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In recent times, Singaporeans have become more open to the idea of undergoing cosmetic surgery. At Allure, one of the most common procedures they opt for is a rhinoplasty or a nose job. People often think getting a nose job is a straightforward procedure — however, it does have a revision rate of 5 to 15% [1], with about 14% of these patients being teenagers. It is a big decision to make, especially since your nose sets the tone for the appearance of the face. Don’t worry, we’ve got you! Read on for 5 important things to consider before getting a rhinoplasty.
A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that entails changing the shape of your nose. Often, the motivation behind it is to change the nose’s appearance, improve breathing or both. The upper portion of the structure of the nose is bone, and the lower portion is cartilage. Rhinoplasty can change bone, cartilage, skin or all three.
A “nose job” is often used to refer to a procedure conducted on someone’s nose. However, a nose job may actually refer to two separate procedures: septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
Individuals with deviated septums may choose to undergo a septoplasty to fix it. During the septoplasty procedure, the doctor straightens the septum to relieve any breathing issues which stem from the blockage of the nasal passage. A rhinoplasty is generally for aesthetic purposes as the nose shape is changed.
If you have a deviated septum, you may require both procedures in order to correct any bumps or crookedness caused by their deviated septum.
The technique used usually varies depending on your desired results. Generally, a rhinoplasty can be performed to address the following:
Understanding what you truly want is a crucial part of the decision-making process. It is also important to communicate this effectively with your plastic surgeon.
Not every nose job has the same end result. While plastic surgeons are medically certified to perform these surgical procedures, you could try looking for a plastic surgeon who specialises in or has a specific interest in rhinoplasty.
It is also important to look for a plastic surgeon who understands your needs and concerns, and who can help you get the desired results you envision. During your consultation, ask all the questions you need that you know would help you make a sound decision. You may also request to view before and after pictures to see the previous work the doctor has done.
Find a plastic surgeon you can trust who is board-certified and up-to-date with changing trends within the realm of rhinoplasty and aesthetic surgery.
As it is a surgical procedure, you may want to take note of the recovery process in order to plan your schedule around the surgery and give yourself enough time to heal.
Generally, a nose job is a safe and straightforward procedure and can be carried out on an outpatient basis, which means there is no need to stay overnight. You will be put under either a moderate/deep sedation or general anaesthesia (GA) during the procedure.
It would take around 3-4 weeks to have most of the swelling reduced, but you can expect minimal bruising, which will subside within a week. For the final result, it can take anywhere from a month to 12 months depending on what is done and if there was previous surgery to the nose. Therefore, remember to plan ahead so that you can give yourself enough time to rest and avoid physically strenuous activities post-surgery. Blunt force may also cause serious trauma and damage as the nose is still sensitive and flexible.
You may experience significant swelling right after the procedure, so do not expect the results to be immediate as you’d have to wait for the swelling to subside. Eventually, your new nose will heal and may appear significantly different from your nose before the procedure.
There could be instances where you aren’t happy with the outcome of your procedure and will have to undergo a revision rhinoplasty. Don’t hesitate to raise your concerns with your plastic surgeon so that they can work with you in achieving your desired appearance.
Understandably, it is a permanent decision and the thought of going under the knife may seem daunting to some. You could also consider minimally invasive alternatives such as a nose threadlift or nose fillers.
The nose threadlift procedure has become commonly known as a lunchtime procedure because of its minimal downtime and non-invasive nature.
This procedure helps enhance the shape of the nose and improves its contours without having to undergo plastic surgery. Using biocompatible threads, doctors are able to make the nose bridge and nose tips higher by strategically raising, straightening and defining the nose.
A nose threadlift utilises threads made of absorbable material such as Polypolydioxanone (PDO). They are completely absorbed into the body over time. As these threads dissolve over time, the ultra-fine threads create new tissue fibroblasts and collagen, additionally creating a tightening effect and further enhancing the effects of the nose contour. [2]
The effects of a nose threadlift last for about 6 months to a year, with the threads naturally dissolving within the skin. Downtime is generally minimal and the side effects are generally rare and mild such as:
Nose fillers are another alternative to getting a rhinoplasty. Dr Samuel Ho regards nose fillers as a prelude to a surgical rhinoplasty, as this allows you to experience your desired “new nose” first before deciding to have surgery done.
Similarly, there is no immediate downtime period to this procedure. Patients expect to return to their regular daily activities after an hour’s rest. Patients have reported feeling minor discomfort after the treatment. In some cases, patients have experienced post-operative bruising and swelling, and this usually subsides within 24 hours.
Prior to the treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the areas undergoing treatment to minimise pain and discomfort.
Fillers are then injected into specific areas of the nose to alter its shape. This creates a more appealing look by only working on areas that require the alteration the most. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete.
While there are minimal risks and side effects of the procedure, this varies from patient to patient. Side effects experienced by each patient are often impacted and/or influenced by external factors which may include and are not limited to their daily habits, diet, intensity and frequency of exercise as well as stress levels.
There is no right treatment, but rather one that would be best for you. Undergoing a rhinoplasty can sound overwhelming, so take your time with your decision. Alternatives such as nose threadlifts and nose fillers can be useful as these procedures are not permanent and allow you to see if you’ll be happy with your ideal nose before undergoing rhinoplasty.
That being said, always remember to communicate both your concerns and desires with your plastic surgeon so that they may work on a treatment plan that best suits you.
