Rhinoplasty has become one of the most popular procedures in the past few years, with more than 200,000 people trying to get their noses fixed. Patients can go both the surgical and the non-surgical route, depending on their goals. Like every other procedure, people want to know what to expect from it.
Knowing what the procedure involves can make your recovery much smoother. But how long does a rhinoplasty operation take, and when can you expect to see the results? This blog will tell you everything you need to know about rhinoplasty.
How Does Rhinoplasty Work?
Rhinoplasty can reduce or enhance the shape of your nose, depending on your goals. The procedure is often done for cosmetic reasons, but functional issues could also lead to this treatment.
When performed surgically, rhinoplasty can be open or closed. The open rhinoplasty involves creating an incision along the columella, allowing Dr. Shaw more visibility while performing the procedure. Closed rhinoplasties have an incision in the nostril, making them more fitting when you have a minor issue to fix.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Rhinoplasties are done under anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel anything during the procedure. The surgery can last between one and a half hours and three hours, depending on the complexity of the case. If you need to reshape the nose extensively, the procedure can last even longer than that.
A small plastic splint is usually added to reduce swelling and keep the nose in its new shape as it heals. You’ll be asked to wear gauze until the swelling goes down – this will be removed once your nose heals. It is also recommended that you keep the area clean during the healing phase.
Recovery After Rhinoplasty
Most patients ask, “how long does it take for rhinoplasty to heal?” It might take one year to reach full recovery and enjoy the final shape of your nose. That said, the initial recovery phase should be completed within one to two weeks. After this milestone, your splints and bandages are taken off.
Substantial recovery should occur after four to six weeks once swelling and bruising have subsided. However, you can still expect minor swelling to persist for the next few months. Your nose might look slightly bigger than you intended to, but the final shape will reveal itself as time passes.
The Sensation of Normalcy
Even after the rhinoplasty has mostly healed, you could still have difficulties maintaining a sense of normality. This leads to the question: when will my nose feel normal after rhinoplasty? For the most part, this depends on the extent of the procedure.
Most patients feel like themselves within two to three weeks after the procedure. Within the first month, your nose could feel relatively stiff and numb, but the sensation should gradually decrease. As you reach the six-month milestone, the swelling should be gone, and the sense of normalcy should be restored. Bear in mind that if you had the procedure to correct your airways, breathing through your nose might still feel slightly difficult initially.
Within a year, your nose senses should have fully returned, and you should be breathing normally. Scars should be barely visible, but if they are not, they can be addressed with different skin resurfacing procedures.
It is recommended that you schedule a check-up with Dr. Shaw every few months to ensure the recovery is smooth.
Get Your Rhinoplasty Consultation Today!
Rhinoplasties are an excellent option to change the shape of your nose and improve your breathing. Knowing what to expect from such a procedure helps you have a stress-free recovery, as you are aware of the steps to take. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Travis Shaw to see if rhinoplasty is the right treatment for you.
For more information about rhinoplasties and what to expect after the procedure, contact Dr. Travis Shaw at 804-775-4559. We can help you recover smoothly, as you will know exactly what to expect. As an alternative, you can fill out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.
