What is a nose job?
A nose job, technically referred to as rhinoplasty, is a medical or cosmetic procedure performed on the nose. Cosmetically, a nose job alters the size or shape of the nose to improve its appearance, and the look of the face as a whole. Your Charlotte, NC cosmetic facial plastic surgeon specializes in nose jobs, including revision and teen rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty is for patients who have already had a nose job, and are dissatisfied with the results. Teen rhinoplasty is also more complicated because the nose may not be completely developed. Females usually have a fully formed nose between ages 14 and 16, and males between ages 16 and 18. However, your surgeon is an expert in these two nuanced kinds of nose jobs.
Before the procedure
Before the procedure, the first step is to meet with your surgeon for a consultation. He will examine the skin and structure of your nose, both interiorly and exteriorly to determine your candidacy. He will take before pictures for comparison post-recovery, and will also discuss your aesthetic goals to ensure they are achievable and realistic. Lastly, he will discuss supplemental procedures to enhance your nose job. For example, many patients elect to have a chin implant done at the same time as their rhinoplasty because it makes the nose appear smaller and the face more proportional in profile. The clinic will go over cost and payment methods for your surgeon, the facility, and the anesthesiologist, any lab work you may need to have beforehand, and fasting the day before surgery.
The procedure
Nose jobs in Charlotte are performed at the Center for Facial Plastic and Laser Surgery, which is a state-of-the-art facility. The procedure will either be open or closed, and is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you will be asleep. Remember that you will need to arrange beforehand to have someone drive you home from the hospital, since the anesthesia takes hours to completely wear off. In a closed procedure, cartilage or bone on the bridge of the nose is augmented or reduced. In an open procedure, the cartilage on the tip of the nose is reshaped or resized. If cartilage needs to be added, it can be taken from the back of the ear with no visible scarring. Incisions are normally made between the nostrils, but can also be along the outer creases of the nostrils where they meet the face is nostrils are resized.
Recovery
Swelling usually lasts for a few weeks, and bruising usually lasts for 7 to 10 days. Minor swelling and temporary skin numbness can last for several months.
Dr. M. Sean Freeman
Dr. M. Sean Freeman is Charlotte’s most experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Dr. Freeman is board-certified, and has been performing facial plastic surgery for nearly three decades. He is committed to excellence and patient satisfaction.
Contact Dr. Sean Freeman at Only Faces, Charlotte’s most experienced rhinoplasty surgeon and top facial plastic surgeon, to schedule a consultation to find out what procedure is right for you. Call today.