There are many reasons why someone would want to do a rhinoplasty or a nose job. Over the years, this procedure was improved, with better surgical techniques but no matter what is your reason for doing it, you need to understand that there will be some down time and recovery before you could admire your new nose and looks.
And since almost every type of surgery is a “traumatic” experience for your body, you can expect some swelling. So before schedule your nose job with Dr. Kotoske, you can take a look at some of these tips on how to keep the swelling down.
A nose job is one of the most popular and most complex cosmetic surgical procedures out there. The end result can be different for each patient, but generally speaking, people want to do it because:
- They want to straighten their crooked nose
- There’s a bump on their nasal bridge that they want to correct
- They do like the shape of their nose, but they’re not happy with the tip
- Their nose is just too big and disproportionate to their face
- They had a nose injury before which disturbed their face’s symmetry
What is a nose job?
A nose job, or technically speaking a rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure which is used to alter the external look of a nose by changing the nose structure. The nasal structure (nose structure) includes the nasal bones, cartilage and overlying skin. During a nose job, the cosmetic surgeon alters every part of your nose.
However, if you need surgery only on the internal structure of your nose, called the “septum” then instead of a rhinoplasty you will need a septoplasty. During this procedure, the surgeon only alters the flexible internal structure that separates your nostrils and it can provide great relief if you’re having breathing problems.
Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty are often done together, so that the end result can be both functionally improved and aesthetically pleasing.
There is not “one size fits all” approach when it comes to a nose job. Every patient is different and depending on their facial features, some might need a slightly smaller nose and some might need a narrower one. It’s a unique feature! But no matter if you want a smaller nose tip, smaller nasal bump, the cosmetic surgeon can choose between:
Open rhinoplasty – this type of nose job is meant for those that need to have extensive reshaping or even reconstruction. With this techniques, the cosmetic surgeon has better access to your nasal structure and once the procedure is done, the scar is barely noticeable.
Closed rhinoplasty – this only involves a small incision inside your nostrils (no external scars) and it is used only when small adjustments are being made.
Why do we bruise or swell after a nose job?
Many patients that consider having a nose job are excited about the procedure but they are worried about the recovery process, swollen face and raccoon black eyes. You see these type of pictures online all the time. However, this is not something that happens to EVERY single patient.
Even though bruising after a nose job is common, it doesn’t occur after EVERY procedure. Images of swollen faces are mostly cases of severe bruising and that depends on:
- The extent of the procedure
- The technique the cosmetic surgeon is using
- The patient’s age
- If the patient has some bleeding disorder
- If the patient is using any blood thinners
Bruises happen when the blood capillaries get disturbed, so the blood leaks and collects under your skin. This sometimes manifests as black eyes or as bruised eyelids or cheeks.
Swelling or edema is a natural stage of the healing process after every surgery, including a nose job. The body naturally responds by inflammation which promotes fluid collection and healing. The swelling usually reaches its peak on day 3 post-surgery, after which it slowly subsides.
How long does it last?
The recovery after a nose job is not short or easy and it depends not only you as the patient, but also on the techniques the surgeon used and how skilled he is. Many patients get frustrated because they don’t see immediate results in the first week or two, but only a bruised and swollen nose.
If you have under-eye bruising, that should be gone in the first week. Swelling might take a bit longer since the nose tissue retains swelling longer than the rest of your body. But that’s no reason to be discouraged.
Usually in the first month after a nose job, most of the swelling will be gone and in the first 3 months, almost 90% of the swelling will subside. The other 10% will subside in the next 12-18 months and your new nose will finally set into place.
No matter how long will the swelling or bruising last, that should not deter you from having a nose job. The swelling / bruising will subside over time, but your new nose will be with you through many years and you will feel happy about the decision that you’ve made.
