Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a Nose Job, is a surgical procedure used to reshape the nose. For some clients, the procedure is used for purely cosmetic purposes such as repairing profile issues, decreasing its size, or improving the shape. In other cases, it is medically necessary in order to improve a client’s ability to breathe.

If you are interested in Rhinoplasty, chances are you are curious about what to expect before, during, and after your surgery. This guide will help to educate you, and prepare you for your procedure. It can also bring up important questions or concerns you can discuss with the surgeon during your private consultation.

Step One: The Initial Consultation

The first step in getting a new nose is having a face-to-face, private consultation with the doctor. In addition to listening to your concerns, Dr. Slupchynskyj will take face measurements, ask questions about your medical history, and take photos that will be used as a reference. This will give you an opportunity to get to know the doctor better, and decide the size and shape of the nose best suited for your natural face proportions. You may also be instructed regarding pre-surgical recommendations, including medications and supplements that should be avoided prior to surgery in order to reduce the chances of complications. If you are a smoker, we recommend you cease smoking for at least two weeks prior to surgery to reduce your chances of surgical complications and to facilitate your healing process.

Step Two: The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Depending on the results of your consultation, you will receive local anesthesia in order to keep you comfortable during the surgery. Once you are fully sedated, the doctor will begin making an incision to access the nose cartilage and bone. In most cases, these incisions are made on the inside of the nose to hide the scarring.At this point, the doctor will remove excess bone and/or cartilage, or he may need to add tissue, in order to build the nose according to your specifications. He may use tissue from your body or synthetic filler material, to complete the contouring.If you have a deviated septum, it will be corrected during this phase. Your nose will be straightened and the surgeon will reduce projections that obstruct your breathing. A nasal “cast” may be applied over the nose.  This helps to protect and also retain the nose’s new shape as it heals and are usually only necessary for the first week.

Step 3: Recovering With Your New Nose

It is completely normal to experience a little discomfort for the first few days. Some patients experience minor swelling and bruising in the upper face, yet some do not. Swelling begins to resolve after the first three days and even moreso after the first week to two weeks.

We recommend that you keep your head elevated, and as still as possible, for the first several days. You should not participate in strenuous activities for several weeks. Healing is a complex process, so it can take up to a year before your nose will be completely restored to its new, permanent shape.