The Nose Job, the Procedure (and Why They Call it Rhinoplasty)
Posted January 17, 2017 in Plastic Surgery, Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
Sometime around 1845, the word Rhinoplasty was introduced to our lexicon. While it is perhaps not the most complimentary-sounding word, the results that the procedure delivers certainly are. Rhinoplasty is the proper term for what most of us simply know as a ‘nose job’. (So we understand the word “Rhinoplasty,” and not be offended by what could be misconstrued as a process to reshape a misshapen a nose; the actual word is Greek in root—rhis=nose, and plassein=to shape. That is comforting to realize, if one didn’t know what the word Rhinoplasty really represented.)
The Rhinoplasty procedure is among the five most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. By sculpting the cartilage and bone of the nose, surgeons give patients a new look and renewed self-confidence. Rhinoplasty restores balance to facial features by changing the size and shape of the nose and can simultaneously mitigate nasal structural problems, including respiratory impairment.
Patients considering this type of reconstructive surgery often have noses that are disproportionately large for their faces, flared or pinched nostrils, crooked or asymmetrical noses or protruding bridges. Whether the complaint is about a bump, a hump or a ski jump, men and women who are displeased with the size and shape of their nose can have almost any characteristic corrected by a reputable, board-certified surgeon.
What to Expect
Depending on the goals of the procedure, Rhinoplasty operation complexity varies significantly. Accordingly, levels of discomfort and recovery time do as well. A patient should anticipate at least 8 weeks for a full recovery and should plan to take 2 weeks off from work at the minimum. A ride home from the procedure is a must and having a care taker at home for at least a couple of days after the procedure is advisable.
Chewing can be uncomfortable after the procedure, so soft foods are recommended. As with any surgery, it is advisable to abstain from alcohol and tobacco use before and after the operation. Patients should be well rested, in good health and mentally prepared for the amazing transformation they are about to undergo.
How About Pain?
Because Rhinoplasty entails reshaping bone and cartilage in the nose, significant discomfort is to be expected afterwards. And because pain is a big concern for those considering rhinoplasty, we want to spend some time on the topic:
There’s really no getting around some of the post-operative discomfort patients feel. The face is an extremely sensitive part of the body by design, so neurons and pain receptors certainly let patients know that a significant alteration has occurred. The key to ensuring optimal aesthetic outcomes, accelerating recovery and minimizing pain lies with choosing the best surgeon. Think of dentistry: Twenty years ago, it was accepted that a trip to the dentist was going to be uncomfortable, if not downright painful. That’s no longer the case. In fact, reputable dentists today do everything they can to eliminate pain from standard practice. Comfort and pain avoidance are leading metrics by which they are evaluated and to which they owe their reputations. While sculpting bone in the septum and bridge of nose is different than polishing teeth or fitting a retainer, the same principals apply.
Dr. Talbott is an exemplary surgeon renowned for the personal care she brings to each consultation and procedure. She also has a reputation of being among the gentlest and detail-oriented professionals in her field. Much can be done during a surgery to minimize post-procedural discomfort and Dr. Talbott is an innovator in that respect. If you are considering rhinoplasty and would like to meet with a caring professional, call or click the Talbott Plastic Surgery Center of Reno to set up a consultation.
