Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reshaping or resizing the nose. It can also be performed to correct structural issues that cause breathing difficulties. Here are the key points about rhinoplasty:

Indications:

• Cosmetic Reasons: To improve the appearance of the nose by changing its size, shape, or proportions.

• Functional Reasons: To correct structural problems, such as a deviated septum, that cause breathing difficulties.

• Reconstructive Purposes: To repair deformities resulting from injury or birth defects.

Procedure:

1. Anesthesia: Rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.

2. Incision Techniques:

   • Closed Rhinoplasty: Incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scars.

   • Open Rhinoplasty: An incision is made across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils), allowing the surgeon better visibility and access to the nasal structure.

3. Reshaping the Nose Structure: Depending on the desired outcome, the surgeon may remove or rearrange bone and cartilage. If additional cartilage is needed, it may be taken from the septum, ear, or ribs.

4. Correcting a Deviated Septum: If the septum is deviated, the surgeon will straighten it and reduce projections inside the nose to improve breathing.

5. Closing the Incisions: Once the desired shape is achieved, the skin and tissue are redraped, and incisions are closed with sutures.

Recovery:

• Initial Recovery: Patients typically experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for a few days to weeks. A splint may be placed on the nose to support and protect it during initial healing.

• Nasal Packing: Sometimes, soft splints or packing may be placed inside the nostrils to support the septum.

• Activity Restrictions: Patients should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and any activities that risk impact to the nose for several weeks.

• Full Recovery: It can take several months for swelling to fully subside and for the final results to become apparent. Subtle changes can continue to occur for up to a year.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Appearance: Improved size, shape, and proportions of the nose, leading to a more harmonious facial appearance.

• Improved Breathing: Correction of structural issues that cause breathing difficulties.

• Boosted Confidence: Increased self-esteem and confidence due to enhanced facial aesthetics.

Candidacy:

• Good Health: Ideal candidates should be in good overall health without medical conditions that could impair healing.

• Non-Smokers: Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications.

• Realistic Expectations: Candidates should have realistic expectations about the results and understand the potential risks and benefits.

• Facial Growth: Rhinoplasty is typically performed once facial growth is complete, usually around age 15-16 for girls and 17-18 for boys.

Before considering rhinoplasty, it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) to discuss goals, expectations, potential risks, and the recovery process.