What is the Healing Process for Rhinoplasty Surgery?
With rhinoplasty being one of the most popular facial plastic surgeries of the 21st century, it is no wonder that more and more people are seeking a nose job in 2024. With this procedure being so common, you may be wondering what the healing process looks like for a rhinoplasty. With the advancement of medical technologies and ample dedicated rhinoplasty surgeons, rhinoplasty has become an easy, safe and accessible procedure for many adults.
If you are considering a rhinoplasty, keep in mind that experiences may vary for each patient. The rhinoplasty healing timeline is pretty predictable, but it can be influenced by factors such as the extent of the procedure, the patient’s overall health, and the surgical techniques used. Here is what you can likely expect the healing process for rhinoplasty to look like:
Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
Facial plastic surgery recovery is far less onerous than most people think. Believe it or not, it is hardly painful and the healing process is easily manageable.
After your procedure, you will return home where you will rest and begin taking your medications as advised by your surgeon. Your nose will be taped and splinted from this point until about a week. This ensures that the nose will be set and heal properly. You should be careful to not manipulate the placement of the splints as this may interfere with your healing. The most important part of the first two weeks is managing pain and keeping an eye on your healing process. If you notice any intense bleeding or pain, you should notify your surgeon immediately.
Your facial plastic surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment with you after your one week of healing. If everything looks good and is on track to heal properly, your splints will be removed. You will still have to be mindful to not bump or injure your nose while it is still healing.
From this point onward you should expect bruising and tenderness. This is normal and part of the healing process. Bruises usually occur under the eyes and last 7 to 14 days once they start. Generally, a touch of makeup in the first week is all that is needed to pass a casual inspection. Just remember to keep the area clean to prevent any infections or interference with healing.
Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Apo
Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, implants, botox, or filler could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off.
Dr. Apo is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery and rhinoplasty in Austin, TX. His procedures include popular aesthetic treatments like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, face lifts, neck lifts, and more. Contact us online or call our office to get your plastic surgery transformation started!
Is Rhinoplasty Considered Outpatient Surgery or Does It Require a Hospital Stay?
Rhinoplasty is a great solution for anyone wanting to improve their nose’s overall look or function. Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular facial plastic surgery operations in the United States. Since rhinoplasty is so popular, it’s easy to find a highly skilled facial plastic surgeon who will keep you comfortable after your rhinoplasty surgery.
Rhinoplasty Consultation
During an introductory consultation with a leading facial plastic surgeon, you can discuss your concerns, questions and goals for your rhinoplasty. Depending on the expertise of the surgeon, they may recommend different techniques to give you the appearance you want. If you are confident in your decision, your surgeon will provide the best aftercare advice and regime.
Most treatments after rhinoplasty are customized to the individual’s needs after surgery. Typically, rhinoplasty is a quick facial plastic surgery procedure with a fairly simple healing period. A successful rhinoplasty generally takes between two to four hours to complete.
Rhinoplasty Aftercare
Rhinoplasty, or a “nose job,” is considered an outpatient elective procedure. This means that an overnight stay is not necessary after rhinoplasty. After surgery, your facial plastic surgeon will send you home with a pain management plan and plenty of supplies to keep your healing nose clean and manageable.
While rhinoplasty does not typically require an overnight stay, it may be advised to have someone with you in the first couple of days of healing to aid in your healing. After rhinoplasty, facial plastic surgeons recommend taking time to rest, eat healthy food, and avoid operating machines or doing heavy lifting.
Since you won’t be with the surgeon the following days after your facial plastic surgery, it’s advised to monitor your pain and healing process. If you are experiencing profound pain or are having a difficult time breathing, you may need to be reevaluated by your surgeon to further address any concerns.
Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Apo
Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, implants, botox, or filler could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off.
Dr. Apo is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery and rhinoplasty in Austin, TX. His procedures include popular aesthetic treatments like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, face lifts, neck lifts, and more. Contact us online or call our office to get your plastic surgery transformation started!
A Nose Job Can Change Your Life in Several Encouraging Ways
Commonly called a “nose job,” a rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can change your life in several encouraging ways. Depending on your rhinoplasty needs, a nose job can correct aesthetic flaws and breathing issues. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures and has a relatively short healing period.
If you are trying to achieve better breathing, comfort, or an overall physical appearance, a rhinoplasty is worth considering. Open and realistic communication with your cosmetic surgeon and responsible post-operation care are crucial to achieving the best rhinoplasty results. Find out 3 of the ways a nose job can be life-changing.
Restore Breathing Function
A functional rhinoplasty is a nose job that corrects breathing or structural issues in the nose. A common cause of breathing difficulty is a deviated septum. A deviated septum is caused by an irregular position of the cartilage between the nostrils. Deviated septums obstruct airflow, making it difficult to breathe or smell. A functional rhinoplasty surgeon can correct the septum by straightening the cartilage and setting it in place. Sometimes, this even improves the overall look of the nose, unintentionally!
Major Improvements in Appearance
A physical change can sometimes spark a psychological change. Rhinoplasty is commonly sought out to enhance someone’s overall appearance. While the nose may seem like an insignificant feature, it is actually quite influential. The nose is often the first thing we notice about someone. Being centered on the face, it is common for people to feel insecure in their noses. Making slight improvements to the nose allows the overall beauty of the face to shine through, which is why a Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job procedure, can improve the appearance of the nose and boost your self-esteem.
Increase Overall Confidence
If you have been subject to bullying or teasing due to your nose, you may deal with some level of insecurity in your appearance. Feeling uncertain in yourself can lead to a lack of confidence that hinders your happiness and holds you back. Sometimes a nose job can be a positive change that helps you explore new possibilities. A rhinoplasty can eliminate insecurity and give you the confidence to expand your life.
Trust Dr. Apostolakis to Restore Your Confidence
A good nose allows the overall beauty of the face to shine through, and a Rhinoplasty also known as a nose job procedure, can help with improving the appearance of the nose and overall nasal breathing.
Whether you’ve always wanted to make a change or considering a nose job in Austin, our team at Louis William Apostolakis, M.D. is led by our board-certified surgeon who holds years of experience providing Rhinoplasty in Austin, TX, and helping to improve the appearance of faces and overall quality of life.
Rhinoplasty Can Restore Your Confidence and Give You Peace of Mind
Feeling confident in your skin is essential. If done for the right reasons and with the right specialist, cosmetic surgery can positively change your life. People might consider face-altering surgery for many reasons, such as rhinoplasty, but the most popular reason is to enhance their self-image and improve confidence.
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is one of plastic surgeons’ most common cosmetic procedures. Nose job procedures are far less scary than most people think. Believe it or not, it is hardly painful. Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty does require some healing time. However, most clients agree that the benefit of a beautiful nose outweighs the healing period.
Here are 3 key examples of how rhinoplasty can boost your confidence and ease insecurities:
Correcting Nasal Imperfections
It’s not uncommon to be born with protruding bumps on the nose, enlarged nostrils, or drooping nose tips. For the most part, these are perfectly normal. But for whatever reason, individuals may find that these nasal imperfections impact the overall look of their face and hinder their confidence. With the correct support and evaluation, trained rhinoplasty surgeons delight in the opportunity to correct imperfections to give you the nose of your dreams.
Enhancing Self Image
Some individuals may not have any nasal imperfections like the ones listed above but still be unhappy with the look of their noses. If you are experiencing dissatisfaction with your appearance due to your nose, Rhinoplasty might be something to explore. A cosmetic nose job will fix your nose’s shape, size, or overall look with a relatively short healing time.
Improving Facial Harmony
Since the nose is central to the face, it is often the first thing we notice about people and ourselves. Due to genetics, individuals may feel their nose is disproportionate to the rest of their features. A nose job can significantly improve facial harmony. A cosmetic rhinoplasty surgeon will consider every facial feature during a consultation.
Trust Dr. Apostolakis to restore your confidence
Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off.
Dr. Apostolakis is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery in Austin, TX. His procedures include popular aesthetic treatments like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, face lifts, neck lifts, and more. Contact us online or call our office to get your plastic surgery transformation started!
Rhinoplasty Provides Reconstructive Solutions After Auto Accidents
Unsuspecting drivers can experience serious facial trauma in an instant due to car accidents. After the accident, paramedics will treat facial trauma as soon as possible. Despite these efforts, you may still experience facial disfigurements that leave you unhappy. Crooked noses, an inability to breathe, continual pain, and leakage are all signs you may need nose reconstruction. Through top practices and experience, rhinoplasty provides reconstructive solutions after auto accidents.
Although often dismissed as “cosmetic,” plastic surgery is necessary to mend facial and nose injuries after a car crash.
Rhinoplasty restores both the function and appearance of the nose after auto accidents:
Restoring the structural integrity of the nose and tissue
Correcting functional issues of the nose
Reshaping the nose to better match aesthetic preferences
Facial trauma due to car accidents is severe. Rhinoplasty procedures provided by Dr. Apostolakis offer several solutions to nose damage caused by auto accidents.
What is rhinoplasty?
A nose job, or rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure that generally changes the shape and overall look of the nose. Rhinoplasty improves the functionality of the nose, too. Rhinoplasty can also fix issues from an injury, such as an auto accident.
Rhinoplasty requires a sleep-like state through anesthesia. The procedure may done inside the nose through a small cut your specialist makes. To repair a nose due to trauma to the face, cartilage or hard sponge-like tissue may be added and manipulated in a few ways to restore the structural integrity of the nose.
Trust Dr. Apostolakis to restore your nose after an auto accident
Before performing rhinoplasty, we will thoroughly evaluate nasal damage to determine the appropriate surgical approach necessary to achieve your functional and aesthetic needs after a car accident.
Restoring the structural integrity of the nose is a priority. Auto accidents can lead to nasal obstruction, breathing difficulties, or a deviated nasal septum. A deviated septum is a condition in which the nasal bone and cartilage that divide the nose in half are crooked, making one nasal passage smaller and causing difficulties in breathing. Rhinoplasty responds to these issues by correcting the nasal septum to restore proper airflow and breathing.
Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Apo
Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off.
Dr. Apo is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery in Austin, TX. His procedures include popular aesthetic treatments like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, face lifts, neck lifts, and more. Contact us online or call our office to get your plastic surgery transformation started!
How Long Will I Be in Pain After Rhinoplasty Surgery Is Over?
Rhinoplasty recovery is far less inconvenient than most people think. Believe it or not, rhinoplasty is a hardly painful procedure. Of course, pain may vary from person to person, but Dr. Apostolakis in Austin, Texas makes sure your rhinoplasty is smooth, safe, and comfortable.
Pain at any intensity after rhinoplasty will usually last for only 36 to 72 hours but may last longer if the nose is bumped or injured further. Your nose may remain tender or sensitive to touch, however, for up to three months. This is generally common after rhinoplasty or nose surgery. The level of pain and how long it lasts depends on multiple factors. Individual pain tolerance, the length of the surgery, and the specific rhinoplasty techniques used during the procedure can all impact the healing process of rhinoplasty.
Managing Pain after Rhinoplasty
Slight pain or discomfort after a rhinoplasty is common but pain levels depend on your pain tolerance. In order to make your post-rhinoplasty procedure more comfortable, Dr. Apostolakis will have you take pain pills the first night after your surgery. After your rhinoplasty, your nose will be taped and splinted for one week. Bruises usually will occur under the eyes and last 7 to 14 days. We do not pack the nose, you will be able to breathe through your nose after the surgery, and will not have to endure the pain and suffering of packing and its removal.
If severe pain after rhinoplasty persists for longer than 48 hours, contact your surgeon immediately, as something more complicated may be making your healing process more difficult. It is important to only take the pain medication your surgeon prescribes. Avoid anti-inflammatory over-the-counter pain medications as they may interfere with the healing process.
Swelling and Bruising are Common
The first few days after your rhinoplasty is when you are likely to experience the most discomfort, swelling, and bruising. While uncomfortable, this means your nose is healing. If you are eager for faster recovery, applying ice to the bruised and swollen tissue will help to reduce the swelling. It is recommended that your nose should be iced as much as possible in the first 48 hours. To help avoid swelling and bruising, sleeping upright propped by two or three pillows will help the blood not pool within the nose. After surgery, Dr. Apostolakis will provide you with further recovery tips to ease recovery.
Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Apo
Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off.
Dr. Apo is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery in Austin, TX. His procedures include popular aesthetic treatments like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, face lifts, neck lifts, and more. Contact us online or call our office to get your plastic surgery transformation started!
Are There Any Serious Risks Related to Having Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as nose surgery, or a “nose job,” is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed by Dr. Apostolakis. Rhinoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons, such as to change the shape of the nose, or for functional reasons, such as to improve breathing. This complex and delicate surgery has become increasingly common over the years; however, like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries both potential benefits and risks. It’s important to be aware of the potential risks of rhinoplasty before deciding on nose surgery.
Bleeding and Infection
Bleeding and infection is a common concern among rhinoplasty patients. While infection and severe bleeding are rare, it is not unheard of for plastic surgery patients to experience them. Being aware of this complication, Dr. Apostolakis knows the steps to take to minimize these risks and ensure your safety. For instance, before your rhinoplasty operation, Dr. Apostolakis will ask you to cease using medications, anti-inflammatories, and some supplements. Discontinuing the use of these will decrease your risk of bleeding after surgery. To prevent infection, you may take an antibiotic before surgery. Antibiotics will also be offered after surgery for you to continue as your rhinoplasty heals.
Breathing Complications
Functional rhinoplasty is a common surgery to help patients breathe better. Cosmetic rhinoplasties usually are used to make the nose smaller, which may come at the expense of nose function. Surgery may weaken the nasal septum and result in poor breathing, snoring, and sleeping issues. As a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as a fellow of The American College of Surgeons, Dr. Apostolakis is trusted to improve the appearance of your nose without sacrificing your nose function. Not only will your breathing be unchanged after rhinoplasty, but in many cases, your breathing may be enhanced after surgery.
Rhinoplasty scars
Some individuals voice fears of slow or poor wound healing after a rhinoplasty, which can result in noticeable scars or delayed recovery. These fears are valid. Poor scarring can lead to complications and aesthetic dislikes. Aggressive scar tissue inside the nose can look bulky, which can result in an irregular nasal contour. Visible and unsightly scars outside of the nose detract from your overall appearance and make it clear that you had a nose job performed. Knowing the concern about rhinoplasty scarring, Dr. Apostolakis’ attention to detail makes sure cuts and incisions are properly healing on time to give you the results you want.
Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Apo
Have signs of aging or abnormalities in your appearance led to feelings of unhappiness? Facial plastic surgery could help resolve your concerns and create an appearance you feel proud to show off.
Dr. Apo is a leading provider of facial plastic surgery in Austin, TX. His procedures include popular aesthetic treatments like rhinoplasty, otoplasty, face lifts, neck lifts, and more. Contact us online or call our office to get your plastic surgery transformation started!
What Is Rhinoplasty, and Who Can Benefit from the Process?
If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about how your nose looks, you may have considered rhinoplasty surgery.
More commonly referred to as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is the only way to permanently alter the appearance of your nose and resolve issues like asymmetry or a downturned nasal tip. Rhinoplasty can also be used to correct a deviated septum and resolve disordered breathing during sleep.
A nose job can offer many benefits, from improved aesthetics to better breathing. If you’re curious whether it’s the right option for you, it will be helpful to learn what factors make someone a good candidate.
What Is a Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure that can improve the appearance of the nose or resolve certain breathing difficulties. Rhinoplasties are performed by removing or repositioning the cartilage, bones, and other tissues within the nose to alter both the internal and external structure.
A rhinoplasty can be either “closed” or “open” in nature. Closed rhinoplasties are performed entirely within the nasal passages and show no external evidence of the procedure. By contrast, open rhinoplasties are performed on the outside of the nose and involve small incisions in discreet areas around the nasal structure.
Factors that Make an Ideal Candidate for Rhinoplasty
Would you benefit from a rhinoplasty procedure? If you have any of the following imperfections or abnormalities, a rhinoplasty could help you enhance your appearance and experience better breathing.
Downturned Nasal Tip
A downturned nasal tip leads many people to seek rhinoplasty procedures. As part of the procedure, a surgeon can shave down the cartilage within your nasal tip to make it smaller. They can then manipulate the remaining tissue into more of an upwards position to create an attractive, slightly elevated nasal tip.
Large Nasal Hump
A large hump on the nasal bridge is one of the most common reasons people get rhinoplasties. This elevation is usually due to excess bone in the area. With a rhinoplasty, this bone can be shaved down to make the bridge more straight or sloped, depending on your desired outcome.
Asymmetry
Almost everyone has some level of asymmetry to their nasal structure — it’s just a matter of how pronounced it is. If you have a very noticeable asymmetry, you may benefit from a nose job. A rhinoplasty can manipulate the bones and cartilage to give your nose a more even look.
Deviated Septum
Another way to benefit from rhinoplasty is by having a deviated septum corrected. People with deviated septums often struggle with labored breathing or sleep disorders because their septum strays off to one side. Rhinoplasty procedures can correct this and improve respiration both while awake and asleep.
Should You Get a Rhinoplasty?
You may benefit from a rhinoplasty procedure if you have a deviated septum, large nasal hump, or downturned tip. However, the only way to find out whether such a procedure is right for you is by consulting with a plastic surgeon, who can assess your nasal structure and develop a unique treatment plan that addresses any imperfections.
Is Rhinoplasty Permanent or Do I Have to Repeat the Process Annually?
Rhinoplasty is a type of surgery that changes the shape and structure of your nose. If you dislike the appearance of your nose or you have medical problems with your natural anatomy, rhinoplasty could be a solution.
Many rhinoplasty candidates wonder whether their results will be permanent. Here’s what you should know about getting a nose job.
How Rhinoplasty Works
During rhinoplasty surgery, your surgeon alters the position, size, and shape of various pieces of tissue and cartilage in your nose. There are also different types of rhinoplasty.
For instance, open rhinoplasty involves opening up your nose from the outside to reposition internal structures. Closed rhinoplasty, by contrast, is nearly invisible after surgery; the surgeons operate internally without opening up the outside of your nose.
The type and method of your procedure will depend on your desired aesthetic, current nose structure, and breathing problems. Your surgeon will determine the best approach for you with these factors in mind.
Why Patients Get Rhinoplasty
There are numerous reasons patients may decide to get nose jobs. Some reasons are personal and cosmetic, while others are related to breathing and the function of the nose.
Patients with very large, bulbous, or bumpy noses may not like the way their noses affect the appearance of their faces. The current beauty standard involves slender, even, and proportionally small noses.
Other patients may have deviated septums, which cause trouble breathing. In these cases, the center cartilage in their noses may be off-center and interfere with airflow. Breathing problems can be frustrating and, in some instances, unhealthy over long periods of time.
Are Results Permanent?
No matter what your reasons for getting rhinoplasty are, you probably want to know: are results long-lasting? The short answer is yes. Unless you are unhappy with your rhinoplasty results after your nose fully heals, your results will be permanent. Repeat surgeries are not required to maintain your new nose.
Some patients choose to undergo rhinoplasty revision, where a new surgeon will correct the work of a previous surgeon. This is only done in extreme cases, though, including trauma to the nose.
The recovery process does require the use of stents and other fixtures, but these are temporary. Once your nose has healed, your results are there to stay.
Will I Like My Results?
According to research, chances are that you will indeed like your results. Between 80 and 90 percent of rhinoplasty patients are satisfied with the appearance of their noses after surgery.
Cosmetic surgeons undergo a lot of training to practice their craft. When you go in for nose surgery, you can trust that your surgeon knows what they are doing. They have likely delivered satisfactory results to hundreds, if not thousands, of patients before you.
Prepare for Rhinoplasty: Realistic Expectations
Remember that nose jobs can be great confidence boosters, and they look different on everyone. So make sure to come in with realistic expectations to ensure the best experience. If you’re looking to change the appearance or function of your nose, rhinoplasty could be an option for you.
5 Examples of the Positive Effects of Rhinoplasty
One of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures is rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty surgery aims to improve the appearance of the nose by removing or repositioning the bones and cartilage.
While many people look at rhinoplasty as a strictly aesthetic procedure, it can actually offer a wide variety of benefits. The following are just five examples of the positive effects you can experience after rhinoplasty surgery:
1. Enhanced Appearance
The most common reason that people seek rhinoplasty is to enhance their appearance. Many people are unhappy with the way that their nose looks due to any of the following factors:
Asymmetry
Prominent nasal bump
Abnormal nostril size
Crooked nasal bridge
Unbalanced nasal width
The biggest benefit of rhinoplasty is that it can resolve these concerns and more. During your rhinoplasty, the cartilage and bones within your nose will be altered to enhance the nasal structure. This creates a more appealing nose shape that flatters your overall facial structure.
2. Easier Breathing
Rhinoplasty is generally thought of as a cosmetic procedure, but for some patients, it can provide health benefits like better breathing. This is often the case for people who have a deviated septum.
A deviated septum is a common malformation of the nasal structure that causes the thin wall between your nostrils to deviate to one side or the other. This can impact your breathing and cause chronic congestion. Rhinoplasty surgery can straighten the septum and help you breathe easier.
3. Better Sleep
Another positive effect of rhinoplasty is improved sleep. This is especially true for people who have a deviated septum or small nostrils. A rhinoplasty can straighten your septum or enlarge the opening of your nostrils to allow for easier breathing when you sleep. This could resolve certain cases of sleep apnea or disordered sleep breathing.
4. More Confidence
A major positive outcome of rhinoplasty is the boost in confidence that patients feel afterward. When you have aesthetic concerns like asymmetry, enlarged nostrils, or a pronounced nasal bump, you may suffer from low self-esteem or feel self-conscious.
Rhinoplasty can successfully correct these issues and provide a boost in self-esteem and give you more confidence in your appearance. In fact, many people report that they feel more comfortable having their photograph taken after their rhinoplasty procedure because they are proud of how good they look.
5. A Younger Look
One of the more overlooked benefits of rhinoplasty is that it can produce a more youthful appearance. Some nasal concerns or abnormalities can give your face an aged appearance. These include a large nasal hump on the bridge or an elongated nasal tip.
Rhinoplasty can address these issues and create a younger-looking nasal structure that enhances your overall appearance. Elevating the nasal tip and reducing the bridge may be necessary to achieve this goal.
Experience Rhinoplasty for Yourself
When you struggle with common concerns like an enlarged bridge or pronounced bump, you may benefit from a rhinoplasty procedure. From increased confidence to smoother breathing, rhinoplasty can provide a wide array of positive effects that improve your quality of life.
How Will Rhinoplasty Help Me Be Less Self-Conscious?
Feeling self-conscious about the size or shape of your nose can inhibit you from enjoying life to the fullest. A rhinoplasty, also called a “nose job,” can help restore your confidence. The surgery may not make all of your self-doubts disappear, but it is a highly effective procedure that can help you meet your aesthetic goals.
What Can Rhinoplasty Do?
Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. Some people get rhinoplasty to correct breathing issues, and others opt to have surgery to change their looks.
There are limits to how much rhinoplasty can change your nose, and a skilled surgeon understands those limits. The final result of rhinoplasty surgery depends on several factors, including the condition of your skin, the size of your nose, and your age.
In many cases, rhinoplasty can:
Straighten the septum (the interior part of the nose that separates the nostrils)
Alter the shape of the tip of the nose
Alter the shape of the nostrils
Increase or reduce overall nose size
Change the bridge of the nose
Whether you are unhappy with the look of your nose because of an injury or because you find its natural appearance unappealing in some way, rhinoplasty may offer the solutions you are looking for.
Can Rhinoplasty Improve Confidence?
Unfortunately, the pressure to look a certain way has never been more intense. Learning that self-confidence is not based on physical looks is an important lesson everyone could benefit from. However, it is completely possible to feel confident on the inside and still be unhappy with the way your nose looks.
If a person is aware of the limits of rhinoplasty and is realistic about possible changes, rhinoplasty can help them feel less self-conscious. A study by the American Psychological Association found that cosmetic surgery patients with reasonable expectations for their rhinoplasties felt less anxious, were healthier, and had more self-esteem post-surgery.
Getting elective cosmetic surgery of any kind is a personal decision. Some patients have a history of being bullied for their looks, while others simply don’t feel the size or shape of their nose fits their face well.
A positive outcome begins with an in-depth consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon. Any surgeon who promises miracles, drastic changes, or “bargain” surgeries should probably be avoided.
Is Rhinoplasty Right for You?
Rhinoplasty can level the playing field for some people, especially those on career paths where “good looks” are considered to be a priority. The surgery won’t address underlying emotional difficulties, but if your self-consciousness stems from your nose’s appearance alone, a rhinoplasty could help you feel more confident.
The best rhinoplasty results are those that look natural and barely noticeable. You will notice that the unwanted hump on your nose is smaller or a long nose tip is now shorter, but most people will only notice that your nose looks natural and in proportion to your face. Not being noticed for your nose may be the biggest confidence booster of all.
Will Rhinoplasty Help Me Get More Rest at Night?
Struggles with nasal breathing are a clear contributor to insomnia and sleep disturbances. Those with a deviated septum, nasal obstruction, or other structural abnormalities in the nose may not be able to breathe easily, which could affect their ability to eat, sleep, and exercise normally.
Rhinoplasty offers the opportunity to resolve nasal obstructions and other concerns that may affect your quality of life.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Often referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty changes the shape and structure of the patient’s nose.
While cosmetic rhinoplasty is an aesthetic operation that aims to restore balance to the face and improve the overall shape of the nose, functional rhinoplasty focuses on shaping the interior nasal passages and improving breathing.
What Medical Concerns Does Functional Rhinoplasty Fix?
Those seeking functional rhinoplasty often have nasal passages that may be too narrow, crooked, or misaligned. While some patients suffer from these concerns from birth onward, others develop misalignment or narrowing of their septum due to trauma.
When patients undergo a functional rhinoplasty solely to straighten the septum, the procedure is also called septoplasty.
Another form of functional rhinoplasty is a turbinate reduction. Those with chronic allergies and sinus infections may experience swelling and enlargement of their turbinates. Enlarged turbinates can restrict airflow in the nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose.
Functional Rhinoplasty and Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs as a result of restricted airways during sleep and causes snoring, fatigue, and breathing pauses. Those with chronic nasal congestion are much more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea due to narrow nasal passages.
While the most common treatment for sleep apnea is using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine while sleeping, sleep apnea rhinoplasty is an effective solution for patients with nasal structural abnormalities. For the right candidate, sleep apnea rhinoplasty is more effective than a CPAP for reducing sleep apnea.
Can Rhinoplasty Improve My Sleep if I Don’t Have Sleep Apnea?
If you commonly experience nighttime nasal congestion, sinus infections, sinus pressure headaches, and snoring, clearing your nasal passages through rhinoplasty can alleviate your symptoms and prevent them from progressing into sleep apnea.
Snoring is a common symptom of poor breathing while you sleep, so those who snore regularly and loudly should seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine whether they have a nasal obstruction.
While there are numerous causes of nighttime breathing issues, a functional rhinoplasty offers an effective solution for people who experience poor sleep because of nasal obstruction.
Can Functional Rhinoplasty Change the Shape of My Nose?
Every rhinoplasty is customized to the individual needs of the patient. A surgeon can tailor functional rhinoplasty to address your specific obstruction type and ultimate aesthetic goals.
Many patients choose to enhance their nose’s function and form in one procedure. A qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon can improve your facial balance and enhance your appearance by combining cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty into one surgery.
The benefits of rhinoplasty extend beyond aesthetics. For those suffering from decreased nasal airflow, functional rhinoplasty can improve their quality of life.
Rhinoplasty Can Improve Your Nasal Breathing
Rhinoplasties are often done to reach a patient’s aesthetic goals. However, rhinoplasty surgery can also achieve much more, as it can permanently help rid patients of breathing troubles.
What Is a Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a procedure that changes the appearance and function of the nose. A rhinoplasty surgery can accomplish any of the following:
Reshaping the nose overall
Reducing or widening the nostrils
Removing humps or bumps on the bridge of the nose
Improving the tip of the nose
Making the nose more symmetrical
Along with aesthetic improvements, rhinoplasty surgery is also an excellent option for patients suffering from breathing issues.
A Rhinoplasty Can Improve More than Just the Look of Your Nose
Rhinoplasty surgery is often the best option for patients looking to better the function of their nose and breath easier. Millions of individuals suffer from breathing problems caused by complications with the nose that could be addressed with a rhinoplasty procedure.
The most common cause of breathing issues is a structural abnormality in the nose. Among these abnormalities, a deviated septum is on top of the list.
The septum is a piece of cartilage in the nose that separates the nose into two chambers. When the septum is centered, air flows easily on both sides. When the septum is uncentered or deviated, it can cause substantial breathing problems.
A slight deviation in the septum is normal and usually causes no trouble. However, when the deviation in the septum is more significant, it can result in breathing difficulties which could, in turn, lead to other subsequent health issues.
Symptoms Caused by Nasal Breathing Problems
If you have an issue with breathing through your nose, you may experience the following symptoms:
Trouble breathing through one or both nostrils
Persistent nasal congestion
Nasal pressure
Facial pressure or pain
Headaches
Sinus infections
Nose bleeds
Trouble sleeping
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be an indication that something may be amiss structurally with your nose. A consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon can provide answers, including whether rhinoplasty could help correct your nasal breathing difficulties.
How Can a Rhinoplasty Fix Issues with Nasal Breathing?
During your rhinoplasty surgery, your plastic surgeon will target the cause of your breathing issues. Because many nasal issues can cause trouble with breathing, the details of your surgery depend on your surgical plan.
For example, if your issue is a deviated septum, your surgeon will go in and correct the deviation. On the other hand, if your breathing problems stem from a narrow nasal bridge, your surgeon will go in and widen the bridge to promote better breathing.
After your rhinoplasty surgery and initial recovery, you should be able to feel better and breathe much easier than you did before.
Consider Rhinoplasty Surgery to Improve Your Nasal Breathing
If you’ve been experiencing trouble breathing, you may have surgical options. Seek the medical advice of an experienced plastic surgeon to determine whether a rhinoplasty may be right for you.