Do you ever feel like the size or shape of your nose is out of proportion with the rest of your face? Does your nose tilt or lean in one direction, or are there certain aspects of it that seem oversized or oddly shaped? Or do you have difficulties breathing freely through your nose, and dream of being able to breathe more easily? If any of these sounds like something you’ve experienced, you should consider rhinoplasty as the perfect way to get the nose you’ve always wanted. Boulder Plastic Surgery in Boulder, CO is the best place to invest in your new, symmetrical, nose.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Long Does a Rhinoplasty Procedure Take?
Each nose is unique and therefore requires a unique approach when getting a nose job. Most nose jobs take about 1.5 to 3 hours, although they can last longer than this if more extensive work is needed. After your nose job is complete, you’ll rest in a recovery room before being sent home to continue the healing process.
2. Who Is a Good Candidate for a Rhinoplasty?
Nose jobs can be an effective way for anyone to improve their breathing, appearance, or both. Patients who are good candidates for this procedure are mostly healthy and don’t have any serious medical conditions or illnesses. Good candidates either do not smoke cigarettes or are capable of stopping for long periods of time. This is essential, as cigarettes can complicate healing. Lastly, good candidates have realistic goals and expectations for their nose job.
3. Why Do People Choose to Get Nose Jobs?
There are many different reasons why someone might consider getting a nose job. Some individuals choose to get this procedure for purely aesthetic reasons, while others invest in a nose job for completely medical reasons. However, form and function in the human body are closely intertwined, and it’s possible that an irregularity in the shape of the patient’s nose is also responsible for the difficulty in breathing.
Functional Nose Job
If you are looking to get a nose job because of difficulties breathing, or with the function of your nose, you are seeking a functional nose job. Some common problems that cause patients to seek functional nose jobs are nasal passages that are too narrow or a deviation in the line of cartilage known as the septum. Deviated septums can develop naturally, or they can occur after physical trauma.
Chronic allergies or sinus infections, as well as changes due to hormones, can also be a reason to seek a functional nose job. These can cause a structure within the nose, called the turbinates or nasal conchae, to become enlarged. The swollen structures can block nasal airflow.
Because functional nose jobs work to improve breathing, they can be done at a younger age than cosmetic nose jobs.
Cosmetic Nose Job
One of the most common reasons people choose to get cosmetic nose jobs is because of an asymmetry that they feel draws too much attention. Your nose might lean or point too far one way or have a strange tilt or a large bump. You might have overly large nostrils, or the tip of your nose might be upturned or bulbous.
Most people who feel that their nose is “too large” can narrow down one or two features in particular that feel out of proportion. By adjusting this feature or two, the whole nose appears to be better balanced.
Cosmetic nose jobs should be done after the nasal bone is fully grown. This generally happens at around age 15 for girls, and a bit later for boys.
4. How Is the Rhinoplasty Procedure Done?
Depending on how much work needs to be done on your nose, you and your plastic surgeon can opt for either an endonasal or external approach to a nose job. The endonasal approach is also called the closed approach, while the external approach is also known as the open approach.
Endonasal Approach
The closed approach is aptly named because all of the incisions are made within the nostrils, keeping the nose “closed” throughout the procedure. Parallel incisions encircle about half of the inner nostril lining, and because all the incisions are made within the nostrils, they are invisible from the outside.
External Approach
An open approach to a nose job allows the plastic surgeon full access to the underlying structure of the nose, and thus far more ability to make changes. Like in the closed approach, your surgeon makes semicircular incisions inside both nostrils. Then, your surgeon makes what is called a trans-columellar incision, across the column of cartilage that separates your two nostrils, and connects the two incisions.
This allows the skin of your nose to be pushed up, giving your surgeon complete access to the bone and cartilage of the nose. This allows your surgeon the ability to make large structural changes. If your new nose needs a small amount of additional cartilage, your surgeon may remove some from your ear or deep within your nose to be grafted on. The best part is that although an incision is made on the outside of your nose, it generally heals to become virtually invisible.
5. How Do I Prepare for My Nose Job?
The first step to getting your perfect nose is to schedule a consultation with Boulder Plastic Surgery.
Discussion of Medical HIstory
When you have a consultation with your surgeon, they will ask you about your medical history and any medical issues you currently have or have had in the past. You’ll want to tell your doctor about any medication you take, including any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications, supplements, vitamins, and herbs.
While having medical conditions doesn’t automatically mean you won’t be a good candidate for this surgery, it’s important to be as honest as possible so your doctor can understand the quality of your health and determine if a nose job is the right choice for you at the moment.
Physical Exam
Your surgeon will perform a physical exam to ensure that you are healthy and ready for the procedure. They may order blood tests or other lab samples to confirm your health. They will perform an examination of your nose, paying special attention to the skin on the inside and outside of it.
Discussion of Rhinoplasty Expectations
Your doctor will ask you about what you are looking for in a nose job. Are you seeking a nose job because of how your nose looks, how it works, or both? Your consultation will give you an opportunity to let your doctor know exactly what results you are looking for with your nose job.
It can be difficult to talk about your insecurities, but know that you are in good hands with Boulder Plastic Surgery and our physicians are here to help give you confidence where you once felt self-conscious.
Discussion of Other Cosmetic Procedures
If you’re interested in a nose job, there might be other cosmetic treatments or procedures from which you would benefit. And if you’re having a nose job, you can easily have another procedure, like a chin augmentation or eye lift, at the same time. Or if you’re interested in Botox, fillers, or other injectables, this is the perfect time to ask your doctor about these possibilities.
Photographing Your Nose
Part of your consultation will include taking photographs of your nose from various angles. These pictures may be used as a reference during the procedure and will be used to assess the long-term results of your nose job.
Preparing Your Body
For about two weeks before your surgery, you should avoid painkillers that contain ibuprofen or aspirin. This is because these medications can make your blood clot more slowly. Your doctor will let you know which medications, vitamins, and supplements should be stopped prior to surgery.
If you do smoke cigarettes, it is essential that you stop several weeks before your nose job as they slow the recovery process. Nicotine restricts your blood vessels, which allows less blood (and therefore oxygen and other nutrients) to get through to the tissues and help them heal.
6. How Do I Care for Myself After My Nose Job?
On the day of your surgery, it’s important that you have someone available to drive you home and stay the night with you, as you will be groggy from anesthesia. After the surgery, your doctor may place a plastic or metal splint on your nose to help your nose retain its new shape as it heals. You may also have nasal packs or splints in the inside of your nose, helping to keep your septum stable. After your surgery is finished, you will rest for a few hours to ensure all is well and then be sent home.
As you heal and recover at home, you will want to rest with your head elevated above your chest to encourage healing. You should leave whatever splints and dressings you have on for up to a week after surgery. Your doctor will give you more specific instructions after surgery.
In the Weeks After Surgery
For the weeks following your nose job, you should avoid doing anything too strenuous. Don’t go running or do any other intense exercise. Don’t go swimming as being under the water can damage your healing nose. Try not to blow your nose, chew excessively, or brush your teeth vigorously, as these can put undue stress on your nose.
As much as you can, avoid laughing, smiling, or other facial expressions that require lots of movement of the facial muscles. Wear shirts that you can button up and don’t have to pull over your head, as this can cause accidental injury to your nose. Lastly, don’t rest eyeglasses or sunglasses on your nose.
You’ll want to avoid the sun as much as possible after your surgery, as too much sun exposure can cause discoloration on your nasal skin. If you take care of yourself, you should be able to return to your regular work or school schedule in about a week.
Talk to Us to Learn More
There are many reasons people choose to get nose jobs. Maybe you’re tired of feeling like your nose is out of proportion or asymmetrical and you’re tired of feeling like everyone’s eyes are on you. Maybe you just want your nose to be straight after a lifetime of yearning for it. Perhaps you’re tired of your deviated septum not just making your nose crooked, but impairing your ability to breathe.
Whatever your reason for wanting rhinoplasty, it’s valid. It’s time that you get the nose you deserve. For any further questions about rhinoplasty, or to schedule a consultation, reach out to us at Boulder Plastic Surgery, in Boulder, CO.