Your nose is one of the first things people notice when they look at you. At New England Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center in Weymouth, MA, we understand how hard it can be to feel self-confident if you feel that your nose is too large, too small, or asymmetrical. That’s why we are excited to offer rhinoplasty, known colloquially as a nose job.
How Does Rhinoplasty Work?
Most of the time, rhinoplasty works by manipulating nasal tissues through tiny incisions made within the nostrils. However, if you have a very difficult case, it may be necessary for additional incisions to be made across the base of your nose. Furthermore, there are cases in which other incisions are necessary. For instance, cartilage may need to be harvested from your ear or rib and grafted onto the bridge of your nose to help you achieve your desired results.
How Long Can I Expect the Results of My Procedure To Last?
For most people, the results of a nose job are permanent. However, there are exceptions to the general rule of lifelong results. One example is that a nose job performed by a less-qualified cosmetic surgeon can be corrected. As another example, you may need a follow-up procedure in the future if you sustained a traumatic injury to the face due to playing a sport or being in an MVA. Furthermore, you may notice nasolabial folds develop due to the natural aging process.
Am I a Good Candidate for This Procedure?
Your cosmetic and medical concerns must be reviewed thoroughly before Dr. Lazor can determine if you qualify for surgery. To be considered a good candidate for this procedure, it is crucial that your face has stopped growing, you are in fairly good health, and you have realistic expectations about the results of your procedure. You can generally expect to qualify if you have such concerns about your nose as:
- Unwanted bumps
- A wide nasal bridge
- Unwanted depressions
- Asymmetrical nostrils
- A disproportionate size
- A drooping nasal tip
Who Is a Poor Candidate for Surgery?
You will not qualify for this procedure if you suffer from a bleeding disorder or have a history of keloid scarring. Additionally, you will be deemed a poor surgery candidate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. During your initial consultation, we will advise you on all of the contraindications of surgery. Some, like smoking, may make you a poor fit for surgery. However, if you can modify your lifestyle temporarily, there is still a chance that you will qualify for surgery.
How Long Should I Expect My Recovery to Take?
Recovery times vary based on several factors, including the scope of your procedure, your health, and how well you take care of yourself after surgery. Generally, it takes six to 12 months to recover fully from a nose job, but it can take up to 13 months if cartilage was grafted onto your nose.
This may sound daunting, but you should keep in mind that recovery comes in phases and varies between people. If you have a sedentary job, you shouldn’t expect to need to take longer than two weeks off from work. If you only had incisions made inside your nostrils, you may not even need to miss two weeks of work to recover. Additionally, you should be able to resume your regular exercise routine just six to eight weeks after surgery.
What Can I Do To Recover Faster?
To recover as quickly as possible after surgery, it is vital that you do not exert yourself too much while you are recovering. You should not bend over at the waist, lift anything weighing over 10 pounds, or push or pull anything heavy. You also shouldn’t get any vigorous exercise until you are healed enough. You will come in for several follow-up appointments after surgery at various milestones. At the six-week mark, we will evaluate whether vigorous exercise is safe.
Another effective step you can take to recover faster is to stay hydrated.
What Restrictions Will I Need To Adhere to During My Recovery?
Required restrictions vary depending on the phase of the recovery process that you are in. For instance, you can wear glasses during the first phase of your recovery process, but you will need to do your best to avoid wearing glasses once the splint protecting the cartilage in the bridge of your nose is removed. Another important restriction is to not blow your nose for at least seven to 10 days after surgery, but it’s ideal to go three to four weeks without blowing your nose.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
A nose job can enhance the appearance and functionality of your nose with just a couple of small incisions. Only in extreme cases is it necessary for incisions to be made along the base of your nose. Once your nasal tissues have been manipulated, you can generally expect your results to last forever. If you have concerns about your nose, find out if you’re a candidate for surgery by scheduling an evaluation at New England Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center in Weymouth, MA.