Rhinoplasty surgery is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery, but for most people, it is referred to simply as a nose job. It is a common misconception that a nose job is just to make the nose smaller. Rhinoplasty is used not only for changing the size of the nose but also for changing the shape, altering nostril size and can be used to smooth out any lumps and bumps.
For many patients, rhinoplasty is a major confidence boost, it can be particularly beneficial after a broken nose, and can help to improve many aspects of the nose that cause people to feel self-conscious about themselves.
While most people choose nose surgery for aesthetic reasons, it can also be incredibly important to help with some health issues, such as breathing difficulties. Rhinoplasty can help patients to have clearer airways making breathing through the nose much easier. With all of these factors in mind, it is easy to see why rhinoplasty is consistently in the top five most requested forms of cosmetic surgery.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty, you are not alone. Thousands of people undergo the procedure every year so if you’re researching before you commit to surgery, here are five interesting facts about rhinoplasty that will set your mind at ease.
Five things you didn't know about Rhinoplasty Surgery
1. It’s Speedy
Both surgery and recovery for rhinoplasty procedures are incredibly quick. Surgery is usually under two hours long, and recovery is commonly less than five days, meaning you can get back to normality with a nose you're happy with, even sooner than expected. While many people believe you will look like you’ve completed several rounds in a boxing ring after your operation, many people will not suffer bruising. To reduce the risk of bruising after surgery, make sure to use ice compresses and avoid aspirin and alcohol before and after the procedure. Pineapple juice is also a great drink after surgery because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
2. It’s Customisable
Your surgeon will use the latest state of the art technology to design the rhinoplasty to suit your face. The surgeon’s priority is to make sure your procedure will work in harmony with the rest of your face and ensure that the nose blends in, rather than stands out. It is interesting to note that it can be a very different procedure depending on whether you are male or female. The angle, contours and slope of the nose are completely different between the sexes, so different rhinoplasty techniques will be performed.
3. It’s 2500 Years Old
Think nose jobs are a relatively new procedure? The first rhinoplasty procedure that was documented was over 2500 years ago. Even then, it was used for both aesthetic and practical purposes, predominantly for repairing noses after battles. While technology has progressed, the techniques are still very similar.
4. It Isn’t Plastic Surgery
Often people refer to a nose job as plastic surgery, rather than cosmetic surgery. There is no plastic or prosthetics used in rhinoplasty, usually only cartilage is used. Cartilage can be taken from other parts of your body to restructure the nose, rather than foreign objects. The term plastic surgery actually comes from the Latin word, plasticus. Instead of referring to the prosthesis, the term actually means to sculpt, mould or shape, which is what happens to your nose during the procedure.
5. It’s Affordable And Accessible
While many people think rhinoplasty will cost too much money, modern procedures and quick surgery time make it one of the most affordable types of cosmetic surgery. Due to the quick recovery, you’ll see many people opting for surgery during vacation periods. In fact, winter is an extremely popular time for rhinoplasty procedures as recovery tends to be quicker in colder. Take a look at our nose job costs here.
