Rhinoplasty, Nose Reshaping
Rhinoplasty, Nose Reshaping commonly called a nose job, is a specialist plastic surgery operation to reduce the size of the nose, reduce a bump, correct a deviated or bent nose, augment a small nose, refine or reshape the nose tip, or narrow wide nostrils, to achieve the best natural, aesthetically pleasing nose appearance. When a Nose Job is combined with correction of a deviated septum this is referred to as a Septorhinoplasty procedure.
Rhinoplasty, Nose Job, Plastic Surgery Nose Shaping
The nose is central to the facial features, therefore any deformity or imbalance can have a major impact on the psychological well being of the person. A person with a nose deformity can suffer low self-esteem and become withdrawn, avoiding social contacts or situations such as photographs. Deformities or imbalance of the nose may arise from family trait, injury or cancer. Post-injury deformities of the nose can affect the breathing and also may carry anti-social stigmata – a rhinoplasty or nose job can restore appearance and confidence. Deformities of the septum – internal nose, which affect breathing can contribute to sinus problems and overall health requiring a Septorhinoplasty.
Q: What is Rhinoplasty Surgery, Nose Job, Septorhinoplasty?
A: A Rhinoplasty is a Specialist Plastic Surgery operation carried out to reshape the nose to achieve a more aesthetically balanced nose or correct a deformity of the nose which may be congential (born with) or following an injury. Rhinoplasty surgery is commonly a reduction of a large nose, Reduction Rhinoplasty. However, some patients have a nose which is too small for their features and an Augmentation Rhinoplasty is therefore required. A Corrective Rhinoplasty is correctly used for reshaping the nose following an injury while a Revision Rhinoplasty aims to correct a residual deformity(es) following a prior Rhinoplasty. A Septorhinoplasty is a specialist operation to correct the aesthetic appearance of the nose as well as the function – breathing at the same operation.
Q: What are the benefits of Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery?
A: The nose is central to the face and therefore a nose which is out of balance to the face (forehead and chin) stands out and becomes the dominant feature (look at family photos!). Rhinoplasty, Nose Job surgery aims to correct this imbalance in the nose and therefore make the nose less obvious i.e. aesthetically balanced with the facial proportions. It is important to realise that each nose is unique and must be in balance with the rest of the face – or it will stand out. The best Rhinoplasty, Nose Job should be almost undetectable as the nose is in balance with the face. This result can restore self-confidence and boost self-esteem.
Q: Am I the ideal patient for Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery?
A: If you would like to improve your nose to achieve an aesthetically balanced nose which is in proportion to your face, then Rhinoplasty surgery is right for you. Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery can correct deformities resulting from an injury or with which you were born or developed in adulthood. You should be realistic as to what can be achieved by Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery and understand the risks and side effects of this surgery.
Q: Does Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery require a general anaesthetic or hospitalisation?
A: Rhinoplasty, Nose Job surgery is performed under general anaesthetic, commonly as a day-case or overnight procedure.
Q: How long is the Rhinoplasty, Nose Job procedure?
A: Rhinoplasty Surgery, Septorhinoplasty normally takes approximately 1 hour to 1 ½ and up to 2 hours to perform depending on the complexity of the surgery.
Q: What about the scars following Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery?
A: Most cases of first Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery do not require any external or visible scar. However, in some cases, commonly following injuries, but also developmental abnormalities of the nose, an external scar in the columella is necessary to perform an Open Rhinoplasty. Open Rhinoplasty should be reserved for complex tip surgery and revision surgery to the tip of the nose, it should not be used in every Rhinoplasty. Occasionally, some noses are too wide and this requires a resection of tissue around the nostrils, resulting in a scar in the groove between the nostril and the cheek; i.e. the alar base resection.
Q: Will packs be used in the nostrils after Rhinoplasty Surgery, Septorhinoplasty, Nose Job?
A: In the majority of Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery, nasal packs (like small tampons) will be inserted into the nostrils at the end of the operation. Packs are utilised to absorb any bleeding after the operation and importantly splint or support the internal part of the nose in the early post operative period. In complex Nose Surgery, e.g. septo-rhinoplasty, the nasal packs may be required for 7 days post operatively. The packs are normally removed before you leave Hospital or at your 1 week post op visit.
Q: Can Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery be performed at the same time as other procedures?
A: Yes, Rhinoplasty, Nose shaping is commonly performed together with other face surgery such as Facelift, Browlift, Chin Augmentation or reduction as well as Breast Surgery, Breast Augmentation or Liposuction. What is appropriate and safe for you to combine will depend on your Medical Health, your goals and the individual procedures.
Q: What reassurance do I have with Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery?
A: At London Bridge Plastic Surgery, we understand that your decision to have Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery can be a daunting and anxious time for you. Our aim is to fully understand your concerns and desires, and assess your nose accurately, before agreeing on a treatment plan which is in your best interest. If for any reason you are unsuitable for Rhinoplasty Surgery, you will be advised against this form of surgery. We will provide you with all the information you need and support before, during and after your surgery.
Q: How long is the recovery time?
A: Mild pain / discomfort is expected for 3 – 5 days. Patients can go back to their normal daily activities after 1 week, but avoid strenuous exercise / activity for 6 weeks including any contact sports.
Q: What about the results of Rhinoplasty Surgery, Nose Job?
A: The results are first and foremost natural. The goals of Rhinoplasty, Nose Job surgery are to restore an aesthetically pleasing nose which is in balance with your facial features – i.e. looks natural and does not appear abnormal. Each nose is individual and therefore what is suitable for you will not necessarily be good on another face and vice versa. Remember that it can take up to 12 or 18 months before the final appearance of the nose is achieved.
Q: What are the risks of Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery?
A: Common to all surgical procedures there are always risks associated with surgery. However, complications are uncommon. The most frequent is irregularity following Rhinoplasty, Nose Job surgery in about 5%. This may require revision rhinoplasty surgery or nonsurgical treatment. Bruising is common after Nose Job surgery and may take 2 weeks to resolve, while major bleeding is rare. Infection is infrequent (less than 0.5%) and will require a course of appropriate antibiotics. Hypertropic or keloid scarring is also rare but will require specific treatments to reduce the scarring.
Q: How long do the results last?
A: The results of Rhinoplasty, Nose Job are permanent but note that as you age your nose will change over the years. For example, the tissues around the tip of the nose may become thinner and allow the tip to droop.
Q: Is there an alternative to a Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery?
A: Yes, if Rhinoplasty Surgery, Nose Job is not appropriate or not desired, non-surgical shaping of the nose using an injectable product such as EVOLENCE or Restylane can provide good improvement in the shape and symmetry of the nose in a simple local anaesthetic treatment.
Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery – Summary
Before Your Surgery
- Assessment – Important to clearly state the areas of concern, your aims / desires for shaping your nose.
- Breathing – If you have difficulty breathing from either nostril, this should be corrected at time of your Rhinoplasty surgery.
- Hay fever – This may be troublesome after operation. Take antihistamines starting 1 day before your surgery and continue for 5 or 6 days after.
- Bleeding – Any history of abnormal bleeding or easy bruising is important.
- Smoking – Essential to stop at least 3 weeks before surgery and until wounds are fully healed or at least 3 weeks after.
- Drugs – Avoid Aspirin/Ibuprofen type analgesics for 2 weeks pre-op.
- Skin Type – Note that thick skin/sebaceous especially at tip will limit refinement and may take up to 12 months to completely settle.
Your Rhinoplasty, Nose Job Surgery
- Anaesthetic – General anaesthetic, occasionally local with sedation – twilight.
- Scars – Inside nostrils, occasionally small scar under tip of nose (columella) or at side of nostril.
- Sutures – Dissolving usually take 2 weeks.
- Dressings – Micropore tape alone or with a nasal splint (POP). Nasal packs for 24 hours or for 6 or 7 days.
- Hospital stay – Usually daycase or overnight.
After Your Surgery
- Dressings – Remain intact for 6-7 days.
- Sleeping – Use 2 – 3 pillows for 2 weeks post –op. Avoid bending over.
- Exercise – Avoid vigorous exercise for 6 weeks. No contact sports for 6 weeks.
- Pain killers – Avoid Aspirin / Ibuprofen type analgesics for 2 weeks post-op
- Blowing nose – Must NOT blow nose for 2 weeks post-op. Sniffing is permitted.
Potential Problems / Risks
- Pain – Mild pain expected, Paracetamol usually sufficient. Avoid Aspirin/Ibuprofen type analgesia which may increase bruising.
- Bleeding – Minor oozing for first 4 – 5 days is common. Marked bleeding requiring re-admission is rare.
- Bruising – Common under eyes, lasts for 2 -3 weeks.
- Numbness – Common at tip. Sensation usually returns to normal but may take 9 – 12 months.
- Skin healing – Rarely delayed healing of scar in columella or at nostril/cheek.
- Infection – Occasionally mild infection, which may need appropriate antibiotics.
- Irregularity – Uncommon at bridge or at tip, more likely with thin skin.
- Scaring – Hypertrophic or keloid scars are uncommon following Rhinoplasty. Specific treatments may be necessary if these do occur.
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