Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is reshaping of the nose. It is probably one of the more challenging operation of the face in our Albuquerque Plastic Surgery office. Certainly some people will recognize the hump of the nose and desire to have it shaved down, others have great difficulties identifying the exact problems they wish to correct.
Some people have brought in pictures of the favorite celebrities and want to have noses like theirs. This can give the surgeon a better idea although there are many factors that can not be changed. Skin thickness, for example, is one of them. Also, the shape and the size of the noses need to be evaluated in the context of the whole face. For example, a common complaint of someone with nose too projecting has in fact too small a chin. There needs to be harmony when viewed together.
I generally evaluate the nose broadly from two areas: the dorsum and the tip. Whereas the dorsum may need shaving for reduction, in-fracture for narrowing or augmentation to raise the height by closed rhinoplasty technique, the tip often needs rotation to upturn the nose and narrowing to refine the tip with open rhinoplasty. The desired results often dictate the approaches of rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty usually take longer for all the swelling to go down.
Speaking of swelling, rhinoplasty generally takes one week to look quite presentable. However, it may take a few months for all the swelling to subside and the shape to settle.
If you are looking for rhinoplasty in Albuquerque NM to make a big difference in changing the appearance of the face and to boost self-confidence, please contact my office for a free appointment.