Many
of us are unhappy with the appearance of our nose – maybe we think they’re too
big, too wide, wonky, or have lumps and bumps that detract from our profile.
This
belief can have a big impact on confidence and often leaves people unhappy with
having their photo taken. Rhinoplasty (colloquially called a
‘nose job’) can alter the dimensions and shape of your nose giving you more
pleasing proportions, however it is still considered by many to be a ‘major
surgery’ and people are put off from undergoing it, fearing both pain and
expense.
The
truth is, although the surgery is complex, in the hands of an experienced
surgeon it can be carried out quickly and without complication. Likewise,
recovery and cost are probably not as extensive as you think.
Read
on below as we bust some of the biggest myths about nose jobs…
1. Rhinoplasty is very expensive
In
the past, rhinoplasty was a much more costly surgery, but thanks to
developments in technique it can be carried out more efficiently and is
consequently more affordable.
The
cost of rhinoplasty at Ocean Clinic Marbella ranges from €3,500 to €6,000,
depending on the extent of the surgery required (i.e. whether it is open or
closed surgery and whether tip reshaping is also necessary).
Nose
surgery can often be performed on an outpatient basis, under heavy sedation. This
can dramatically bring down the cost of your surgery, since you will not be
fully anesthetised and can go home afterwards.
Your surgery might
not cost as much as you think it will – the way to know for sure is to book a free consultation and get a bespoke quote.
2. Rhinoplasty is very painful
When you
see photos of rhinoplasty patients in their post-surgery nose splints, perhaps
with bruising around the eyes, it’s natural to imagine that is very painful.
However,
most patients report to feeling discomfort rather than pain. It is usual to
feel tired, groggy and congested, like you have a cold, especially during the
first couple of days once the anesthesia has subsided, but these symptoms are
effectively managed with painkillers.
Normal
energy levels soon return and patients often find that pain relief is no longer
necessary after the first three to five days.
3. My breathing will be affected
Although you might be electing to
have nose surgery purely for cosmetic reasons, your surgeon may well be able to
also correct anatomical issues such as a deviated septum, actually improving
breathing.
An experienced surgeon will pay
very close attention to functional concerns when reshaping your nose in order
to ensure breathing problems are avoided.
Breathing can be minimally
impaired for a number of months by post-surgical swelling, however if problems
persist they can normally be corrected with a minor procedure.
4.
Recovery from nose surgery is extensive
A major concern for many people
with busy schedules is the downtime, however people having this surgery usually
return to work after just two weeks.
You will be able to have your nose
cast removed after 10 days. While you might still have some swelling and
bruising, this can be effectively disguised with camouflage makeup enabling you
to go out without fear of funny looks and awkward questions.
The extent of bruising suffered
really varies from person to person (and the extent of your surgery); some
patients experience hardly any even in cases where they’ve had their noses
broken and reset.
There are a number of things you
can do pre and post surgery to speed up healing, such as stopping smoking and
taking certain supplements. However, nearly all patients will find bruising fully
healed 21 days after surgery.
Patients
often worry about scarring, but a great deal of surgeries can be performed with
no exterior incisions, and those that do are concealed in the natural folds of
your nose and septum.
5. It will be obvious to everyone I’ve had a nose job
In
situations where a patient has a very large or misshaped nose, surgery will
indeed be obvious, but for those having a small bump filed away, or a drooping
tip lifted, the effect will be subtler.
You
will be surprised how few people actually notice. Instead, they will tell you
that you look well, maybe ask if you’ve had a new haircut – although you look
different it will be hard for them to identify why.
Nose
reshaping is a delicate art. Removing one millimetre is often all it takes to
dramatically improve the proportions of a nose so that it better suits the
face. (See our before and after
gallery)
A
surgeon experienced in rhinoplasty surgery will understand how to create the
most flattering profile without giving you an unnatural look; it is therefore not
necessary for everyone to know about your surgery.
However,
although the changes might be small, they can make a big difference to the way
you feel. Being central to the face, the nose plays an important part in the
overall look of our face. Often just a small tweak can bring your features into
focus and give you the confidence you’ve always wanted.
