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What is Rhinoplasty, and the Recovery Time After Nose Job Surgery

In Canada, about 223,018 rhinoplasty procedures are performed each year.

After breast augmentation and liposuction, rhinoplasty is the third most common procedure in Canada. Getting a cosmetic procedure done is something that can restore your self-confidence and bring out your full potential.

If you have been thinking about getting a nose job and want to know the basic facts, you came to the right place.

Read on to learn more.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also commonly known as a “nose job,” and it’s a surgical procedure responsible for shaping the nose. Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck surgeons and board-certified Facial Plastic/Cosmetic Surgeons will perform this procedure to improve the appearance of the nose, such as correcting a bump or a hook and the breathing structural function.

They will often need to correct a structural issue like correcting a deviated septum if it’s difficult for the patient to breathe.

As the wall dividing the two nostrils, a septum is made up of cartilage and bone. The septum should be perfectly straight to separate both sides of the nostril equally. A deviated septum can cause many breathing problems.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

The ideal rhinoplasty candidate will have an issue with their nose they need correcting, such as a birth defect, injury, breathing, structural, or the nose looks imbalanced compared to the proportions of the face. Otolaryngologist – Head and Neck Surgeons specialize  in the repair of the nose which includes breathing and structural issues.

It’s also crucial the patient has set realistic expectations about what the end result will look like.

What Is the Recovery Time?

After your rhinoplasty procedure, you can expect the recovery to happen in a series of stages. Due to the swelling and nasal packing, you won’t be able to breathe through your nose for the first 24 hrs to 48 hours. Pain, swelling, bleeding, and discomfort will be expected, and your doctor will ask you to manage it with pain medication and applying a cold compress. This is usually manageable, and most patients remark that it was more uncomfortable than painful.

Your surgeon will remove the splint or cast about a week after surgery. Significant swelling will have dissipated two-three weeks after surgery. Swelling and bruising in most cases is gone by the 3rd week post recovery period.  Many people will see a significant decrease or minimal swelling after two months.

For some patients, it might take up to a year to see full results.

Risks of Rhinoplasty

Although getting a nose job is a common procedure, it doesn’t come without its risks. The most common risks of rhinoplasty include:

  • Nasal obstruction
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Septal perforation
  • Anesthesia complications

Are You Considering Rhinoplasty?

Now that you have a better understanding of what a nose job procedure entails, you’re ready to make the decision.

Undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure can help you bring your nose to its full potential, but it can also help you resolve common breathing issues. Of course, it’s also important to point out that no surgery comes without its risks.

Do you think you’re an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty? Contact C D Bakala MD  FRCSC to schedule a consultation today.  250 868 8056.

 

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