Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a popular cosmetic procedure, but there are many factors to consider when determining if you are one of the best candidates for a rhinoplasty in Annapolis.
During your consultation with our double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Namita Murthy, you can learn if you are a suitable candidate and how the surgery may address your current cosmetic concerns.
What Is a Rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of your nose. It is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries requested and can change the size, shape, and projection of the nose to create better facial balance.
Candidates in Annapolis may also combine a rhinoplasty with a septoplasty, a common procedure that addresses the septum or the tissue that divides your nostrils. A septoplasty can correct a nasal deformity caused by an injury or congenital condition, improve breathing difficulties, and reduce the risk of chronic sinus infections.
Types of Rhinoplasty Procedures
There are two types of rhinoplasty procedures available for candidates in Annapolis. The type of procedure chosen for your surgery will depend on your anatomy and the corrections you would like to have made. The two surgical approaches are called open and closed rhinoplasty, each of which has its unique advantages and disadvantages.
In an open rhinoplasty, an incision is made across the columella—the tissue between your nostrils. The incision provides direct access to the underlying structures of your nose. Typically, this approach is preferred for more complex procedures, since it gives Dr. Murthy a greater degree of visibility and precision.
Complex procedures might include correcting significant asymmetry, reshaping the nasal tip, or repairing extensive structural damage after an injury. While the procedure will leave a slight surgical scar, it typically fades over time. Recovery time is also likely to be longer, as you might experience more swelling compared with a closed rhinoplasty.
A closed procedure uses incisions inside the nostrils and so leaves no visible scar tissue. Recovery is typically faster since there is less swelling, but because the surgeon has less visibility and access, this method is usually only considered when you need minor adjustments.
Are You a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
At your consultation in Annapolis, we will consider several factors to determine whether you are a good candidate for a rhinoplasty. Some of these factors involve physical health, while others depend on your lifestyle and anatomy. Your physical health is crucial in determining if you are a candidate, as some health conditions—such as lung disease, heart disease, bleeding disorders, and diabetes—can make surgery risky.
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are adults who are older than 16. This has more to do with your bodily development than with your age, as when you are younger than 16, your facial bones and structure are still continually changing.
Several lifestyle factors can also affect your candidacy for rhinoplasty. For example, you should be a non-smoker or willing to give up smoking for six weeks before and after the surgery, as smoking can increase your risk of both complications during surgery and infections afterward.
It is also important to pause alcohol consumption for six weeks before and after your procedure, as alcohol can significantly affect your blood pressure measurements, which in turn affects your healing rate.
Finally, a rhinoplasty should be the best option for addressing your particular cosmetic concerns. For example, a rhinoplasty is suitable for correcting a bulbous tip caused by poorly defined cartilage or thick skin over the nose, or a dorsal hump caused by cartilage at regularities. Wide nostrils, a crooked nose, and a plunging tip that droops when you smile are additional structural issues that can be addressed by a rhinoplasty.
Schedule Your Consultation in Annapolis To Learn if You Are an Ideal Candidate for a Rhinoplasty
A rhinoplasty is an elective cosmetic procedure that should be undertaken only after careful consideration. Call our office today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Murthy, who can answer your questions about whether you are among the ideal candidates for a rhinoplasty in Annapolis.
During your consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss everything you need to know about the procedure, including what you can expect from the surgery and the recovery process.