A nose job, also known as a rhinoplasty, is a type of plastic surgery procedure that intends to reshape the nose of a patient for either medical or aesthetic purposes. The powerful impacts of this procedure have consistently made it one of the more popular plastic surgery procedures. However, many patients wonder if a nose job is painful and worry about the discomfort they might experience during or after this operation. If you have a rhinoplasty scheduled and are wondering if it might be painful, take a look at this guide, which should assuage some of your worries.
What is a Nose Job?
The purpose of a nose job is to reshape the nose for either medical or aesthetic reasons. Several different subtypes of rhinoplasty can be employed, depending on the specific needs of a patient.
What Issues Can a Nose Job Address?
A nose job is efficient at solving many medical and aesthetic issues of the nose. This procedure commonly solves the following issues:
- Making desired changes to a nose appearance-wise
- Correcting a deviated septum
- Getting rid of unwanted bumps or dimples on the bridge of the nose
- Open blocked nasal passages
- Make a nose generally bigger or smaller
- Adjust the size of the nostrils
Most patients who are interested in receiving this treatment will find that they qualify. Prior to receiving any treatment, you will be assessed in terms of your physical fitness to undergo surgery.
Is a Nose Job Painful?
Thankfully, the contemporary methods of performing rhinoplasty have made it relatively pain-free for most patients. In fact, most people rate their pain after the procedure between 0 and 4 out of 10. That said, the experience will differ for each person, and you may experience some discomfort, especially during the recovery period following your procedure.
Luckily, there are many effective pain management techniques that your physician can employ to mitigate the amount of pain that one feels throughout their experience. During your actual procedure, your physician will place you under anesthesia so you will not feel any pain or discomfort during your actual surgery. After your procedure is over, your physician may recommend some of the following measures to reduce the amount of pain and discomfort you feel:
- Apply a cold compress to your nose
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Attend follow-up appointments
- Keep your head elevated
- Take prescribed pain medications
How Long Will My Recovery Period Be?
The recovery period of rhinoplasty varies depending on the individual. In many cases, achieving total recovery with zero swelling can take up to a year. Still, you can use the following benchmarks to track your recovery process:
- Four to six weeks: During this period, many patients will experience high amounts of swelling and some moderate discomfort. Bruises and color changes are also quite possible during this time.
- Three months: Most patients will find that the swelling that they experience will decrease significantly within three months of their initial procedure. Many patients will find that their nose has begun to appear more normal at this point.
- One year: The vast majority of patients will find that their swelling and discoloration have completely subsided at this point. At this point, the full aesthetic changes of the surgery will be apparent to the naked eye.
If you feel like you are experiencing any abnormal elements in your recovery period, make sure to contact your physician to set up a follow-up appointment.
What Occurs During a Rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty procedure is an outpatient surgery, which means that you can expect to go home immediately following the completion of your procedure. During a rhinoplasty, you can expect the following steps:
- Your physician makes an incision on the inside of your nostrils or across the base of your nose.
- They raise the skin that covers your nasal bones and cartilage.
- Your physician modifies the bones, skin, and cartilage of the nose according to the specifications of the type of rhinoplasty.
- They replace the skin covering the nasal bones and cartilage
- Stitches secure the skin of the nose back into place
The Best Plastic Surgeon in Santa Barbara
Plastic Surgery Santa Barbara and its dedicated medical team are here to serve the residents of Santa Barbara with the best in plastic surgery. If you want to discuss the ins and outs of a nose job with our cosmetic surgeon, do not hesitate to reach out.