Rhinoplasty: HSA Eligibility

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, also referred to colloquially as a "nose job," is a plastic surgery procedure that is designed to alter the shape and proportions of the nose so that it is more aesthetically compatible with the rest of the patient's face. Plastic surgeons can manipulate the existing tissue to correct a wide range of potential abnormalities, such as correcting facial balance, altering the size of the nose bridge/shape of the nostrils, correcting the size/shape of the nasal tip and procedures to ensure correct nasal asymmetry.

Additionally, rhinoplasty is among the most common medical procedures to correct a deviated septum, which is an abnormality in the nasal structure that is one of the most common forms of breathing impairment in individuals of all ages. A deviated septum refers to a partially obstructed airway as a result of a crooked bridge of the nose, and while some can live comfortably with one all of their lives, some may opt for rhinoplasty to correct this issue and improve their breathing (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).

How is rhinoplasty done?

Rhinoplasty procedures are designed and tailored to the patient's needs, but will require local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia depending on how advanced the surgery will be to alter the patient's nose. In most cases, the internal dressings will remain in place for about a week after the surgery, and some bleeding and mucous drainage may take place in the days and weeks after these dressings are removed.

The recovery period from rhinoplasty will last several weeks as the bones and cartilage heal, and patients will have to take extra precautions to prevent additional bleeding and swelling in the affected area. Individuals who have undergone rhinoplasty should avoid strenuous aerobics, should take showers instead of baths, and generally avoid any activities that would place additional strain on the nose and upper lip until about 4 weeks after the surgery is done. Swelling can sometimes take up to a year to completely dissipate, so individuals who are considering rhinoplasty should be willing to undergo a significant recovery period before agreeing to the surgery (WebMD).