Before the surgery
Look for a rhinoplasty surgeon with a state-of-the-art suite for operations and a high rating from customers. When talking with the surgeon, make sure he or she fully understands what you want. Some surgeons can use computer imaging to show you various possible outcomes of the surgery, allowing you to describe precisely the results you want from the operation. But don’t forget to listen to the doctor’s advice — you might need a chin implant instead of a nose job, and the nose you want might not be right for your face.
Two weeks before undergoing rhinoplasty, you should stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E or herbal supplements. Also, if you smoke, this is the time to stop, at least until the healing process is complete. One day before surgery, cut back on salt, and stock up on lip balm and beverages. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery, and to help you out for the first few days while you recover.
After the rhinoplasty surgery
After surgery, you will spend a lot of time breathing through your mouth. This is why you need lip balm and beverages, to keep your mouth from drying out. Don’t do anything strenuous, and don’t blow your nose.
There will usually be swelling and bruising in the nose. The bruising will fade within a week to ten days, while the swelling can last for several weeks. The trouble is that you won’t be able to see exactly what your new nose looks like until the swelling is gone, and not everyone who gets a nose job is satisfied with the results. According to a study published this month in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, an average of 3.3 percent of rhinoplasties (or about one in thirty) need revision. So the odds are in your favor — but if you’re one of the unlucky ones, it is possible to perform a rhinoplasty to improve the results of a previous nose job. This is called a revision rhinoplasty, and there are surgeons for whom it is a major part of their practice. However, you should wait for at least one year after the first rhinoplasty. To be sure of getting the best results the first time, look for a surgeon with a gallery of before and after rhinoplasty photographs on his or her Web site.
Charlotte’s best rhinoplasty surgeon
Dr. Sean Freeman is Charlotte’s top rhinoplasty surgeon. He has been certified by two different surgery boards, the American Board of Otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He has done only facial plastic surgery, including nose jobs, since 1988. Many of his patients have already gotten nose jobs from other surgeons and come to him for revision rhinoplasty to make them better. If you live in or near Charlotte and want a nose job, schedule your appointment or online consultation today.
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.