Rhinoplasty before and after images reveal the extent to which a nose job can reshape the nose, and what you can expect after the procedure. A nose job can be performed for aesthetic or functional reasons – or a combination of both – but ultimately some quite small incisions and changes can bring about a very big difference to the way a person’s face looks.
What Can Rhinoplasty Surgery Change?
Regardless of its size or shape, your nose is one of the most prominent features on your face because of where it is positioned. Your nose is made up of bone, cartilage and skin, and your rhinoplasty procedure could involve changing any or all of these components. Your pre-surgical visits and planning are a very important part of this process because it is during this stage that you will map out exactly what you want to change, and your surgeon will evaluate how you can achieve it.
A good relationship and effective communication with your surgeon means you know what to expect during each step of the process.
Rhinoplasty Before And After Tips
What To Expect Before Rhinoplasty
Your plastic surgeon will first evaluate whether you are a candidate for rhinoplasty. This generally means that you are old enough because you have stopped growing. It also means you are a non-smoker and you are in generally good health and wellbeing. Your surgeon will take a full medical history and listen to your needs and fears about the procedure.
Your surgeon should also explain all possible risks and side effects before you go ahead with any treatment. It’s always a good idea to consider 3D imaging so that you can see what your nose will look like once the surgery is complete. Your surgeon will also take photographs of your nose and profile, to be used in digital imaging, and to show you the kind of changes that are possible.
Will Any Other Procedures Be Required?
Sometimes patients want to have more than one procedure carried out. Patients who have small chins may be recommended to have a chin augmentation, in order to balance out their nose. A small chin can make your nose appear bigger.
Your nose job will be performed under anaesthetic, as an outpatient procedure, which means you will be able to go home on the same day.
The procedure can take up to three hours to complete, depending on the complexity of what needs to be done. You will need to arrange for someone else to drive you home after your surgery as you may still feel drowsy for a few hours afterwards. It’s a good idea to be prepared at home and to ensure you have adequate support so that you can relax and recover fully. It really does help your recovery if you can take a few days off work to sleep and heal.
What To Expect After Rhinoplasty Surgery
After your nose job, your nose will be wrapped in bandages and supported by a splint. The splint might be attached to your cheek or to your forehead. You may experience some bleeding, which will be caught by a piece of gauze. When the anaesthetic wears off you may experience some discomfort and swelling. You might also have some bruising under your eyes. Your nose will also probably feel congested and you may feel like breathing through your mouth.
Swelling can be managed in the days after your nose job surgery by keeping your head elevated as much as possible. This prevents blood from pooling in your head. You may also want to take some pain medication to manage discomfort and swelling, however you should avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as these medications can increase bleeding. Ask your surgeon for a suitable recommendation.
What To Avoid After Nose Job Surgery
- Avoid strenuous physical exercise
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Bath rather than shower
- Wear clothing that fastens in the front instead of pulling clothing over your head
- Brush your teeth gently so you do not move your upper lip too much
- Do not smoke
- Avoid putting pressure on the bridge of your nose, including wearing glasses and sunglasses
- Wear sun protection when you go out into the sun. your skin will be more sensitive than usual and may discolour in the sun if it is not protected.
Between five and seven days after your procedure you will need to visit your surgeon to have your bandages removed.
Your surgeon will remove any stitches and the splint at this time. It’s quite likely that you will still have some visible swelling and bruising at this point, but it will have improved a lot.
Most patients find they can return to work and most of life as normal a week after their surgery, provided they do not do overly strenuous work or heavy lifting.
After this point your recovery from rhinoplasty surgery might seem like it slows down, because every week your swelling will reduce a little more.
Ultimately it will take around a year for the swelling to reduce completely and for your new nose to settle into its new size and shape. This is why your surgeon will also tell you not to consider a second surgery until a year has passed since your nose job. It will probably take a whole year for you to get used to what your new nose looks like and how it suits your face so it wouldn’t be a good idea to go rushing into a second surgery before that happens.
Still not sure what you can expect from rhinoplasty before and after surgery? It’s always best to consult with a professional before undertaking any surgery. Please contact us for a discreet appointment: (02) 9158 6375.
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