Deciding whether to get rhinoplasty is a personal choice that can be made for many reasons. The procedure can reshape your nose to better complement the rest of your face, boost self-confidence, and improve your overall well being. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of rhinoplasty, who is a good candidate for the procedure, what to expect during rhinoplasty recovery, and how our rhinoplasty doctors can help you achieve the results you want.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is one of the most common cosmetic surgeries performed in the US each year. It’s used to reshape a person’s nose and can address structural issues that cause breathing problems, repair damage from injury, and improve the appearance of the nose by refining its size, shape, or symmetry.
Why Do People Get Rhinoplasty?
There are many reasons why people may choose to get rhinoplasty. Typically, these can be divided into two main categories: cosmetic and functional.
No matter whether a person is seeking rhinoplasty for aesthetic or health-related concerns, the procedure can help people look and feel their best.
Cosmetic Reasons
Many people choose to get rhinoplasty to improve the shape, size, or symmetry of their nose. Rhinoplasty can also address specific concerns such as a hump on the bridge, a bulbous tip, or a crooked nose.
Functional Reasons
Structural issues like a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or collapsed nasal passages can obstruct airflow, and rhinoplasty can be used to correct these problems. Additionally, rhinoplasty can be performed to restore the nose’s appearance and function after trauma, such as after someone suffers a fracture.
What are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?
There are many benefits of rhinoplasty. Here, we cover a few of the main benefits our patients can expect when undergoing rhinoplasty at the Center for Cosmetic & Laser Surgery.
Improved Appearance
Rhinoplasty can give you a more balanced profile by improving the shape of your nose. This may include reducing a prominent hump, refining the tip, or straightening a crooked nose. Many people have a significant boost in confidence as a result.
Better Breathing
Functional rhinoplasty can correct structural issues such as a deviated septum, nasal polyps, or other blockages that affect airflow. This leads to improved nasal breathing and can reduce issues like snoring or chronic congestion.
Restoration After Injury
Nasal fractures are one of the most common types of broken bones. If you’ve suffered an injury to the face and your nose broke as a result, rhinoplasty can be used to repair the damage.
Improved Proportions
For some, the nose may be disproportionately large or small compared to the rest of their face. Rhinoplasty can adjust the size and shape of your nose to better match your overall facial structure.
Long-Lasting Results
One of the main rhinoplasty benefits is that it only needs to be performed once. The results of rhinoplasty are permanent and will last for the rest of your life.
Increased Self-Confidence
One of the main reasons people undergo rhinoplasty is because they are unhappy with the way their nose looks. Rhinoplasty can improve the look of your nose and increase your self-confidence. According to studies, an overwhelming majority of people report increased happiness after undergoing rhinoplasty.
What to Expect During Rhinoplasty Recovery
After rhinoplasty, you can expect to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort that will gradually improve over time. Here, we cover a general timeline of what to expect during the recovery period.
Immediately After Surgery
After surgery, your surgeon may place splints inside your nose or on the outside to help support the nasal structure. These may remain for several days. Swelling around the nose and eyes is common, especially in the first few days. You may also experience bruising around the eyes, which typically peaks within 48 hours before beginning to subside.
Mild to moderate pain is normal, and your doctor will prescribe pain medication to manage it. You may also experience a stuffy nose or difficulty breathing through your nostrils during the initial recovery period. This will subside with time.
First Week
You’ll need to take it easy and avoid strenuous activity during the first week of rhinoplasty recovery. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work or school after about seven to 10 days, although the swelling and bruising may still be noticeable.
You’ll typically have a follow-up visit with your doctor within the first week to remove splints and check your healing progress.
While rhinoplasty can dramatically improve the appearance and function of your nose, it’s important to be patient during this time. Many people experience a range of emotions during the healing process, especially since the final results can take time to show.
Two to Four Weeks
While most swelling will decrease significantly within the first month, residual swelling can persist, especially around the nose and upper lip. This is normal and should improve over time.
You’ll need to avoid vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, and activities that could impact your nose, such as contact sports, for several weeks.
One to Three Months
The final results of rhinoplasty aren’t typically visible right away. Swelling continues to subside, and you’ll start to see a clearer shape of your nose as the healing progresses. During the one to three months post-surgery, most people are able to get a better idea of their new appearance.
Six Months to a Year
The nose will continue to refine in shape as the last bits of swelling resolve, especially in the tip area. You may be advised to avoid sun exposure to prevent pigmentation changes, and gentle care should be taken to avoid trauma to the nose until you are fully healed.
Learn More About Our Naperville, IL Rhinoplasty Doctors
Our experienced rhinoplasty doctors are here to help you achieve the nose you’ve always wanted. With a focus on personalized care, our specialists will guide you through every step of the process, from your initial consultation to post-surgery recovery.
Ready to learn more about rhinoplasty in Naperville, IL? Schedule your consultation with our qualified professionals today.
