How to Reshape Your Nose

Nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty, is one of the most requested cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. In fact, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2007 alone there were over 285,000 rhinoplasty surgeries in the United States. Whether you have trouble breathing or are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, there are several reshaping options available. Here's how to reshape your nose with the help of a qualified medical professional.

Things You'll Need

• Qualified cosmetic surgeon
• Financing options
• Post-surgery care provider
• Pain medication
• Cold compresses

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Instructions

Nose Job Basics

• 1

  Search for doctors. Look for several highly qualified, board certified cosmetic surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty. The doctors you choose should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the most stringent cosmetic board in the United States.

• 2

  Schedule consultations. Call the offices of the surgeons you've selected and schedule an informational consultation. At this appointment you will meet the doctor and discuss what you dislike about your nose, how you would like the appearance of your face to be improved and what surgical options would work best for you. Ask as many questions as you can think of at this meeting about the surgery itself, the results you can expect, costs, references and follow-up care.

• 3

  Select a surgeon. Compile the information you've gathered from your consultations and select the doctor with whom you feel most comfortable. Consider experience, references, personal rapport, reputation and cost.

• 4

  Choose your procedure. Decide with your surgeon if surgical rhinoplasty or nonsurgical fillers like Radiesse or liquid silicone are right for you. Fillers are less expensive but not permanent and work best for people who wish to "fill" nasal irregularities. Surgery is best for people who want a smaller nose or whose nose reshaping involves taking away, not adding on to the nasal structure.

• 5

  Make your surgery appointment. Choose a surgery date and time according to your schedule and that of your surgeon. Remember that while the surgery itself normally takes no longer than two hours, you will need at least a week off work to recover at home. The majority of your facial swelling and bruising will not subside for two to three weeks.

• 6

  Prepare for your surgery. If you smoke, you must stop for at least two weeks before and two weeks after your surgery; any smoking during these periods can cause you to react badly to anesthetic and adversely affect your recovery. Follow your doctor's instructions to the letter, including avoiding alcohol and certain medications, as well as fasting in the hours prior to your surgery.

• 7

  Pre-fill any prescriptions. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication for your recovery period. Fill these at your pharmacy before your surgery so you have the medication handy immediately afterward.

• 8

  Arrange for after-care. You will need someone to drive you to and from your surgical appointment, as well as to keep a close eye on you for 24 to 48 hours after surgery.

• 9

  Have your procedure. Complete your rhinoplasty with either the surgical procedure or the dermal filler, whichever you and your surgeon have decided upon.

• 10

  Follow all after-care instructions carefully. Your doctor will provide you with a detailed list of do's and don'ts for post-rhinoplasty care. Follow this list carefully and precisely.

• 11

  Attend your follow-up appointments. Return to your doctor a few days after surgery for the removal of any packing, cleaning the inside of your nose and evaluation of the healing process. Splint removal will take place one week post-surgery. Your surgeon may ask you to return for other follow-up visits in the months ahead to ensure the healing process is on track.