Rhinoplasty, or surgery of the nose (nose job as it is commonly called), is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures performed on males.
As a result of contact sports, many men seek straightening of a previously broken nose, whilst others simply don’t like the size or shape of their nose.
There are many simple and subtle changes that can be made to the nose to give a more aesthetically pleasing effect.
What Can Rhinoplasty Do For Me?
Rhinoplasty can be used to:
reduce the length of the nose by removing cartilage
increase the length of your nose by adding cartilage grafts
remove humps or bumps
straighten a crooked nose
lift the tip of the nose
narrow or widen the bridge of the nose
reduce nasal flare or the size of the nostrils,
lengthen you upper lip
correct a birth defect or injury
help to relieve some breathing problems by opening the airways
Rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and self confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are males who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. You need to be realistic and understand that we can refine the features you have, but we cannot give you someone else’s nose, or take a very large nose and create a very small nose.
Rhinoplasty is ideal if you’re physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations.
When rhinoplasty is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anaesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following your surgeon’s instructions both before and after surgery.
After surgery, small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin’s surface; these are usually minor but may be permanent. As for scarring, when rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring at all. When an “open” technique is used, or when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils, the small scars on the base of the nose are usually not visible.
In about one case out of twenty, a second procedure may be required, for example, to correct a minor deformity. Such cases are unpredictable. Even plastic surgeons who only perform rhinoplasty, describe this 5% rate of secondary rhinoplasty. The corrective surgery is usually minor.
Good communication between you and your plastic surgeon is essential.
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will ask what you’d like your nose to look like, evaluate the structure of your nose and face, and discuss the possibilities with you.
He will also explain the factors that can influence the procedure and the results. These factors include
the structure of your nasal bones and the cartilagethe shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and
your expectations.
If you have previously broken your nose, have breathing problems through your nose or if you have a marked developmental abnormality, Medicare and your health fund may contribute towards your surgery.
Be sure to tell your surgeon if you’ve had any previous nose surgery or an injury to your nose, even if it was many years ago. You should also inform him if you have any allergies or breathing difficulties, if you’re taking any medications, vitamins, or recreational drugs and if you smoke.
Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
Dr McGovern performs rhinoplasty at both the Sunshine Coast Day Surgery and the Sunshine Coast Private Hospital as a day procedure. Your anaesthetist will choose general anaesthesia for this procedure. With general anaesthesia, you’ll sleep through the operation, and this will be the most comfortable option generally.
Rhinoplasty usually takes an about an hour, though complicated procedures may take longer. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting frame work of bone and cartilage, which is then sculptured to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem. Finally the skin is reshaped over the new frame work and absorbable sutures will secure the healing skin.
Many rhinoplasty operations, are performed from within the nose, making their incision inside the nostrils. Others require an “open” procedure, especially in more complicated cases – a small incision is made across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils.
When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape, this will stay in place for five to six days, and will be removed at your first post-operative visit. Nasal packs will be placed in your nostrils to stem any post-surgical bleeding, these will be removed before you leave the hospital.
After surgery, particularly during the first twenty-four hours, your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. Most men say that it feels like they have a head cold. You can control any discomfort with pain medication prescribed, but typically there is little pain.
To avoid swelling and bruising we will ask that you keep upright as much as possible in the first few days following surgery. Applying cold compresses will help to reduce swelling. (Some subtle swelling unnoticeable to anyone but you and your surgeon will remain for several months).
We will also give you Arnica to help reduce bruising. This is commenced the day prior to surgery and continued for 5 days following surgery.
A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Your surgeon will ask you not to blow your nose forcefully for a few weeks.
We ask that you refrain from any activity that will increase your blood pressure for two weeks. Your surgeon will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities, and can give you a medical certificate for work.
Avoid activities such as jogging, swimming, bending and lifting. Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned, for eight weeks. Be gentle when washing your face and hair.
You can wear contact lenses as soon as you feel like it but sunglasses must be worn with care. Once the splint is off, only very light glasses can be worn.
Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits in the months following surgery to check on the progress of your healing. If you have any unusual symptoms between visits, or any questions about what you can and can’t do, don’t hesitate to call our experienced staff.
In the meantime, you might experience some unexpected reactions from family and friends. Many guys are disappointed following Rhinoplasty as they expect people to comment on the fact that they have had their nose “done” .
Do expect comments on how good you look, but generally your surgery will not be the topic of conversation. Family members however, may be resentful, especially if you’ve changed something they view as a family or ethnic trait. If that happens, try to keep in mind why you decided to have this surgery in the first place.
If you’ve met your goals, then your surgery is a success.
If you have further questions, write them down and ask your surgeon and his highly trained staff at your consultation.
If you would like more information on Rhinoplasty, please call our free-call number 18000 80001 and make an appointment for a free consultation with one of our very experienced nurses.
