A nose job (technically called a rhinoplasty) is surgery on the nose to change its shape or improve its function. It is sometimes referred to as a “nose reshaping” or “nose esthetic correction” by patients and it enhances facial harmony and the proportions of the nose. It can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the anatomy of the nose.
Rhinoplasty is among the five most popular plastic surgery procedures performed worldwide. What surgical rhinoplasty can treat include: nose size in relation to facial balance, nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils, nose profile with visible humps (or depressions on the bridge), nose tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked, nostrils that are large, wide or upturned.
The upper portion of the structure of the nose is bone, and the lower portion is cartilage and nose surgery can modify bone, cartilage, skin or all three. When planning rhinoplasty, your surgeon will evaluate the structures of your nose and other facial features. If you are a candidate for surgery, your surgeon will develop a customized plan for you and tell you if your expectations are realistic. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect nose. Surgery, when performed by an experienced, skilled cosmetic surgeon, can enhance facial features and emphasize your unique and natural beauty.
Rhinoplasty surgery is a highly individualized procedure. Each operation is unique and is customized for the specific anatomy and goals of the person undergoing the procedure.
A good candidate for nose-reshaping cosmetic surgery may:
The majority of individuals who undergo nose reshaping surgery are dissatisfied with the appearance of their noses and wish to improve the proportions of their facial features. A smaller percentage of candidates are patients who deal with discomfort or breathing difficulties due to structural abnormalities or previous nose injuries (i.e. nose deviation surgery). A good candidate should be physically healthy, a non-smoker and a person that has a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries among teenagers, so it is very important for both patients and their surgeons to consider whether or not nose reshaping is an appropriate cosmetic surgery option. Surgeons should ensure that the decision to undergo nose job procedure is the patient’s own choice, rather than the result of peer or parental pressure. Regardless of the reason for surgery, doctors recommend that girls wait until age 14 or 15 and that boys wait a few additional years to undergo rhinoplasty (the nose should have finished growing by this time).
The surgeon will typically use one of two primary techniques: closed or open rhinoplasty. During closed rhinoplasty, all surgical incisions are made inside the nose and it is generally the preferred procedure (it eliminates external scarring). Open rhinoplasty gives the surgeon greater access to the cartilage and bone of the nose but it will leave some scar tissue (when healed, the incision leaves an almost negligible scar on the underside of the nose).
A nose job is usually done as an outpatient procedure, meaning there is no overnight stay. You’ll get general or local anesthesia. During an operation, the surgeon makes cuts within the nostrils. In more difficult cases, the surgeon may also make cuts across the base of the nose. An overly large nose may be reduced by removing bone or cartilage, but sometimes surgery of the nose may require the addition of cartilage grafts taken from the septum of the nose or the ear (rarely a section of rib cartilage).
Laser rhinoplasty method may have some advantages, such as healing time is shorter than the traditional approach, there is usually no scarring, and no internal packing which means less bother for patients. In total, laser technique has fewer side effects rather than other methods.
After a nose job, people usually wear a nasal splint for the first week. There can be some swelling and bruising around the eyes after surgery that will begin to improve after the third day. While initial swelling subsides within a few weeks, it may take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine.
You should avoid strenuous activity for three to six weeks after surgery. In addition, don’t rest eyeglasses or sunglasses on your nose for at least four weeks after the surgery and use SPF 30 sunscreen when you’re outside. The surgeon will explain other precautions during recovery time.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging operations there is and the rhinoplasty costs depend on several factors: the complexity of the operation, the surgeon’s training and experience, and geographical location. Costs of anesthesia, operating room facilities or other related expenses should also be taken into account. Remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery because rhinoplasty surgery can have dramatic lifelong effects on a patient’s appearance.
Prof. Dr Milan Jovanovic is a specialist in plastic reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. As a surgeon with 27 years of surgical experience, Dr Jovanovic is one of the best experts in anti-ageing, plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery in the region.
He is a professor at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, where he teaches general education to students of the fifth year, as well as at the postgraduate education for doctors who specialize in the field of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. He is the Head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade.
Health institution General Hospital – Medical System Belgrade – MSB is a system which combines all medical and dental specialties.
Exceptional and complete services in the fields of anti-ageing, plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery are provided by the Center for Aesthetic Surgery MSB (Medical System Belgrade). Along with the necessary safety, quality, comfort and discretion, our main goal is – a satisfied patient.