The results of a nose job, also called nasalplasty or rhinoplasty, are designed to last for many years, and ideally, patients will only undergo this aesthetic procedure once in their lifetime. However, changes to the anatomy and facial skeleton normally occur over time, and these may affect the longevity of the desired outcome. In addition, the types of surgical techniques used and specific tissues being changed during rhinoplasty also play a role in determining how long results will last.
Patient Evaluation for Rhinoplasty
In order to ensure the best results after a nose job, the following questions must be addressed before surgery:
- How old is the patient? Cosmetic rhinoplasty should be performed once facial bone development is nearly complete and teenage patients are mature enough to undergo the procedure.
- What are the exact anatomical features that need to be addressed? Do these involve surgery of the nasal bones, the tip cartilages, or all of the nasal components?
- Are there other issues that should be fixed at the time of cosmetic rhinoplasty? These usually include septum surgery or problems related to sinuses.
- Has the patient had prior nasal trauma or surgery? How will the scar tissue or previous surgery affect potential results from another rhinoplasty?
Specific Techniques that Impact the Results of Rhinoplasty
Although a nose job should last for many years, different techniques can affect changes in appearance over time. Questions to be answered include:
- Do the nasal bones need to be narrowed by breaking and realigning them?
- Does the nose need to be made smaller, or does it require the addition of structural support material?
- Which exact cartilages will be operated on? Will the surgery involve removing, scoring, or suturing cartilages?
- Does the patient require cartilage grafts to improve breathing, contour, or symmetry?
The nose is an extremely complex anatomical structure, and obtaining the desired results from a successful nose job depends on choosing an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Hutchinson to perform your surgery.
Effects of Facial Aging on Rhinoplasty Results
Every person is subject to changes due to the normal aging process over the course of time. Some of the effects on the nose include:
- Loss of soft tissue support of the nose
- Increased length of the nose
- Greater drooping of the nasal tip
These changes may also gradually affect the post-operative appearance of the nose after rhinoplasty, in addition to other changes such as cartilage warping and scar deformities that may also occur. In these situations, additional revision surgery may be indicated to correct these changes in appearance and ensure improved results.
