Understanding the Rhinoplasty Procedure

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, around 200,000 rhinoplasty surgeries are performed every year in the United States, making it the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery among Americans.

Rhinoplasty surgery (commonly known as “a nose job”), is the reconstruction of the nose in order to change its shape and/or function. Many people get rhinoplasty surgery because they want to change the way their nose looks, but it’s also a necessary surgery for those who have difficulty breathing through their nose or other nasal issues. Some patients are looking for revision rhinoplasty as well. This is essentially a secondary (or even tertiary) nasal surgery, which aims to fix issues that originated in the initial rhinoplasty surgery — perhaps a disappointing outcome or enduring breathing problems.

Dr. Stark has helped countless patients achieve natural-looking results from their rhinoplasty surgeries. This surgery, which is among the most technically challenging for plastic surgeons, requires an immense amount of skill, experience, and artistic design.

If you’ve been considering rhinoplasty for yourself, it’s helpful to learn as much as you can about the procedure before your consultation appointment. Below, we’ll go over what to expect during that initial consultation, the surgery itself, and recovery from rhinoplasty.

Your Rhinoplasty Consultation Appointment

Whether the reason for your interest in rhinoplasty surgery is chronic sinus issues, dissatisfaction with the current shape and structure of your nose, or another issue, your journey toward the ideal nose starts with booking your consultation appointment.

At this appointment, you’ll speak directly with Dr. Stark, your surgeon. He’ll meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations for surgery, learn about your medical history, and give you a physical exam. He’ll likely take photographs of your nose from different angles as well. These will be used for reference as he makes plans for the restructuring of your nose, and they will also be used during surgery.

If Dr. Stark is able to confirm that you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty, you’ll usually be able to schedule the date of your procedure right away.

Planning for Rhinoplasty Surgery

It’s important to be prepared for your surgery by making your own personal plans and speaking with Dr. Stark about his pre-surgery guidelines. For example, Dr. Stark will want to know what medications and dietary supplements you are taking. These may need to be adjusted before surgery. Likewise, if you are a smoker, you’ll need to stop smoking for a certain duration of time prior to your procedure (usually about two or more weeks).

In your personal life, make sure that you have arranged for safe and reliable transportation from the surgical location to your home. It’s best to ask a friend or family member that you trust.

You will not be able to drive anywhere directly after your surgery as you wait for the anesthetic to wear off. You should also avoid driving for the duration that you are taking pain medications, which will be prescribed to you by Dr. Stark to mitigate pain and discomfort from the surgery. Some pain and discomfort is normal after surgery, as is some degree of swelling.

Patients should take time off from work and/or school before their surgery. How long you should request off will depend on your job requirements and several other factors. Dr. Stark will be able to give you a rough estimate.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Surgery

On the day of your procedure, a member of our medical staff will greet you and help you prepare. Dr. Stark will also meet with you to talk about some finer points before you head into surgery. You will then be led to the operating room, and anesthesia will be administered by an anesthesiologist.

While you are under, Dr. Stark and his medical team will closely monitor you throughout the surgery. Every rhinoplasty surgery will be different, but most surgeries take between two and four hours.

Recovery From Rhinoplasty

After surgery, you will stay for a short time in a recovery room while you wake up. Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient surgery, so you will be able to go home once you have awoken and spoken with Dr. Stark. He will tell you how the procedure went and give you important instructions for aftercare. Your designated friend or family member can then take you home where you can rest, relax, and put your efforts toward a healthy recovery.

At home, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Numbness and other sensations like tingling may occur as well. The good news is, you’ll be much more mobile during rhinoplasty recovery than you would during recovery from a procedure such as a Philadelphia tummy tuck or Philadelphia breast augmentation.

Complete recovery from rhinoplasty surgery will take several months. Most of the abnormal sensations and swelling will completely subside by six months, if not sooner, and your full rhinoplasty recovery should be complete within a year.

Schedule Your Philadelphia Rhinoplasty Consultation Today

Getting rhinoplasty surgery is a big decision. It’s certainly a commitment of time and patience as you’ll need to slow down during your recovery, allow your body to heal, and wait to see the final results. If it’s something you’re prepared for, though, the outcome of Philadelphia rhinoplasty surgery will be well worth your efforts.

Being unsatisfied with the size or shape of your nose is a challenging problem. It affects many people and causes a lot of unnecessary embarrassment and low self-esteem. Patients all over the country decide to get rhinoplasty surgery every year, and they are rewarded with natural-looking results they can be proud of.

Once you’re ready to take the next step and book your consultation, there’s no turning back. The results you’ve dreamed of are within your grasp. Stop delaying, and schedule a rhinoplasty consultation appointment with double board-certified Philadelphia plastic surgeon Dr. Stark today. You won’t regret your decision!

Understanding the Rhinoplasty Procedure