A Rhinoplasty Can Boost Your Self-Confidence And Contentment With Your Appearance
Your nose has a prominent place on your face so when you don't like its appearance, your self-esteem suffers. Fortunately, a cosmetic surgeon can reshape your nose to make it smaller or give it a different shape. Here are some things to know about this type of operation.
A Rhinoplasty May Require General Anesthesia
The surgical procedures for reshaping your nose have varying degrees of complexity. You may need a cartilage or bone graft or you might need bone removed or reshaped. Surgery that is more complex may require general anesthesia and possibly an overnight stay in the clinic or hospital. Simple surgeries can often be done in your doctor's office or an outpatient clinic under local anesthesia and sedation.
The Final Results Take A Few Months To Be Seen
While you'll notice a change in the appearance of your nose right away, the final results take much longer to be seen. That's because there will be swelling that affects the appearance of your nose. You might also have numbness for several weeks. It could possibly take several months to completely recover from a rhinoplasty and for the final results of the surgery to show. However, the biggest changes are noticed right away and then gradual changes continue to take place as your nose heals from the operation.
The Initial Recovery Takes Several Days
Expect to take several days off from work when you have a rhinoplasty. Your doctor will advise you on downtime based on the complexity of the surgery you have. You'll probably wear a splint on your nose for several days and you could have facial swelling and bruising. There could be cotton packed in your nose to control bleeding. This will make your nose feel congested and even after the cotton is removed, your nose may still feel stuffy for a while due to the swelling of tissues in your nose. You'll need to limit your activity and avoid doing things like strenuous exercise and blowing your nose. You may need to sleep with your head elevated for a few nights. You may have some discomfort in the days following your rhinoplasty and your doctor may prescribe pain medications to help.
Although undergoing a rhinoplasty and going through the recovery phase may be challenging, the end results are worth it. When you're no longer self-conscious about your appearance, your social life and your career can benefit thanks to your new self-confidence and contentment with your appearance. Contact a doctor, like William M. Parell, MD, PSC, for more help.