What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is the formal term for cosmetic surgery to improve the look of a person’s nose. It is, in fact, the fabled nose job. People seek rhinoplasty because they are unhappy with the look of their nose. It’s either too big, too small, too wide, too narrow, has a bump or other features they consider unattractive. Others have rhinoplasty because their nose has been injured, or they were born with a nasal deformity. Interestingly, many plastic surgeons find that their rhinoplasty patients aren’t breathing the way they should because of some structural defect in their nose that the patient didn’t even notice. Many rhinoplasties are done for both cosmetic and medical reasons at the same time.

The Consultation

As with any other surgery, the patient needs to have a consultation with their plastic surgeon to find out if they are a good candidate for the procedure and to let the doctor know what they want from the surgery. A person is a good candidate for a rhinoplasty if they’re in good overall health, and the bones in their face have stopped growing. This usually takes place when the person is a teenager.

The surgeon will give the patient instructions on how to prepare for the upcoming surgery. They include stopping smoking and not taking anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medications. The patient should also prepare their home for their recuperation and arrange to have someone drive them to and from the medical facility. They should also know that the surgery will be postponed if they come down with a cold or other condition that affects their upper respiratory system.

The Operation

Rhinoplasty is performed in our fully accredited AAAASF certified surgical facility. They and their doctor will have agreed to what sort of rhinoplasty surgery will be performed. The surgery can be an open procedure where the doctor makes an opening in the tissue between the nostrils or a closed procedure where the surgeon operates inside the nose. The closed operation may be attractive to patients because it does not leave a visible scar.

The Recovery

After the nose is reshaped, the surgeon seals the openings in the nose and adds splints and dressings. These are all usually removed after a week or so. The patient should be careful to follow the post-operative instructions of their surgeon and should see their new and improved nose within the year.

Call Us for More Information about Rhinoplasty

If you dislike the look of your nose, rhinoplasty may be a solution. To learn more, we warmly invite you to reach out and make an appointment with Salameh Plastic Surgery. At our convenient location in Bowling Green, KY, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option in greater detail and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!