Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job,” is surgery to change the shape of your nose by modifying the bone or cartilage. This procedure has a "Worth it" rate.
3 main reasons why people choose to have Rhinoplasty.
- Correct breathing problem
- Correct a birth defect
- Unhappy with the appearance of their nose
Possible changes Michael K. Kim, M.D. can make to your nose through Rhinoplasty are as follows:
- a change in size
- a change in angle
- straightening of the bridge
- reshaping of the tip
- narrowing of the nostrils
Dr. Michael K. Kim typically performs the Rhinoplasty at his outpatient surgical facility, but it can also be performed in a hospital. The procedure can be done with a local anesthetic or under general anesthesia.
Once you are numb or unconscious, Dr. Kim will make cuts between or inside your nostrils. He then separates your skin from your cartilage or bone and starts the reshaping process. If your new nose needs a small amount of additional cartilage, Dr. Kim may remove some cartilage from your ear or deep inside your nose. If more is needed, you might get an implant or a bone graft. A bone graft is an additional bone that is added to the bone in your nose. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours.
Best Path to Recovery from Rhinoplasty
After surgery, Dr. Kim may place a plastic or metal splint on your nose. The splint will help your nose retain its new shape while it heals. He may also place nasal packs or splints inside your nostrils to stabilize your septum, which is the part of your nose between your nostrils.
You will be monitored in a recovery room for at least a few hours after the procedure to ensure there are no complications. Once your safety is ensured, you will leave later that day. Dr. Kim will not allow you to drive yourself home because the anesthesia will still affect you, so please plan on having someone drive you to your residence.
Rest with your head elevated above your chest to help reduce bleeding and swelling. If your nose is swollen or packed with cotton, you might feel congested. People are usually required to leave splints and dressings in place for up to a week after surgery.
You will need to avoid the following activities for a few weeks after your surgery:
- running and other strenuous physical activities
- swimming
- blowing your nose
- excessive chewing
- laughing, smiling, or other facial expressions that require lots of movement
- pulling clothing over your head
- resting eyeglasses on your nose
- vigorous tooth brushing
The takeaway message is the rhinoplasty is a relatively safe and easy procedure, but healing from it can take a while. Dr. Kim’s patients have expressed overall satisfaction from the results after 6 months.