How you feel about yourself is a significant determinant of your self-confidence, essential in everyday life. Among the most common reasons people consider cosmetic surgery is the desire to improve the appearance of their nose. Though a minor feature, the nose is located in the center of your face and significantly affects your appearance. If you want to achieve a more symmetrical nose or reduce the size of your nose or nostrils, a consultation with your Houston, TX, facial plastic surgeon should be the first step to ensure a proper nose job.
What is a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can change the shape of your nose for aesthetic reasons or improve breathing in some patients with obstructed airways. The airways can be partially blocked as a result of a deviated septum. During a nose job, your surgeon may change the skin, cartilage, and bone in your nose, or all three. For this reason, when looking for options for a Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, or elsewhere, make sure to prioritize one with vast experience and a proven track record. Furthermore, having an open conversation with your surgeon can be important to ensure the procedure aligns with your treatment goals and delivers the desired outcome. Here are some of the nasal imperfections that rhinoplasty can improve, after consulting with your surgeon.
- Visible humps and depressions on the nasal bridge
- A hooked, upturned, or bulbous nose tip
- Wide nostrils
- The nose size – a nose with extended width
Possible risks for rhinoplasty
In most cases, patients are informed of the risks of the procedure during an initial consultation. Some of the risks associated with rhinoplasty include:
- Septal perforation
- Bleeding
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Infection
- Scarring
- Need for revision surgery
- Permanent numbness around your nose
How to prepare for rhinoplasty
Like any other major surgery, the initial consultation is necessary to determine whether you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty. Discuss the possible risks of the procedure and what you want to achieve with your doctor. This might require you to choose a reputable plastic surgery clinic (if interested, you might want to have a look at Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery – Rhinoplasty) with experienced surgeons that can ensure that you get the proper consultation you need. While reviewing your medical history, your doctor may inquire about your motivation for surgery. Your doctor will also inform you what the surgery can and cannot do to manage your expectations. A physical examination is also necessary to determine factors such as the strength of the cartilage and skin thickness which may affect the outcome. Patients who have had rhinoplasty in the last year or less may not be eligible for this procedure. After a go-ahead from your specialist, you will need to observe specific measures as you await surgery, including:
- Avoid medications such as Aspirin and Coumadin due to their blood-thinning effects, which increase your chances of bleeding during surgery.
- Stop taking alcohol at least a week before surgery, as it may weaken your immune system and dehydrate your body. Alcohol may also interfere with your recovery process.
- Avoid applying topical or medicated creams on your face that contain benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic acid, and Retin-A.
- Do not smoke cigarettes at least a week before surgery, as smoking may cause undesirable results and slow down the recovery process.
- Avoid basking under the sun for prolonged hours because the ultraviolet rays will damage your skin and complicate healing.
The decision to follow through with rhinoplasty can be challenging for most people. If you have any uncertainties about this surgical procedure, visit your Yeung Institute’s plastic surgeon for consultation.