Rhinoplasty Rhinoplasty, commonly called a "nose job," treats deformities of the nose. Deformities can occur from trauma or be inherited from your parents. Regardless the reason, if you don't like your nose then a rhinoplasty can usually take care of it.
The first item of business before going in for surgery is to meet with your surgeon for a consultation. It is there that you'll want to clearly identify what, exactly, it is that bothers you about your nose. Whether it's a bump in the bridge of your nose, that you don't like the shape of it, that it's too large, that you have trouble breathing through your nose... whatever the reason, once your surgeon understands it he or she will be able to discuss with you what can and can't be done.
In the case of a broken nose a straightening, called a closed reduction, can be done without surgery. This should be done within two weeks of receiving the injury. Only about half of closed reductions require a rhinoplasty afterwards to improve the situation.
The ProcedureA rhinoplasty can range from being a very simple procedure, such as changing the shape of the nasal tip, to more complex ones that involve the septum and bony part of the nose. A rhinoplasty should only be done if a patient's skeletal growth has completed. The minimum age is usually 16 years old.
The operation is usually done under general anaesthesia on an outpatient basis. You'll receive a plastic splint and tape on the outside of the nose for five to seven days. If the septum is worked on, then there will also be a splint placed inside the nose for 10-14 days.
You may have bruising that causes "black eyes" after surgery which usually goes away after a few weeks. Depending on swelling and bruising, you'll typically be able to return to your normal activities within one or two weeks.
Drawbacks
In addition to bruising and swelling one possible complication, albeit a rare one, is a nosebleed within the first few days that requires a visit to the emergency room. Be sure to discuss this possibility with your surgeon so you'll know what to expect.
Insurance Coverage
Most insurance policies will cover rhinoplasty done to correct breathing problems or to repair a broken nose. However, in the case of injury repair, the procedure usually needs to be done shortly after the accident.
Insurance typically doesn't cover rhinoplasty for strictly cosmetic reasons unless there is a congenital problem such as a cleft lip or palate that is accompanied by nasal deformities.
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