Rhinoplasty is a surgery intended to either enhance the appearance of a patient’s nose or to improve the structure of their nasal airways for better breathing. For some, it is a cosmetic surgery that helps them achieve a desired aesthetic effect. For others, it’s an important procedure that helps them live more healthy lives. If you are considering getting a nose job, here’s everything you need to consider before making the decision.
Your Reasons for Rhinoplasty
As already mentioned, people might choose to undergo rhinoplastic surgery for a few reasons. Knowing your own motivations will help you determine whether or not it is a worthwhile pursuit. Do you have an ongoing insecurity about your nose’s appearance? Do you find breathing through your nostrils difficult and obstructive? Your reasons will also help you communicate your needs to a surgeon so they can focus on providing the results you hope for.
Types of Rhinoplasty
There are two variants of rhinoplasty. They are:
- Open rhinoplasty, which involves the surgeon cutting the nose exterior during the procedure, enhancing precision but also increasing likely swelling and recovery time;
- Closed rhinoplasty, where the surgeon makes incisions inside the nostrils with no visible scarring, although with greater restrictions on possible results.
Finding a Reputable Specialist
Like any kind of surgery, rhinoplasty comes with potential risks. This is why you must research the procedure carefully and find a surgeon you trust to perform it. Experts like Dr. Terkonda offer patients specialist care throughout the rhinoplasty process. Meet with your chosen practitioner and discuss your intentions for the surgery. They will be able to answer your questions and tell you what to expect from the process. If possible, read what previous patients had to say and look at photographs of their results. Having a clear idea of what your surgeon can make possible and where their specific skills lie is valuable.
Recovery
After a nose job, most people need at least two weeks off work to recover from the initial effects of surgery. Your surgeon will provide protective bandaging to keep your nose and any stitches clean until healing is finished. You will have to return to the practice for your surgeon to check the results and remove stitches if necessary.
Results
Any reputable surgeon will tell you upfront that nose job results are never guaranteed, even if they have many happy patients. After approximately six weeks, you will see how your nose will look, but it takes around six months for swelling to completely subside.
Making the decision to have rhinoplasty is life-changing no matter how you look at it. Whether or not you are happy with the results, you have irreversibly altered your appearance. This is why it demands such careful consideration beforehand. Think about your reasons for wanting a nose job and which type of rhinoplasty you want. If you choose to go ahead with it, make sure to find a trusted and reliable practitioner to perform the surgery and aftercare. Communicate your desires clearly and check in with yourself at each stage.