When it comes to our appearance, we all have features that we hate some more than others. Some of us look in the mirror and the feature we hate can nearly bring us to tears. A common problem along many is noses. So many of us think our noses are too big or too small for our faces, some are oddly shaped and some are upturned. There are so many variations, and so many reasons why you may feel slightly paranoid about your nose. If this is a problem which affects you, it could be wise to learn all about rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is a nose reshaping or "nose job" operation, it can be done cosmetically to improve a person’s appearance, or to improve the function of a person’s nose for example after you break your nose you may not be able to breathe through it properly so will require reconstructive surgery. Sometimes work on the chin or cheek bones can help to enhance the aesthetic results you will receive from having a cosmetic surgical procedure.

As this procedure will directly affect the way you look and will be incredibly noticeable, it is important that you know exactly what you are doing. The most important thing you can do is book an appointment with a physician. Discuss what you would like to achieve and why, the physician can then tell you what you can realistically expect to achieve, and what they believe will be best for you. It is necessary that you understand fully how your nose will look after your surgery.

Before having the operation there are things to consider. If you currently have a cold, the flu or a cough then re schedule your appointment or operation after you have recovered. You will want to minimise the risk of infection and having a cold can increase this. Also smoking can slow your recovery so it can be wise to stop smoking several months prior to your procedure. Also be aware that your surgeon may take before and after pictures to show you the results as over the first few days you will be wearing a lint slip and will be unable to see the results.

About the operation itself: the operation generally will take two hours, but this will depend on the extent of the work you are having done and whether this is the only procedure. There are two types of rhinoplasty, these are; reduction rhinoplasty and augmentation rhinoplasty.

Reduction rhinoplasty is to make your nose smaller. To do this the surgeon will cut through the inside of your nostrils so that they can reach the bone and cartilage. To make your nose smaller some of this bone and cartilage will be removed, or it will be reshaped, depending on what you decided on with your surgeon. If you have having your nose made much smaller, it may also be necessary for your nostrils to be made smaller also to keep everything in proportion, to do this cuts in your nostrils will be made, which may leave small scars on each side of your nose.

Augmentation rhinoplasty is when you are looking to make your nose bigger or certain aspects of your nose more bulky. The same procedure is used; the skin on the inside of the nostril will be cut so the surgeon can reach the bone and cartilage. If you do not have enough cartilage in your nose to achieve the desired result, you may need to have a graft of cartilage or bone, usually this will be from either your ears, bone from the back of your elbow, a rib or your hip bone, although sometimes artificial implants are used.

After your surgery, you will have dressings in each nostril for several days, this is to prevent any pain or discomfort and so that your nose will heal properly. As well as this you can expect to wear a split over your nose for around a week this helps to support your nose so it will form and heal exactly how you want it too.

It is important to bear in mind certain things after you have had your surgery. It is not uncommon that you will have some small nose bleeds for a few days after your surgery. Keep your head upright as much as you can to prevent this and also steer clear of hot baths for a while. Unfortunately, you will feel a lot of pressure on your nose which will make you feel bunged up, there are sprays which can help however generally it is something you will have to grin and bear, but try sleeping upright on several pillows at night to take the pressure off slightly.

You have to be careful for the first week or so after your surgery. If you need to sneeze you have to try hard to cough it out as this will really hurt your nose! Also refrain from blowing your nose. If it runs tap it away gently with a tissue, with regards to sport and entering places which are dusty, avoid doing these until your nose is fully healed, or for at least six weeks.

There are a few things which you should look out for, and contact your physician immediately if any of these occur; bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes, inability to drink, increasing or worsening pain and having a constant high temperature.

There are obvious side effects with rhinoplasty. These are soreness, bruising, stiffness and an inability to breath. Due to these being quite awkward side effects, and with the bruising commonly being around the eye area, it can often be wise to take time off work, at least until the bruising settles down and the pain begins to calm slightly.

Knowing all about rhinoplasty is key do not consider having this kind of surgery if you do not know much about it. Many people get impatient or fed up and remove their lint, be patient and stick to the care routine your physician lays out for you.