Today, more and more people are turning to plastic and cosmetic surgery to fix areas of their bodies they don't like. Treatments include fuller lips; higher, more-defined cheek bones; breast reductions or enlargements; and perfect, chiseled noses. Teenagers and adults alike, whether they are famous or not, are all jumping on the plastic surgery bandwagon.
If you're getting a rhinoplasty - a nose job - this is what you can expect. Usually, the surgeon does his work (which lasts from one to four hours) while you're under general anesthesia. He begins by making a few tiny, almost invisible, incisions in the skin between each nostril on the inside of your nose. These soft tissues and the underlying structure of your nose are reshaped, along with bone and cartilage. This allows the surgeon to create the shape you want.
Before scheduling a rhinoplasty find out if your insurance plan will pay for all or part of the procedure. This way you'll know how much money you'll need to come up with before the surgery.
Preparing for rhinoplasty is very important in helping you to rest and recover quickly once you're at home after the surgery. At least 10 days before surgery, stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications or medications that contain aspirin. Before the operation fill any necessary prescriptions and buy any dressings, tape, antibacterial soaps or bandages you may need afterwards. It's also important to closely follow any pre-op instructions your surgeon gives you, so that your surgery will be complications-free.
In addition, prepare your home for your recovery: Stock up on magazines, books, newspapers, puzzle books, games, movies and CDs; and make sure your pillow, blankets, a water bottle, your prescription medications and the remote control are all within easy reach.
Buy enough groceries to last about two weeks after rhinoplasty. Buy meals that are easy and simple to prepare, such as frozen dinners, cereals, etc. Have plenty of juice, water and Gatorade on hand.
Arrange to have someone stay with you for three days after your surgery. You'll need to keep your head elevated to help with the swelling and the bruising that will occur afterwards. Ice packs on the nasal area help.
Risks associated with rhinoplasty include, obstruction of your airway, infection, nausea and vomiting, bleeding, blood vessel bursting, depression, adhesions, keloids, scarring, numbness, discoloration of the skin, loss of smell, pain, bruising, swelling, nerve damage, necrosis of the skin, septal hematoma and irregularities within the skin. It is imperative that you follow all of your surgeon's recommendations for post-op recovery.