Rhinoplasty (nose job): Procedures, recovery, eligibility

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as nose job, is a surgical procedure that aims to change the shape of your nose.

Many people choose to undergo a nose job for aesthetic reasons, but this procedure may also be done for medical purposes.

While it’s important to keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect nose, surgery can enhance your facial features and emphasise your natural beauty. Our plastic surgeons will evaluate the structure of your nose and your facial features to describe how changes would enhance your appearance.

In this article, we are going to give you an overview of how a nose job works, what are the different procedures available, what you can expect after surgery, and who it is for.

Who is rhinoplasty for?

If you’re considering a nose job, the first thing to understand is whether you are eligible for the procedure. Generally speaking, patients who are eligible for a nose job:

• • Need to be at least 18. This is necessary because the nose needs to have reached its adult size for the operation to be successful.
  • Want to change the appearance of their nose and have realistic expectations. You will be able to discuss your desired results with your surgeon, who will advise you on the best course of action.
  • Need to correct their nose following an accident or injury.
  • Need to correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose.

How does rhinoplasty work step by step?

The first step of a nose job procedure is to have a consultation with your surgeon or doctor. Then, you will schedule the procedure at our facility. A nose job is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, so you won’t have to stay overnight. A nose job can last up to 2 hours.

1. Anaesthesia: You will be given general or local anaesthesia, depending on the procedure.
2. Incisions: The surgeon will make tiny incisions inside the nostrils or across the base of your nose. This will depend on the procedure chosen.
3. Restructuring and reshaping: The surgeon will reshape the inner bone and cartilage to achieve the desired shape and outcome. Incisions are closed.

What’s the recovery time after a rhinoplasty?

You might need to wear a nasal splint for the first week after surgery. On the first day after a nose job procedure, you need to keep your head elevated and apply cold compresses to reduce hematomas and swelling. In order to ease healing, you should also avoid alcohol and smoking for at least a few weeks after surgery. This is very important for the wounds to heal properly and avoid scarring.

You might experience swelling and bruising around your eyes, but it will improve a few days after the operation.

Sauna visits, bathing and sunbathing should be avoided for the first few weeks after surgery, as well as physical exertion and heavy lifting.

Types of rhinoplasty: What are the different nose job procedures?

Depending on the results you want to achieve or the structures of your nose, there are different types of nose jobs to choose from. Here’s a rundown of the most popular methods.

Open vs closed rhinoplasty

All types of nose jobs start as a closed rhinoplasty or as an open rhinoplasty. The two techniques offer access to the nose in different ways and the type of surgery chosen will largely depend on what kind of changes need to be made.

During an open rhinoplasty, also called an external rhinoplasty, the surgeon performs a single incision beneath the nose on the underside between the nostrils. This approach may leave a virtually unnoticeable scar.

During a closed, or endonasal, rhinoplasty, the surgeon performs the incisions only inside your nostrils. This approach leaves behind no visible scars.

Augmentation rhinoplasty

An augmentation rhinoplasty aims to adjust the shape of the features of your nose. This is typically done by using a bone or tissue grafting to build up the nasal tip or the bridge. The surgeon will perform grafting using cartilage from your ears or other parts of your nose. In some cases, when there’s not enough natural tissue available, the surgeon might use implants, also known as alloplasts. The skin will then adjust to the new size on its own.

Reduction rhinoplasty

Correcting the nose size ranks among the top complaints heard by plastic surgeons. If you’re unhappy with the size of your nose and wish to make it smaller, then a reduction rhinoplasty might be a good option for you. This type of nose job can either reduce the overall size of your nose or focus on specific features, including narrowing the width of your nostrils or reducing the size of the bumps on the bridge of your nose.

A reduction rhinoplasty involves removing small amounts of cartilage or bone. This will allow the surgeon to adjust the proportions of your nose and enhance harmony with the rest of your facial features.

Reconstructive rhinoplasty

A reconstructive rhinoplasty aims to rebuild the nose. While most nose job procedure are performed for aesthetic purposes, a reconstructive rhinoplasty helps patients who need their nose to be reconstructed due to a variety of reasons, including: lesions as a result of skin cancer, a deviated septum, congenital defects, clefts, a nasal obstruction, abnormal nasal mass. From a simple skin graft to a complex reconstruction, this type of nose surgery involves different procedures, depending on each individual case.

Revision rhinoplasty

Just as the name suggests, revision rhinoplasty aims to revise a nose job that was carried out before. Patients who seek a revision rhinoplasty are usually unhappy with the appearance, the functionality (or both) provided by the first surgery.

Rhinoplasty at KCM

Are you thinking of getting a nose job done but don’t know where to start? We’re here to help! Contact with us and one of our patient coordinators will be in touch with you.

For information on prices, feel free to have a look at our price list.