Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, is the most common facial procedure for men and women in the U.S. According to statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 220,000 rhinoplasties are performed yearly. With so many individuals going through the procedure, you have to ask yourself: Is it really worth it? Today, we’re going to dive deep into the nose job so you can make the determination for yourself.
Why Do Some People Get Nose Jobs?
There are two different reasons why people opt for rhinoplasty. The first is for functional reasons. Because rhinoplasty can change the structural integrity of your nose, many individuals who have a problem with a deviated septum may undergo rhinoplasty to fix it in addition to changing their nose’s shape. Other individuals may seek out a rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons. During a cosmetic rhinoplasty, the structure of the nose does not affect its function, rather it focuses on the outward appearance of the nose. At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, a cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty can be done at the same time to fix both the appearance and function of the nose for ultimate results.
Can a Rhinoplasty Help Breathing Problems?
In short, yes. A common medical reason for rhinoplasty is difficulty breathing through the nose caused by a nasal obstruction. Your inability to breathe properly through your nose can start to interfere with your exercise, disturb your sleep, and even cause problems like snoring or sleep apnea. A functional rhinoplasty has the ability to change the structure of the bone and cartilage in the nose to improve your breathing.
How is a Nose Job Done?
At Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery, your rhinoplasty will be performed under twilight anesthesia without the use of intubation. Your rhinoplasty surgery is going to differ from everybody else’s as your nose and desired results are both as unique as your personality. In most cases, incisions are made inside the nose. On rare occasions, Dr. Garcia may need to make an incision in the crease at the bottom of the nose as well. Once your surgery is complete, your nose will be covered with tape and your recovery process will begin.
What Can I Expect During Recovery from Rhinoplasty?
Dr. Garcia doesn’t believe in packing the nose or placing gauze-like martial into the nose to absorb blood after your surgery. Instead, he uses absorbable sutures which will harmlessly dissolve into the body throughout your recovery. Most of the swelling inside and outside the nose will dissipate within the week following your surgery and most patients report being able to breathe through their nose just two or three days after their rhinoplasty. All splints and tape will be removed after just seven days, at which time you’ll be able to return to most of your normal daily activities. Typically, patients make a full recovery within two weeks.
Is a Nose Job Worth It?
If you’re unhappy with the appearance or function of your nose, rhinoplasty is absolutely worth it. Although it is a surgical procedure, it does not require the use of general anesthesia and the recovery period, being just two weeks, is relatively short. If you’re still trying to figure out if a nose job is right for you, come in for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Garcia. He’ll evaluate the inside and outside of your nose, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan for you based on your ultimate health and aesthetic goals.
Take a deep breath and call our office to schedule your consultation with Dr. Garcia today.
