feel about myself? If you are getting this surgery for cosmetic reasons then it should make you feel better about yourself and the way you look.
- Can Rhinoplasty improve my overall health and help me feel better? If you are suffering from a multitude of symptoms such as breathing issues, then this surgery can make a big difference in how you feel each day.
- Am I able to comply with recovery times and aftercare? Do not commit to rhinoplasty if you are not able to follow through with the care that it requires. You will not end up with the results you are wanting, and recovery time will be prolonged.
A high percentage of individuals undergo rhinoplasty to improve their looks. If confidence is something that you lack, and altering the way your nose looks can improve your self-esteem, then it is worth it.
The Cost Of Rhinoplasty
The cost of rhinoplasty will depend on the complexity of the procedure, the length of time it takes, the facility you go to, the physician that performs your procedure, and the results that you desire. The average surgeon’s fee for a rhinoplasty procedure is around $5,100. This does not include the facility charge or any follow-up visits that you will have.
You can expect to pay between $8,900 to $13,000 for complete rhinoplasty surgery. This would include surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, facility fees and follow up appointments.
How Much Does a Nose Job Cost With Insurance?
This is something you will have to explore with your insurance company, as it will differ with each plan. Most insurance companies do not offer coverage on rhinoplasty if it is being done for cosmetic purposes.
Hiring A Renowned Rhinoplasty Surgeon
The outcome of your procedure can have a huge impact on your life. If something goes wrong, you may be left with unpleasing results.
The old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” You should never choose a plastic surgeon based on price. Before you decide on your physician do a background check.
Look at their educational background, years of experience and take the time to see the results. Take time to see the results of other nasal procedures that the surgeon has performed.
Doing your homework can help save a lot of headaches in the long run, and ensure you get the results you are looking for.
Perfect Candidates For Rhinoplasty
There are thousands of individuals who consider this procedure each year. However, not everyone is a good candidate.
Good candidates for this procedure include:
- Individuals who are done growing
- Those who are physically healthy
- Non-smoker
- Have realistic result goals that they would like to obtain from their rhinoplasty procedure
- Those who can maintain a positive outlook
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation Today
The benefits of rhinoplasty are vast and can provide amazing results. Struggling with low self-esteem is not easy, and this is one of the major reasons why individuals decide to go through with a rhinoplasty procedure.
This surgery is not always conducted for cosmetic reasons, as it can help some health issues, such as deviated septum, snoring, trouble breathing and much more.
Have you weighed the benefits and decided it’s time to take the next step? If so, Contact Sadrian Plastic Surgery today to schedule your consultation.