Having a Rhinoplasty in Chevy Chase

A rhinoplasty or nose job, as we often call them, is a popular form of cosmetic surgery because for many people the nose can be the most out of balance, or out of proportion element of their face which can make a lot of difference to their overall appearance and feelings of self esteem. So what can you expect when having a rhinoplasty in Chevy Chase? What does a rhinoplasty procedure involve, what are recovery times like, and what results can you expect?

Rhinoplasty in Chevy Chase

A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure which addresses nasal bridge bumps, large nostrils, a bulbous or drooping nose tip, long noses and crooked noses. Sometimes a combination of one or more of these nose issues.

The first step in having a rhinoplasty is meeting with a facial plastic surgeon to discuss the procedure. They will talk you through the surgery, recovery and also pre-surgical consultation. You will discuss how you would like your nose to look and then visuals will be created to to give you a foregleam of what your new nose will look like on your face. At this stage you can make small adjustments until you are happy with the final nose. The surgeon can then plan their surgery and decide how to attain the nose you want.

Types of Rhinoplasty

There are two main types of rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty. Closed rhinoplasty is carried out by making incisions inside the nose to carry out the surgery, which leaves you with no visible scarring. This is often preferred by many patients but may not always be possible. Alternatively an open rhinoplasty is carried out through a small incision made in the tissue that divides the nostrils at the base of the nose. A scar here is difficult to detect and heals well, and gives full access to the nose for the surgeon. If you’ve had a rhinoplasty before, and the second surgery is corrective then it is likely the surgery will have to be made open because there won’t be much cartilage left from the first surgery.

The function of the nose is as important as the outward appearance so during the surgery your plastic surgeon will do their best to improve your nasal function, to help with breathing. To maintain nasal structure a good plastic surgeon will use natural tissues to build a supportive nasal structure that will last with ageing. This may require removal of cartilage from the ear or lower ribs to use within the nose.

Surgery and Recovery

A typical nasal surgery will take three to four hours and will be carried out as an outpatient procedure using anesthesia so the patient can return home afterward. Recovery will take several days and will include swelling and some pain. But by the end of the first week the patient will feel greatly improved and will be able to remove the nasal splint during the second week. It is best to avoid exercise for several weeks.