Rhinoplasty surgery is a life-changing experience. Having a nose job offers multiple benefits: it can correct breathing problems, improve your facial aesthetic and boost your self-esteem and self-image. Having a realistic expectation of the procedure can make the process smoother and ensure you are satisfied with your final result. Let’s answer the question of how long does rhinoplasty take.
What Is Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty surgery or a nose job is a surgical procedure that is carried out to improve the way your nose functions or the way it looks. The procedure entails changing the cartilage and nasal bones and adding or removing tissue in order to achieve your desired size or shape.
Unless you are having a complex procedure or there is a risk of side effects or complications it is likely that your nose job will be carried out as an outpatient procedure.
Rhinoplasty surgery is a complex procedure that requires a great deal of planning and expertise. The nose is in a prominent position in the face but changes that are made surgically are usually very small. Small changes can make a big difference to the nose’s appearance, and the combination of anaesthesia and the swelling that takes place using the operation can make it difficult for your surgeon. Your plastic surgeon will show you images of what to expect after your surgery so you can make sure the end result is what you want. It is not uncommon for patients to request revisional surgery after their first nose job.
How Long Does Rhinoplasty Take?
The duration of the procedure depends on the patient and what you are having done. In the majority of cases, a nose job can be completed in one and a half to three hours. When you are planning your rhinoplasty surgery with your plastic surgeon he or she will explain what will be done and give you a guideline for how long your procedure will be.
What Are The Factors That Influence How Long A Nose Job Will Take?
Your nose job will be customised to your needs as each patient has unique needs and risk factors to take into account.
Are you having open or closed surgery?
Open rhinoplasty can take slightly longer than a closed nose job. Closed rhinoplasty surgery is done by making incisions on the inside of your nose only. These incisions are less noticeable and heal well. In an open rhinoplasty, your surgeon will make an incision that extends from the inner margins of your nostril to the outside undersurface of the nose. Open rhinoplasty may indicate a slightly more complex procedure and thus, a longer one.
Will you need grafting?
Sometimes it is necessary to take cartilage for your nose job from another part of your body. If you are widening your nose or making it longer, have sinus problems or breathing difficulties, your surgeon may recommend grafting. This can add some extra time to your procedure.
What condition is your nose in?
Your plastic surgeon also needs to consider whether this is first-time or revisional surgery, whether you are having the rhinoplasty for aesthetic reasons or for breathing. Revisional surgeries can take longer than first-time surgery and cosmetic nose jobs can be quicker to complete than those needed to correct breathing difficulties.
What type of anaesthesia will be used?
Often a combination of general and local anaesthetic is used for rhinoplasty surgery as it helps patients to fall asleep and wake up faster. If general anaesthesia is being used it is probably because you are having a longer procedure.
Your plastic surgeon’s level of expertise
An experienced plastic surgeon can often complete a procedure much faster than someone less experienced.
How Long Does Rhinoplasty Take: Healing And Recovery After Rhinoplasty Surgery
Being sedated for three hours isn’t the end of your rhinoplasty, as it takes some time for you to heal afterwards. It will take at least a year before you see your ‘final’ new nose. Healing is a slow process and nose jobs can cause swelling that takes months to improve. That is why you should wait at least a year before deciding if you need revisional surgery.
You will wear dressings and a splint for at least seven days after the surgery, after which point they can be removed. You will probably have some swelling and bruising under your eyes and around your nose for the first week or two but this should improve quite quickly. Using cold compresses, reducing salt intake, and limiting your caffeine and alcohol consumption may also help with swelling.
You should also avoid wearing glasses or sunglasses on your nose for the first four to six weeks after the surgery, and make sure you wear sunscreen when you go outdoors. Too much sun exposure can cause your newly formed skin to darken
By three to six months after your rhinoplasty, you should have a good idea of what your final result will look like but your nose size and shape will continue to change slightly as the months pass by.
To get a more direct answer to how long does rhinoplasty take it’s best to speak to a professional. Please contact us for a confidential appointment: (02) 9158 6375.
References
Rhinoplasty
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532
Rhinoplasty: What to expect before and after a ‘nose job’
https://utswmed.org/medblog/rhinoplasty-nose-job
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