Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Results: What to Expect

    BEVERLY HILLS, CA, October 30, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A rhinoplasty - more commonly known as a "nose job" - is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed every year. Although people often seek out a nose job for cosmetic reasons, a rhinoplasty can also address breathing limitations caused by obstructed passageways in the nose. By making a number of changes to the nose's overall structure, a plastic surgeon can dramatically alter a patient's appearance.

However, it is important to understand that this surgical procedure comes with its own set of limitations. Before deciding to have a nose job, you should understand all potential outcomes of the surgery and set realistic expectations for yourself.

Setting Expectations for Your Nose Job

Rhinoplasty surgery can result in a much better overall balance of your facial features, eliminating unevenness or bumps in the slope of the nose and noticeably changing its size. In order to achieve these ideal results, you need to be completely candid with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery.

During an initial consultation, discuss your needs and cosmetic goals with your plastic surgeon to make sure these goals are both realistic and attainable. After evaluating the current form of your nose, your surgeon can determine which changes are possible. Fortunately, even minor changes - adding, subtracting, or shifting millimeters - can have a significant effect on your overall appearance in the hands of a skilled cosmetic surgeon.

Previewing Your Rhinoplasty Results

Thanks to modern technology, patients can now get a preview of the results of their nose job. Using digital imaging technology, surgeons can construct 3D virtual models of your face as it will appear after surgery. Although this model will serve as a guide for your surgeon, it is important to realize that the model is not a guarantee of your precise results.

The Final Results of Your Nose Job

Rhinoplasty is a unique procedure in that the ultimate results of the surgery can take an entire year to become fully apparent. Bruising and swelling can hinder your nose's appearance in the first two to three weeks following surgery. Although subtle changes may be visible, most patients will need to wait before their nose settles into its final shape. Since the results of your nose job can take so much time to become visible, patients are discouraged from attempting revision rhinoplasty until at least a full year has passed.

As with all forms of surgery, there is the potential for scarring following rhinoplasty. During closed rhinoplasty, every incision is made inside of your nostrils, meaning no visible scars will be left behind. Open rhinoplasty uses an additional incision site across the bottom ridge of your nose (the columella) that may leave a tiny scar behind, but because of the scar's size and location, it is hardly ever noticeable.

If, after an entire year has passed, you are still not satisfied with the results of you surgery, you have the option to undergo either a secondary (revision) rhinoplasty, or a non-surgical nose reshaping procedure.

If you live in the Beverly Hills area and would like more information about what to expect from a nose job, please visit the website of board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim, MD today at http://www.ekimplasticsurgery.com.

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