What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping surgery, is requested by any patients who wish to change the appearance of their nose. This type of surgery changes the shape of the bone and the cartilage inside the nose. Usually little or no external scarring occurs.
Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose, then you may be an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty. Most Asian patients have noses that are shorter and smaller than they would like and want their noses elongated and enlarged. However, Atlanta nose surgeon Dr. Kim will speak with you about your goals as well as concerns, and then work with you to achieve what you desire.
What are the characteristics of an Asian nose?
Asian noses typically have less definition and projection and the bridge begins lower on the face.
They also have:
- Weak tip cartilages
- Thin, weak septal cartilage
- More soft tissue in the nasal tip
- Relatively thick skin
How is Asian rhinoplasty different from other types of rhinoplasty?
The goal of Asian rhinoplasty nose surgery is generally the opposite of standard rhinoplasty. Whereas rhinoplasty for the Caucasian is typically intended to reduce the size of a large nose, Asian rhinoplasty is designed to augment and increase the size of the nose.
What kind of pain and discomfort should I expect after an rhinoplasty?
Surprisingly, there really is little to no discomfort with nose surgery. Most patients report having no discomfort at all. The worst experience that patients have reported in the past is packing the nose or putting splints in the nose for a night or for several days, which can be very uncomfortable. However, Dr. Kim will prescribe you some painkillers.
How long is the downtime after surgery?
You should expect to take at least one week off from work or school. During that week, you will be wearing a splint so you may want to stay out of public sight if you feel uncomfortable. You may also experience significant swelling and bruising. By the end of the second week, a large percentage of the swelling will have subsided to the point that you may be more comfortable being seen. You will also be able to wear makeup to cover any residual bruising.
To learn more about all types of rhinoplasty and discuss your options with Atlanta, Georgia nose surgeon Dr. Kim, please contact Kim Facial Plastic Surgery, serving patients in Atlanta, Georgia. Our experienced plastic surgeon would be happy to conduct a personal nose surgery consultation.