Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, is a type of plastic surgery that changes the shape of the nose. For many people, this operation improves their health and breathing. Others seek surgery for a facial proportion that helps them feel more confident. Don’t let the prospect of anesthesia for plastic surgery intimidate you — with expert physician anesthesiologists overseeing the operation, you’ll stay safe and comfortable as the surgeon performs their best work.
How Can a Nose Job Help You?
By reshaping the nose’s bones, cartilage, and skin, a nose job can change both the way your nose looks and the way it functions. Plastic surgeons may alter the nose to correct health conditions, with goals like:
- Improving an obstructed airway by opening nasal passages
- Correcting breathing impairments
- Repairing the nose after an injury
- Repairing cartilage between the nostrils
Nose jobs can also serve cosmetic purposes by:
- Straightening the bridge of the nose
- Making the nose bigger, smaller, narrower, or wider
- Reducing or refining a large nasal tip
- Changing the size of the nostrils
- Giving the face a more symmetrical, balanced look
You have many options for facial surgery in northern Virginia, so you’ll want to find an experienced plastic surgeon who understands your goals. The surgeon will complete a physical exam and review your overall health history first. It’s important for them to learn about any pre-existing conditions or possible risks and to know how the surgery will affect your breathing before they begin treatment.
Preparing for a Nose Job
Your plastic surgeon will also measure and photograph your face from multiple angles. This process helps the surgeon learn your facial proportions. They may use electronic software to show you what potential outcomes might look like over the long term. The surgeon will also consider your preferences—how you want your new nose to look and feel.
Finding a Plastic Surgeon in Virginia
Since the nose is such a delicate organ, rhinoplasty is a complex skill requiring an expert cosmetic surgeon. Look for a professional who has experience performing nose jobs and a track record of excellent results.
For a nose job in northern Virginia, the surgeon needs to be certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). Board certification means your surgeon has at least six years of education and training and meets high professional standards for patient safety.
Your plastic surgeon should also make you feel comfortable and be able to explain the procedure in an understandable way.
What to Expect During Facial Surgery
You’ll receive anesthesia for plastic surgery to keep you calm and pain-free during the process. Each rhinoplasty is tailored to the needs of the patient. Depending on the changes you need, the surgeon may operate inside the nose or through a small incision at the base of the nose. Then they’ll rearrange the bone and cartilage to achieve the desired shape. For larger procedures, the surgeon might use cartilage from another part of your body, like the ear.
You’ll usually be able to go home on the day of your operation. Recovery may involve a temporary nose splint or “packing” in the nostrils, and your doctor might also prescribe pain medication for discomfort. Your nose may swell and have bruises at first, but after a while, you’ll feel and look better.
Anesthesia for Nose Jobs in Northern Virginia
Your surgeon and physician anesthesiologist will work with you to determine the type of anesthesia that’s best for your operation. Depending on how long and complex your rhinoplasty will be, you might receive either local sedation or general anesthesia for plastic surgery.
Local sedation numbs a part of the body while keeping you awake. You’ll be relaxed, and you won’t feel pain in your nose, though there may be some pressure.
General Anesthesia Keeps You Asleep During the Surgery
Anesthesiologists will monitor your airways to make sure you’re able to breathe safely the entire time. Ear, nose, and throat surgeries require expert anesthesiologists like the professionals at SleepGuardian. Whether our trained physicians administer local or general anesthesia, they’re trained to keep patients safe and secure while the plastic surgeon focuses on producing excellent results.
SleepGuardian physician anesthesiologists work in the surgeon’s office to make the process easier for patients and doctors. An office-based operation lowers costs for patients while maintaining a hospital-level standard of care. If you perform plastic surgery in Virginia, contact us at (866) 256-1146 to learn how SleepGuardian can help you give each patient a safe, positive experience.
