Rhinoplasty, known colloquially as a nose job, was the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in both 2019 and 2020. This should come as no surprise because your nose is one of the first things people notice about you, and problems with your nose can lead to difficulty breathing. Today, our experts at the office of Dr. Gregory E Rauscher, M.D. in Hackensack, NJ are discussing how long this procedure takes.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Nose Job?
Typically, a nose job takes between one and three hours to complete. However, several factors affect how long each procedure lasts, including the scope of the procedure and the technique used.
Factors Affecting the Length of Your Rhinoplasty
Complexity
Your nose primarily comprises bone, skin, and cartilage. Sometimes, people seek rhinoplasty to remove a little cartilage because they feel their nose is too large for the rest of their face. Other times, people feel their nose is too small, and they need cartilage removed from another part of the body, like the ribs or the ears, to augment their septum.
When cartilage has to be harvested and transplanted, procedures take longer. Procedures also take longer when the functionality of the nose is being improved, such as when a client has a deviated septum.
Your Reasons for Choosing the Procedure
If you are seeking rhinoplasty for cosmetic purposes, there is a chance that your procedure won’t take very long. This is because cosmetic nose procedures are usually less complex than medical nose procedures.
However, as stated previously, nose procedures typically take longer when cartilage needs to be harvested and transplanted. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your aesthetic and medical goals and assess your nose. With this information, we can advise you on how long your procedure should take based on the complexity of the procedure.
What Cosmetic Concerns Can Be Corrected With Rhinoplasty?
Asymmetry
One common reason clients seek rhinoplasty is to treat asymmetry. Correcting asymmetry can drastically improve your appearance and self-confidence. For instance, you may think that your nose is disproportionately large but discover during your initial consultation that your nose is simply asymmetrical. You may be surprised by how quickly and easily rhinoplasty can help you boost your self-esteem.
Bumps
People also commonly seek rhinoplasty to eliminate bumps from the bridge of the nose. If you’re only worried about bumps, your procedure will take closer to an hour than three hours.
Projection
People also commonly seek rhinoplasty to improve the projection and proportion of their nose. If you are concerned about the projection of your nose, we recommend bringing in a picture of what you want your reshaped nose to look like. Then, we can advise you on whether you can realistically achieve your aesthetic goal.
What Medical Concerns Can Be Addressed?
Besides correcting cosmetic concerns, a nose job can be sought to correct functional problems. Here are some of the most common medical concerns people who receive rhinoplasty have:
- Deviated septum
- Snoring
- Seasonal allergies
- Poor functionality overall
- Poor work done previously
Do I Qualify for This Procedure?
Regardless of whether you are considering rhinoplasty to address a cosmetic or medical issue, it is not a decision that should be made lightly. During your initial consultation, we will advise you on what to expect at every step of the journey to your new, improved nose, from preparing for your procedure to recovering from it.
To determine whether this procedure is a good fit for you, we will first discuss your cosmetic goals and evaluate your nose. We need a thorough understanding of your desired outcomes to ensure that rhinoplasty alone will be able to provide you with your desired results. Then, we will discuss your medical history to ensure you are healthy enough to receive this procedure.
How Should I Prepare for My Procedure?
To reiterate, you’ll get a complete list of preparation requirements during your initial consultation. However, one of the most important things you can do in advance of your procedure is not to consume tobacco products. Tobacco products should be avoided because they contain nicotine, a chemical compound that constricts your blood vessels, elevating your blood pressure.
For this same reason, you should also avoid drinking alcohol in the days leading up to your procedure. It is very important that your blood pressure is normal on the day of your nose job.
How Long Does Rhinoplasty Recovery Take?
You should be able to return to work within a week or two of your procedure. However, you should avoid vigorous activity for six to eight weeks depending on the scope of your procedure, the technique used, and how you are feeling.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today
Whether you have cosmetic concerns, medical concerns, or both, a nose job can improve your quality of life. We cannot overstate how much better you will feel when you can breathe better, sleep better, and feel pleased with the size and shape of your nose. If you think this convenient procedure is right for you, you may be a good candidate. Schedule an appointment with us at the office of Dr. Gregory E Rauscher, M.D. in Hackensack, NJ to get started.
