Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to correct the nose. One example for its need would be individuals with a “saddle-back” nose, where the bridge of the nose has collapsed. The procedure may occasionally require additional adjustments to achieve the desired outcome. This is where bone grafting comes into effect. Bone grafting requires a small segment of bone removed from part of the body and added to the surgical site. The graft is taken from a part of the body that is hardly visible and will result in very little scarring.
Typically, a graft is used when there is not enough supporting tissue to work with. The good thing is that there is plenty of material from other areas of the body to get the necessary material and a small removal will not make a difference. Before undergoing the procedure, it is important to keep a few details in mind before and after the operation.
The Benefits
The nasal surgery can solve a whole world of problems from creating a greater sense of confidence in solving life-threatening conditions. People receive nasal surgery for a variety of reasons. An abnormality of the nose can lead to a host of concerns. The nose is quite close to the brain, so it is important that we take care of it. A problem with the nose can commonly cause more serious problems since many of the pathways from the brain, nose, and other surrounding pathways are either shared or are close together. Here are a few of the benefits:
Corrected sinus problems: Problems with the drainage system of our nose can increase our chances of getting sick, or worse, a lung infection. The nose plays a vital role in filtering out mucus and does such a great job, that we never notice it, nor should we. Nasal surgery can correct the pathways in our nose to get our drainage system working properly again. People who are experiencing sinus problems and associated symptoms should consult their doctor for potential nasal surgery.
Improved breathing: Nasal surgery is an ideal solution for people who may experience trouble breathing through the nose. Typically, this is because the size of one nostril is too small for enough air to pass through. This obstruction can result in more difficulty breathing, which can create more problems such as headaches, and becoming short-of-breath more frequently. The surgery attempts to reposition the nasal septum, which is the wall that divides each nostril. After repositioning, air flows evenly through the nose for optimal breathing.
No snoring: Similar to the previous point, obstructed airways through the nose can result in difficulty breathing. These difficulties can carry over into our sleep. Heavy snoring is usually connected to a problem with the nose. In some cases, however, a nasal procedure may not be necessary, and over-the-counter remedies may be enough. Talk to your doctor for further consultation.
Confidence: This last one may seem superficial but is worth mentioning that a good nose can be a confidence booster. It is directly at the center of our face after all. For this reason, many seek the procedure only for cosmetic purposes.
How to Properly Prepare
There are some important factors to consider that can help you determine if rhinoplasty is the way to go. Probably the most important aspect is the cost. Majority of healthcare providers will cover a substantial, if not all the costs associated with the procedure if there is a medical need. Documentation must be provided to support this. If the procedure is being performed for purely cosmetic purposes, then costs will most likely not be covered by a healthcare provider.
Scheduling an appropriate date is necessary since the procedure can last anywhere from 1-3 hours. After the procedure is complete, an internal splint will be worn to support the graft. An external splint will also have to be worn to alleviate swelling. The good news is that swelling does not take as much time in comparison to other surgical procedures. The internal splint should be removed in about one week. The external splint will be removed in about a week to 10 days. During this period, it is important to take time off from work and other obligations to ensure proper healing. This will prevent a possible relapse.
There are potential side-effects associated with nasal surgery, but most are short-lived and are manageable to deal with. Here is a list of most post nasal treatment side-effects:
Swelling: Any invasive surgery will result in some swelling. This is quite normal and simply the body’s way of repairing itself after the procedure. Swelling will improve quickly over time.
Stuffy nose: Many people are nervous at first because their breathing is not perfect immediately after the surgery. This leads them to believe the surgery was a complete waste, however, this is not the case. The nose is still very sensitive after the surgery and swelling have not gone down yet. As swelling improves, this will clear up airways in the nasal passages for a brand new, more profound sense of breathing.
Numbness at the nose tip: It is quite common for the nose to feel numb at the tip following the procedure. The nose is still adjusting to its internal environment. This will subside within a 6-month period.
Many of the “side-effects” are related to post-swelling and will improve as the nose repairs itself. In most cases, addressing these issues with a doctor is not necessary. However, if you notice anything unusual or more serious, do consult your doctor right away.
Who to go to?
There are many excellent surgeons to consult with for a possible procedure. A good surgeon will help you through the process and offer useful information for planning your operation. The Glasgold Group are a group of board-certified surgeons in New Jersey who are very well-reviewed. Running one of the most reputable plastic surgeon practices in the New Jersey area, it is no wonder why they are so sought after.
Please visit the Glasgold Group if you’re in need of a revision nose job in the Princeton area.
