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With review and feedback from CEENTA facial plastic surgery specialist Susan Yanik, MD (Concord, Salisbury)
The rhinoplasty, or “nose job,” is one of the most popular types of facial plastic surgery to address both functional breathing problems and aesthetic concerns. Today, we’d like to answer some of your questions about this surgery.
Yes. Rhinoplasties can reshape a wide nose, straighten a crooked nose, and address other aesthetic concerns you might have.
In addition to being a cosmetic procedure, rhinoplasties, in combination with septal and inferior turbinate surgery, address overall nasal congestion, which helps nasal breathing and often tolerance of CPAP, CEENTA facial plastic surgery specialist Susan Yanik, MD, said.
A few factors may affect your rhinoplasty. These include the thickness of your skin, the initial amount of nasal damage, prior nasal surgery, and the extent of internal obstruction. Also, there is a limit as to how much a nose’s shape can be altered, as doing so could affect your ability to breathe. Finally, given the amount of work you need, multiple surgeries may be necessary.
It’s best to wait until the nose has completed growing before getting a nose job. In girls, this is around the age 15 or 16, and in boys it’s around the age of 17 to 18. However, surgery can be performed earlier if an injury causes a severe deformity.
The operation lasts 2 to 3 hours. General anesthesia is used during the procedure. Normally you can return home when it is complete, although there’s a chance you may be admitted overnight for observation.
An adhesive splint is placed over your nose and a small amount of gauze is placed in each nostril. You will need to apply cold compresses and keep your head elevated during the first week.
You will experience bruising and nasal drainage during the first 2 to 3 days of your recovery period, but it usually resolves within 10 days to 2 weeks post-operatively, Dr. Yanik said. Most swelling will be gone in three weeks.
You should not expect a lot of pain while you heal, but pain medications can be prescribed. If you feel stuffy, a decongestant is okay after a week.
You will be able to return to school or work after one week, but physical exertion should be avoided for two weeks.
CEENTA has ENT doctors specially trained in both functional and cosmetic facial plastic surgery, so they know how to achieve the aesthetic look you want without harming your nose’s functionality. If you think a nose job is right for you, request an appointment at CEENTA today.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. Would you like an appointment with Dr. Yanik? Call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.
Through the years.
Find out whether a rhinoplasty nose procedure is right for you with CEENTA facial plastic surgeon Dr. Susan Yanik.
Which side looks better?
