Rhinoplasty or nose job is a surgical procedure whose purpose is to change the unwanted external shape of the nose and improve nasal breathing.
Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
1-3 hours | 1-2 days | 3-6 weeks |
The nose forms the center of your face and creates your character together. There are many people whose nose shape or size makes them uncomfortable and lowers their self-confidence. The aesthetic effect of Rhinoplasty is relatively high, and its impact on the patient’s psyche is also significant. Doctors perform this type of surgery after the growth and puberty period ends. The upper age limit for nose aesthetics not fix. However, it is ideal to have surgery before age 35, then the skin’s elasticity decreases.
If you are considering Rhinoplasty, you must have an initial non-binding consultation with a plastic surgeon who will evaluate whether a nose job is right for you before the procedure. The surgeon informs you about the risks associated with anesthesia and the operation. During the consultation, you will have room for all your questions, especially about the course of the surgery, your expectations, and your concerns about the results of the surgery.
When you make your appointment, specialists will provide instructions on preparing for surgery, including information about eating, drinking, smoking, and taking or not taking certain medications. It is necessary to follow all these tips to help the procedure progress and heal smoothly after Rhinoplasty.
The purpose of nose surgery is to change the nose’s shape by changing the cartilage’s position and size, a bone component of the nose, and the cartilage septum. This procedure performs under local anesthesia or general anesthesia with intravenous sedation. When the surgeon performs this operation from the inside, it doesn’t leave any visible scars from the outside. The surgery itself and the post-operative condition are usually not painful.
Temporary bruises, headaches, and swelling that last from a few weeks to months may occur in the area of the eyes and eyelids after the surgery. Semi-sitting position and cooling the operated areas with a bandage, plaster for 14 days, and tamponade for 3-10 days are suitable. Perform pressure massages by practicing in front of the mirror every day for 3 weeks after surgery. Apply the moisturizing lotion to the skin of the surgical site. Control will take place 6-8 days after the procedure. It is usual to return to normal activities within 2-3 weeks after nose surgery. It may take up to 1 year to achieve the full final effect.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a unique procedure that you can use to improve or restore the shape and appearance of the nose. It is an effective surgical procedure. With this surgery, you can change the shape and size of the nose. Nose job also works effectively to improve people’s appearance and the function of their noses. During surgery, surgeons cut and reshape the nasal bone and cartilage.
The specialist adjusts the cartilage and even the shape of the bony part of the nose. After the procedure, the specialist fixes the nose with a plaster cast for 7 to 14 days. Also, the specialist packs the nostrils for 3 to 4 days to prevent bleeding. Hospitalization requires one day; swelling and bruising are joint in the postoperative period. This procedure is one of the most common but also one of the most technically tricky plastic surgery procedures. After the development of the nose completes, people of all ages can have it done. Using the process, you can achieve the following:
- Nose reduction
- Nose augmentation
- Correction of the shape of the tip of the nose
- Nasal septum adjustments
- Correction of the narrow opening of the nostrils
The plastic surgeon can shorten or lengthen the nose. However, it is often a complex operation to correct nasal asymmetry. As with almost all surgical procedures, it is good to have Rhinoplasty in the fall, when the sun isn’t intense or when the temperatures aren’t high. All this affects the overall recovery after surgery.
Who Should Have Rhinoplasty Procedure?
Rhinoplasty is a surgery for anyone disturbed by the nose’s inappropriate shape or size, congenital or acquired (for example, as a result of an injury). This is a set of problems, such as an eagle or saddle-shaped nose, a deviation of the nose from its axis, or a nose that is too wide or, on the contrary, narrow.
Functional problems often accompany aesthetic issues in the nose. Recurrent infections caused by impaired breathing and a deviated nasal septum are examples. However, after the end of growth and puberty, usually, after eighteen, you can start the operation. Being healthy is essential.
The best candidates for Rhinoplasty are those who see surgery as a way to improve their appearance. If you are physically healthy, mentally stable, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate for the nose job. This procedure usually does for aesthetic improvement or reconstruction, or removal of congenital disabilities of the nose such as cleft deformities or breathing problems.
During this procedure, surgeons will also consider age. In general, experts don’t recommend the operation before the development and growth of a person are complete. For men, it is usually around the age of 18; for women, it may be earlier, around the age of 16. Experts have determined the upper age limit precisely. But most cases depend on the skin quality that deteriorates after 35 years. In some cases, surgeons don’t recommend this procedure.
Patients with oily, highly porous, poorly healing skin are unsuitable for this procedure. Rhinoplasty may also not be effective in patients prone to significant scarring. However, the doctor may also use medications to repair the patient’s condition. Major surgical interventions don’t recommend for patients with internal problems.
What are the Risks of the Rhinoplasty Process?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure. Therefore, as with other surgeries, there is a general risk of complications. This is an increased risk of bleeding, infection, or excessive scarring. Specific complications include the formation of post-operative adhesions or cysts, narrowing of the nasal cavity, and an undesirable shape. Even if the moment after removing the plaster is significant, you should bear in mind that the shape of the nose can only see after the tissues have completely healed, that is, a few months after the operation.
Undesirable changes in the shape of the nose may result from an incorrectly applied surgical technique. Therefore, you should carefully choose an experienced and verified operator. The unsuccessful consequences of nose surgery are more severe because, unlike other body parts, experts cannot hide the nose, and reoperations can be difficult.
Like any surgical procedure, this operation carries certain risks. Some potential complications of a nose job are infection, bleeding, scarring, and sensory changes. Surgery may not produce the desired results in some cases and may require further procedures to correct any problems. Other potential complications or risks of the Rhinoplasty procedure include:
- Reaction to the anesthesia used during surgery
- Damage to the nerves that control facial muscles or sensation
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Persistent pain or discomfort
- Changes in the appearance of the nose, such as irregular or asymmetry
It is essential to discuss these potential risks with your surgeon before surgery so that you can make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the procedure. Your surgeon will also give you instructions on minimizing risks and achieving a successful outcome.
What Will You Encounter During a Rhinoplasty Consultation?
During your Rhinoplasty consultation, you can expect to meet with a plastic surgeon experienced in performing nose surgeries. The talk will typically take place in the surgeon’s office and will allow you to discuss your desired outcomes for the surgery. The surgeon will likely ask you about your medical history and any current health conditions you may have. They will also ask your reasons for wanting surgery and evaluate the structure and shape of your nose to determine the best course of action.
During the consultation, the surgeon will explain the different techniques and approaches that can use for the surgery. They will also discuss the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure and the expected recovery time and post-operative care. The surgeon will also provide before and after Rhinoplasty photos of previous patients to give you an idea of what to expect from the surgery.
Overall, a nose job consultation will provide valuable information and help you decide whether to continue the surgery. This part of the preparation is vital. You and the doctor should be open to each other and try to agree on the final result together. In many facilities, they work with software modeling or photography because Rhinoplasty means interference with the general expression of the face, and you should prepare for this change. The surgeon must consider the individual proportions of your face that make up the overall profile, so more significant interventions in nose shape are accompanied by adjustments to the lower jaw and chin.
How Should You Prepare for Rhinoplasty Procedure?
To prepare for the Rhinoplasty procedure, you should first make an appointment with a plastic surgeon with experience performing nose surgeries. After the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your nose and discuss the different techniques and approaches used for the surgery. They will also explain the expected recovery time, post-operative care, and potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.
The specialist will give you instructions on how to prepare for surgery. This may include instructions to stop certain medications, avoid certain foods and beverages, and quit smoking if you smoke. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for at least 24 hours to assist with any necessary post-operative care.
On the day of surgery, you should wear loose, comfortable clothes, no jewelry and don’t wear make-up. Also, as instructed by your surgeon, you will need to fast for a certain period before the surgery. After surgery, you must follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding post-operative care, including taking prescribed medications and avoiding certain activities or behaviors.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you had any nose surgery or injury to your nose even years ago. You should also inform the doctor if you are having difficulty breathing. It assumes that you will not experience an acute illness (virus, etc.) in the period immediately before the planned operation. Report any condition to your doctor. You will send for an internal pre-operative examination.
If you are taking warfarin, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs, you should stop taking them at least one week before surgery. Of course, consult the prescribing doctor to find out if you should replace it with other drugs that will not complicate the procedure during Rhinoplasty. You should limit smoking at least 2 weeks before surgery and during recovery. As part of your surgery preparations, arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you if you need it.
What are the Most Popular Rhinoplasty Techniques?
There are two main methods for performing the Rhinoplasty procedure. These are open and closed Rhinoplasty techniques.
In open Rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision along the columella, the strip of skin that separates the nostrils, to access the internal structures of the nose. This allows the surgeon to have better vision and more control over the reshaping of the nose.
In closed Rhinoplasty, the specialist makes the incisions through the nostrils. There is no trace of it from the outside.
Both open and closed surgical techniques have advantages and disadvantages, and the best approach for each patient will depend on the patient’s specific needs and goals. Some patients may be better suited for an open procedure, while others may be better suited for a closed approach. Your surgeon can recommend the best method based on experience and training.
How is Rhinoplasty Procedure Performed?
This procedure is relatively quick and highly effective. Usually, the process takes one to two hours. But more complex systems may take longer. Check out the steps of the Rhinoplasty procedure in general:
- Anesthesia
In the vast majority of cases, Rhinoplasty performs under general anesthesia. However, depending on the scope of the procedure and your and your surgeon’s preference, it can also be performed under local anesthesia. In the case of local anesthesia, the surgeon numbs the nose with an injection, and you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
Also, the process can be more or less uncomfortable individually. In the case of this anesthesia type, you will be asleep during the process. You will usually be asked not to drink, eat, or smoke for 6 hours before general anesthesia, and you will likely need to stay in the hospital overnight.
- Methods
In the classical course of the surgery, the surgeon loosens the nasal skin. The specialist partially removes the tip of the nose and the wing cartilage. Then, presumably, the surgeon reshapes this section, removing the bridge of the nose. If the situation requires it, the specialist narrows the bony part of the nose.
The surgeon can complete a portion of the tissue so that its shape and required aesthetic value are perfect. To supplement, the specialist mainly uses your body tissue. The most suitable are those that are similar in structure and color to the tissue of the nose itself. The nasal septum, or cartilage the specialist takes from the ear, replaces the cartilaginous part. Exceptionally, the specialist may also use cartilage from the rib joint.
The skin around the nose is very tolerant, and strategically directed incisions contribute to the excellent outcome of the operation—the nose fixes in its final form with plaster fixation. To prevent bleeding, the surgeon places a tampon in the nostrils.
What to Consider After Rhinoplasty Procedure?
After surgery, you must consider a few things to ensure a successful recovery. Check out the things to consider after Rhinoplasty:
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding post-operative care, including taking prescription medications and avoiding certain activities or behaviors.
- Expect swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which should gradually improve over a few weeks after surgery.
- Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for at least the first few weeks after surgery.
- Avoid exposing your nose to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures, which can cause damage or scarring.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and nose from the sun and wind.
- Be patient during the healing process, as it may take several months for the final results of the surgery to appear.
- In general, being proactive in your recovery after a Rhinoplasty procedure is essential. By following your surgeon’s instructions and taking good care of yourself, you can help the surgery be successful, and you will be satisfied with the final results.
What is the Recovery Process After Rhinoplasty?
Hospitalization after Rhinoplasty lasts for one to two days; in case of nasal tip changes performed under local anesthesia, hospitalization not require. Because of the tamponade, the patient must breathe through the mouth until the surgeon removes it. This can also be annoying. It should consider that there will be swelling and bruises on the face that will continue to color for a few days after the surgery. Two days later, the specialist removes the tampons from the nostrils. The removal process is first to remove the covering under the nose and then gently pull the tampons out with tweezers. Check out the recovery process after Rhinoplasty:
- It would be best to clean the edges of your nostrils daily with a brush dipped in a disinfectant solution. The surgeon fixes the plaster on the nose, and the doctor leaves it on the nose for two weeks. Afterward, you can wash the nose, but the application is put back on at night for a week. This prevents unwanted injury to the nose during sleep.
- After removing the plaster, you need to start doing pressure massages. It starts from the tip of the nose and progresses to the root point by point. Patients press their nose with two fingers for thirty seconds and repeat the massage ten to fifteen times a day for a month. Pressure massages are essential as they prevent scar formation and relax the skin.
- Patients can only participate in their everyday lifestyle after removing the splint. Women can use regular cosmetics, including make-up.
- The post-operative stage of Rhinoplasty is a long-term process, and its development is very individual. This is why constant checkups and possibly pressure massage, cast fixation at night, and other care crucial to healing further and the effect are required.
- The patient can return to sports and physical exertion after 4-8 weeks. However, healing is an individual process and doesn’t depend solely on the given healing abilities of the organism. It is also a reflection of the conscientiousness of each patient. Therefore, mutual trust and cooperation between the patient and the surgeon is a prerequisite.
- About three months after surgery (sometimes 6 to 12 months), you can consider the shape and function of the nose stabilized. Finally, we recommend you massage the nose after removing the splint. The surgeon will show you exactly how to perform pressure massages after the procedure.
How Long After Rhinoplasty Will You See the Final Result?
The final results of a Rhinoplasty typically appear a few months after surgery. However, the time it takes for the swelling to go down entirely and the final results to be visible can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the type of technique the surgeon uses, the extent of the surgery, and the person’s healing process.
In general, most patients will notice a significant improvement in the appearance of their noses within the first few weeks after surgery. Swelling and bruises will gradually decrease, and the nose will begin to take its new shape.
However, it may take several months for the final results to be fully evident as swelling and other post-operative changes continue to improve. It’s essential to be patient and understand that the healing process after a Rhinoplasty procedure can take some time. In most cases, the final results will be worth the wait.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
Rhinoplasty costs depend on the type of problem and the extent of treatment required. In some cases, the doctor adjusts the nasal septum or the so-called mucosectomy, in which the excess nasal mucosa remove. In this case, it is a less troublesome nose surgery, and its price is lower. It is just like in the case of adjusting the tip, that is, the soft part of the nose.
During the recovery period, the cost of hospitalization, clothes, and other necessary materials and preparations should add to the price of the nose surgery. During a personal consultation, the surgeon will inform you about these.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Rhinoplasty Procedure Performed?
Some people may tempt to travel to another country for a Rhinoplasty procedure as the cost may be lower than in their home country. While it is true that the cost of medical procedures, including Rhinoplasty, can vary by country, it is essential to carefully consider the potential risks and drawbacks before making a decision.
One of the most significant risks of traveling to another country for nose surgery is potential complications or poor results. The quality of medical care can vary significantly from country to country, and you may not receive the same respect you receive at home. This can increase the risk of complications such as infection, scarring, or dissatisfaction with the surgery results.
Another potential risk is the lack of legal recourse if something goes wrong. In many cases, it can be difficult or impossible to hold a foreign medical provider responsible for any complications or poor outcomes that may occur. This can leave you with little or no choice but to seek compensation or justice if something goes wrong. Also, traveling to another country for a medical procedure can be expensive. You may have to pay for airfare, accommodation, and other expenses that may add to the overall cost of the process.
In general, while it may be tempting to travel to another country for an inexpensive Rhinoplasty procedure, it is imperative that you carefully consider the potential risks and drawbacks before making a decision. Here are the Rhinoplasty costs by country:
COUNTRY | COST |
United States | $6500 to $10000 |
Brazil | $4250 to $8500 |
China | $4100 to $7100 |
Japan | $3600 to $6500 |
South Korea | $3500 to $7000 |
India | $2650 to $4000 |
Argentina | $4000 to $8000 |
Mexico | $2500 to $6500 |
Germany | $5000 to $7500 |
Turkey | $1500 to $3500 |
Colombia | $3000 to $7500 |
Italy | $4500 to $7000 |
France | $5500 to $7250 |
Spain | $5500 to $9000 |
Taiwan | $4000 to $6100 |
Venezuela | $1700 to $3000 |
United Kingdom | $6000 to $9750 |
Netherlands | $5150 to $7100 |
Egypt | $1900 to $4100 |
Peru | $2000 to $5700 |
AVERAGE COST | $1500 to $10000 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a specialist surgeon for personal guidance.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15655172/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22073084/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21788798/
https://academic.oup.com/asj/article-abstract/38/2/228/4793278
https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2011/08000
https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Citation/1990/09000/Open_Structure_Rhinoplasty.38.aspx
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/51786547_Rhinoplasty_-_indications_and_techniques