Rhinoplasty, another word for a nasal procedure or nose job, has been around for centuries. It involves surgically restructuring and reshaping the bone and cartilage and soft tissue surrounding the nose. It first began as a plastic surgery effort after World War I, not for cosmetic reasons. While today there are people who alleviate medical issues such as deviated septums, the large majority of rhinoplasty patients are interested in the procedure for aesthetic reasons.
During a virtual consultation for rhinoplasty, patients can submit standard photos of the face from a frontal view, two side views, two oblique views, and one with the head tilted back. This virtual assessment permits a great deal of analysis on the part of a shrewd rhinoplasty surgeon. Prior to the surgery, the plastic surgeon may examine the inside and outside of the patient’s nose and evaluate several factors such as quality of breathing and bone structure. If the required procedure is mostly for cosmetic reasons the surgeon will ask the patient what they do not like about their nose and what they hope to gain from the outcome of the procedure. The possible risks are also addressed, as with any surgery involving anesthesia.
There are several steps involved on the day of the procedure. First, anesthesia is administered using general anesthesia. The actual procedure itself will either be closed or open – closed means that any incisions will be hidden inside the nose, while open means an incision is made at the columella or on the skin bridge between the nostrils. In either case, the skin envelope is elevated above the cartilage and bone. If reshaping is required, there might be some bone or cartilage removed or cartilage grafts might be added from the septum. If a deviated septum is the purpose of the surgery, the surgeon can remove the piece of the septal deflection that is obstructing the airway.
Once complete, the surgeon will gently lower the skin and tissue and close up the incision. If required, additional incisions alongside the nose may be used to alter nostril size, which are referred to as alar base surgeries. After surgery, the patient should keep the elevated. Mild pain is expected during the recovery time, but this pain resolves quickly. There is typically some bruising and swelling, especially underneath the eyes. There will be some nominal bloody discharge as well. For this reason, a gauze is temporarily placed under the nose during the healing phase. Nasal stuffiness and sore throat are also typical symptoms after a procedure.
Dr. Kenneth Hughes in Los Angeles has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures and can achieve a natural and significant result.