Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, improves the appearance and proportion of the nose. Rhinoplasty is also an effective means of correcting impaired breathing caused by structural abnormalities in the nose.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most sought after forms of cosmetic surgery. Typically, there are two reasons to be considering a nose alteration: aesthetics and functionality.

Aesthetics

Noses can be out of place naturally, too large or too long, with an abnormal nostril pattern, bump, or hook. They can also be misshapen after injury, causing a permanent asymmetric appearance.

The standard reason to seek rhinoplasty is to improve the profile of the face by altering the shape and form of the nose to one more pleasing to the eye. If you’ve always been uncomfortable with your nose, or broken it due to injury, you may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty.

Functionality

Through either genetic defect or injury, the nose can sometimes be shaped in such a way that it constricts breathing or complicates sinus problems. Such abnormalities can be a consistent cause of frustration for those who have them, and can disrupt the way the body is designed to function by forcing breathing through the mouth.

If you feel your nose is constricting your normal breathing pattern, you should consult with a surgeon to see if rhinoplasty might be the best solution.

Rhinoplasty Procedures

Rhinoplasty procedures come in a variety of forms, designed to suit the need of the patient. Most rhinoplasties begin with an incision in the nose, allowing Dr. Maddali to then reshape the cartilage and the nasal bones.

A complication-free recovery begins before surgery, by discontinuing the use of alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol can thin the blood, complicating the body’s healing process, and tobacco use affects the healing of delicate structures and reattached blood vessels.

After Rhinoplasty: What to expect

Immediately after rhinoplasty surgery, it will be difficult to breathe through your nose for at least one to three days. Your nasal cavity will be packed with gauze to reduce swelling and bleeding. Dr. Maddali will prescribe a pain medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort.

Limited bleeding may occur in the first few days following surgery. It is crucial to keep your nose safe from injury, especially for the first week. This includes avoiding blowing your nose, which can be challenging as the swelling will likely feel like congestion.

It is important to be patient after a rhinoplasty, as the results may take up to a year to be revealed in full, due to the time it takes for your body to re-adjust. Generally after one month, 85 percent of the swelling will have gone down.

Despite a long recovery period, the end results are typically dynamic and pronounced, as rhinoplasty can transform even severe nose disfigurations into elegance. Reshaping of the nose tends to be one of the most immediately noticeable improvements for the face, as setting it in line with your features will provide an overall more attractive appearance.

To learn more about rhinoplasty nose surgery in San Francisco, contact the plastic surgery office of Sirish Maddali MD.