Rhinoplasty is a type of surgery that changes the shape of the nose. This surgery aims to address issues with a patient nose’s aesthetic or functionality. Nose plastic surgery is one of the most common surgeries around the world. For instance, just in the United States, more than 200,000 procedures were performed in 2018, making it the third most practiced plastic surgery in the nation.
The surgery can transform or restore your appearance, so it is important to find an experienced professional who can deliver the results you are looking for. The Anne Arundel ENT team has provided rhinoplasty services for more than 15 years and continues to improve the process and recovery times with state-of-the-art equipment and a well-tuned process.
What to expect?
The first step is your consultation. Your doctor will begin with a consultation and physical examination to assess your health and goals. During this process, you will outline your health history and cosmetic goals in detail to provide your doctor with a better understanding of your case. If your doctor determines they can move forward with your surgery, they will develop a plan specific to you.
There are two main techniques used for Rhinoplasty. Closed procedure incisions are hidden inside the nose while open procedure incisions are made across the tissue that connects the tip of the nose to the base. The doctors of Anne Arundel ENT in Annapolis, MD will work with you closely to decide which procedure would be most appropriate to meet your needs.
Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure
Rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated surgical procedures in plastic surgery. The variety of techniques and how complex it is to achieve desired results make this process challenging. The anatomical variations of peoples’ faces contribute to the difficulty of sculpting the perceived perfect nose. This is why developing the right plan for your procedure prior to your operation is so crucial.
Who should not get a Rhinoplasty?
The motivation for rhinoplasty may be a combination of aesthetic and functional goals. However, doctors discourage patients who have certain lifestyles from having plastic surgery on their noses. Cases with the following characteristics are commonly advised against moving forward with this procedure:
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Patients with BDD show an excessive preoccupation with an imagined or minor defect in appearance which causes patients to have difficulties in socializing, and poor quality of life.
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Patients with this prevalent disease show repeated episodes of airway obstructions during sleep leading to a higher risk of surgical complications.
- Cocaine Abuse: These patients are also more likely to have postoperative complications because of the effects drugs have on their noses.
- Tobacco Smoking: Patients should be encouraged to quit prior to the surgery because of other harmful effects.
- Bleeding Disorders: Impaired coagulation may cause further surgical complications.
Complications
It is important that you release any important medical history to your doctor prior to your procedure. Withholding any vital information can lead to complications during the procedure or afterward during your recovery. Although the risk for major complications is low, aesthetic complications will result in less-than-ideal appearance or difficulty in function. If you have a pre-existing condition that will affect the procedure, your doctor will provide all of the information regarding risk, alternatives, and outcome expectations. Our team takes pride in our patient-centric approach. Together, you and your team can provide the results you want safely and efficiently.
The Recovery Process
The recovery process is different for each person. However, patients should be ready for some bruising and swelling around the eyes and nose for some weeks. If you have pain or discomfort that is more than expected, you may be prescribed pain medication and nasal splints to support the nose until symptoms subside.
Even when you feel 100% recovered, it is best practice to protect your newly restored nose. Doctors often recommend avoiding risky sports for 1 year and we will provide guidelines for the process of going back to the gym with minimal restrictions.
