The face is made of three main features – the eyes, the mouth, and the nose. For many people, the size, shape, or width of their nose is unsatisfactory, which can lead to self-consciousness. Fortunately, there may be a plastic surgery procedure that can help you feel more confident or satisfied with your appearance. Under the care of Mr Salerno at Real Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery in Moonee Ponds, VIC, a rhinoplasty procedure can address concerns you may have with the appearance of your nose.
Is Rhinoplasty Permanent?
Like most plastic surgery procedures, a rhinoplasty procedure is considered permanent. The techniques used to change the shape, height, bridge, or width of your nose all create long-lasting results that can last for well over 10 years. Because this procedure can be considered permanent, it is generally recommended that patients interested in this procedure understand the process of the surgery and what they can expect from their results.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who Are Good Candidates?
Candidates for a rhinoplasty or nose job include people over the age of 18 who want to alter the appearance of their nose. For this procedure, the best candidates are in good general health and have attended a comprehensive consultation with Mr Salerno. The consultation will allow you and Mr Salerno to discuss your aesthetic goals and realistic expectations for this procedure.
Many people seek nose jobs to correct a specific aspect of their nose that they aren’t satisfied with. For example, some people may have a bump on the bridge of their nose that they want to smooth out to create a smoother, straighter nose profile. Most people who seek this treatment want to address nose appearance concerns such as:
- Bridge height
- Nose slope
- Nose tip shape
- Nostril size
- Nose width
- Overall size
2. What Is the Best Age for Rhinoplasty?
In general, most experts agree that a nose job procedure should be performed between the ages of 20 and 30. This is the ideal age range because, by this time, the adult shape and appearance of the nose will be settled. Any procedures to alter the nose during this age range will have long-lasting results since the nose is unlikely to change again, except for serious injury.
Naturally, some people may also have this procedure if they are over 30, with many 40 and 50-year-olds seeking this procedure to address nose appearance concerns. This is especially true if this procedure is performed for non-cosmetic reasons.
3. What Is the Procedure Like?
A nose job is a plastic surgery procedure that is usually performed under general anesthesia or deep sedation that will keep you asleep for the duration of the surgery. Two main techniques may be used for your procedure depending on your aesthetic or medical goals; both closed and open techniques will minimize external scarring since all incisions are made inside the nose.
Usually, this procedure can take about two to three hours to complete. After your surgery is finished, a split may be placed on the bridge of your nose for certain procedures. Other patients may have a pack placed inside the nose if the septum was altered during the procedure. You may also be given extensive aftercare instructions after your procedure.
4. How Should You Prepare for Surgery?
Because this plastic surgery involves the use of general anesthesia, you may need to make a few minor lifestyle changes about one week before your procedure. For example, temporarily stopping blood-thinning medications and supplements like NSAIDs, aspirin, and ginkgo, unless otherwise instructed by a physician, or avoiding alcohol can greatly improve your surgical experience. You may also want to make arrangements for your care for the first 24 hours after your procedure, including arranging for transportation.
Before your surgery, you may also be asked to provide a complete medical history so Mr Saleno can make the best assessment of your health. Some patients may need to complete certain labs and exams, such as x-rays, blood tests, or even an EKG to assess heart health. Many patients are given pre-operative instructions to help them prepare for the surgery.
5. What Are Your Aftercare Instructions?
Most patients may have the option of going home after their surgery or electing to stay overnight at the hospital. During the first 24 to 48 hours, it will be important to keep your head elevated. You can still move around the house and complete light tasks, but you may want to limit your movements, avoid strenuous exercise, and avoid bending over. You may also be instructed to avoid rubbing, bumping, or blowing your nose for several weeks.
You may be prescribed pain medication or other prescriptions to help during your recovery time. You may also be given instructions on how to use cold packs on your nose to reduce swelling and encourage healing. We may give you additional aftercare instructions, such as how soon you can shower or return to work.
6. How Long Is Your Recovery Period?
The biggest chunk of your recovery period may be about two to three weeks long. During this time, many of your activities may be restricted, including work, exercise, and intensive parts of your schedule. Most people can return to work after about two weeks, which is when the nose is considered mostly healed from the procedure.
Throughout your recovery period, you may have a few follow-up appointments with Mr Salerno. The first follow-up is generally about one week after the surgery to assess the recovery process and remove your split, packing, or sutures. You may have another follow-up appointment a week or two later to check on your progress. Many patients may also have follow-up appointments throughout the next year to assess the development of their results even after the recovery period has ended.
7. When Will You See Results?
While the initial swelling of the surgery may dissipate in a few short weeks, many patients can only see the results of this treatment in about four to eight weeks. These final results may continue to improve as the nose “settles” after the surgery, which is why follow-up appointments are so essential. The final results of your procedure are often the results you may expect to enjoy for the rest of your life.
8. Does This Surgery Have To Be Cosmetic?
Not necessarily. While a nose job is generally considered a cosmetic treatment, there are a few medical reasons why you may want or need to have this procedure. For example, people who have deviated septums may experience difficulty breathing or may snore during the night, which can be disruptive to sleep. For people with breathing issues, a rhinoplasty may be a good solution.
Another common reason people seek a nose job is to reconstruct the nose after an injury. Injuries from sports, car crashes, and other accidents can break the nose or alter the shape of the nose. Some people who want to restore the original appearance of their nose may use this procedure, even for minor reconstruction. A consultation will be able to determine if a reconstructive nose job will be helpful for your aesthetic goals.
9. Is This Procedure Right for You?
Ultimately, the only way to determine if this procedure is right for you is to attend a consultation appointment to assess your qualifications. Although many people are good candidates for this procedure, some qualifications you may need to have include:
- Adequate bone and cartilage structure that can be altered
- Adequate nasal structure for unimpaired breathing
- Fully matured facial and nasal bones
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation Today
To be sure, the appearance of your nose can have a great impact on your overall aesthetics. The appearance of your nose is determined by your genetics, and some people may feel that the appearance of their nose does not fit with the rest of their facial features. Others may have a desire to change a small aspect of their nose to achieve a certain aesthetic goal. Some people seek this plastic surgery procedure to reconstruct the nose or correct breathing issues.
Regardless of why you want to have a nose job, a consultation is the best way to assess whether this procedure is a good match for your aesthetic goals. It’s important to remember that the results of a nose job can be considered permanent. If you think this procedure may be right for you, contact us at Real Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery in Moonee Ponds, VIC to schedule your consultation with Mr Salerno today.
