People concerned with the size or shape of their nose may consider rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job. This popular surgery can change the nose’s appearance by removing or altering the bone and cartilage.

Many patients have a nose job simply because they are dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose. Others may have breathing problems they want to fix. The nose is one of the central features of the face, and how it looks can have a significant effect on your appearance and self-confidence.

Some of the things your surgeon can do during a nose job are:

• Alter the size, shape, or angle of the nose
• Straighten the nose bridge
• Reshape the tip
• Narrow the nostrils

If you are thinking about rhinoplasty, below is vital information to consider, including how old you should be before having the procedure.

Nose Job Overview

A nose job can be done in an outpatient surgical facility or doctor’s office. Your surgeon will probably use general or IV sedation.

After you are under, the surgeon will make incisions inside the nostrils and possibly in the septum between the nostrils. Next, the skin is separated from the bone and cartilage to expose the inner nose structure.

Then, the surgeon reshapes the nose by adding or removing cartilage. If cartilage needs adding, they may remove tissue from the ear or from the nose’s interior. Patients who need more cartilage may have it taken from a cadaver, while others may need a bone graft from their leg.

After the procedure, the surgeon will probably put a splint on the nose to keep its new form as it heals. The surgeon may put nasal packs in the nose to keep the septum stable, too.

The surgical staff will monitor you in the recovery area for a few hours, then a friend or family member can drive you home.

It’s essential to reduce swelling and bleeding by elevating your head above the chest as much as you can. Put a few pillows under your head when you lie down to rest or sleep.

You probably need to leave the dressings and splint in place for about a week.

It can take about a month for most of the swelling and bruising to face, and up to six months before all swelling is gone.

Some of the activities to avoid for a month after a nose job are:

• Swimming
• Blowing the nose
• Running
• Weightlifting
• Smiling and laughing
• Pulling a shirt over your head
• Putting glasses on the nose
• Toothbrushing vigorously
• Sun exposure

Some younger nose job patients also consider these procedures: Beverly Hills breast reduction, Beverly Hills breast lift, a Beverly Hills tummy tuck, and liposuction. Older patients may want a facelift along with a Beverly Hills rhinoplasty.

At What Age Can You Have A Nose Job?

Plastic surgery may be appropriate in some children and teenagers when necessary. However, Rhinoplasty is the most requested cosmetic procedure for teenagers.

Most surgeons say a nose job can be done when the nose has finished most of its growth during adolescence. This can happen at age 13 or 14 for girls and 15 or 16 for boys. However, if the procedure is done too soon, further development of the nose may affect the results.

It’s vital to have a consultation with a skilled plastic surgeon to determine if the patient’s facial and nose growth is far enough along to consider surgery. Also, the patient’s maturity is an essential consideration before going through the procedure.

The young patient also needs to be ready for recovery, which takes a few weeks and involves considerable swelling and bruising.

Some patients also wonder if they are too old to have a nose job. Many people 40 and older may have thought about having the surgery for years but didn’t. The good news is there is no upper age limit for rhinoplasty.

However, recovery time can be longer for patients in their 50s, 60s, and older. This is because incisions don’t heal like years ago, and swelling takes longer to fade.

Rhinoplasty Risks

Patients should remember that rhinoplasty is one of the most complex procedures. This is because the nose’s internal structure is complicated, and it’s essential to choose a skilled surgeon.

When interviewing plastic surgeons for your nose job, have them show you before-and-after photos of patients near your age.

Also, revision rhinoplasty has a higher complication rate, so it’s essential to have realistic expectations if you have a subsequent nose job.

Some of the potential risks for this procedure are:

• Excessive bleeding
• Excessive bruising
• Anesthesia reaction
• Difficulty breathing through your nose
• Excessive swelling and pain
• Scarring
• Septal perforation
• Undesirable results

However, most patients are satisfied with their surgery when selecting a skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Keep in mind that while the results are considered permanent, your nose and face will continue to age. As long as you have realistic expectations, you’ll like the ‘new you.’

If you are interested in finding out about a nose job for cosmetic or functional reasons, talk to your surgeon today for more information.

Request A Nose Job Consultation

Thinking about a nose job in Beverly Hills? Dr. Nicholas Lahar is pleased to provide plastic surgery procedures to his Beverly Hills patients. He will discuss your aesthetic goals during your consultation and help you decide if a nose job is right for you.

 References

Nose Job Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-nose-job-rhinoplasty

About Rhinoplasty. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532

About Rhinoplasty. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.healthline.com/health/rhinoplasty

Thinking About Rhinoplasty? (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/thinking-about-rhinoplasty-2019030616112