Rhinoplasty, or nose job, is the second most common type of plastic surgery performed in the United States.
It can achieve significant changes and help your nose “fit your face” better. A nose that is too wide, long, or crooked or has an abnormal bump or shape of the tip may make a person feel like his or her nose is unsightly or doesn’t fit his or her face. Addressing these “deformities” through rhinoplasty may improve a person’s self-image and self-confidence.
There are many reasons why someone may wish to undergo rhinoplasty. As well as altering the physical appearance of the nose, rhinoplasty can also be used to improve chronic breathing problems and correct issues caused by a deviated septum. Rhinoplasty can improve both the look and the function of your nose, contributing to improved quality of life and confidence.
Aside from cosmetic enhancement, rhinoplasty is credited with many lesser-known health benefits.
Some people choose to undergo rhinoplasty surgery if they have been having trouble sleeping due to breathing difficulties. Rhinoplasty surgery can improve a patient’s breathing and provide a better night’s sleep. It may also be used to treat heavy snoring or sleep apnea.
Nasal obstruction or blockage impedes airflow in the nose. Individuals with a persistent blockage in the nasal cavity will experience difficulty breathing. As such, simple everyday tasks and exercising can become increasingly challenging. Rhinoplasty removes the obstruction and restores airflow to the nose.
People with chronic sinus issues can suffer from excessive nasal congestion, painful headaches, and migraines. Rhinoplasty can make a huge difference to these individuals since these problems are often caused by blocked nasal passages.
When a nose is broken, both the appearance and function of the nose are usually impacted. Rhinoplasty is one of the best ways to help individuals who suffer a broken nose. The surgery will restore the nose to its natural appearance, reduce pain, and restore full function.
In addition to the outside of the nose, there may be deformities inside the nose that result in obstruction of normal breathing. This may make you feel as though your nose is stuffy or congested even when your allergies are not active and you’re not sick. When Dr. Thomas performs a rhinoplasty to address the outside appearance of your nose, he will also straighten and support the structures on the inside of your nose, helping you to breathe better as well.
When you meet with Dr. Thomas, you will discuss any breathing problems you may have and any cosmetic changes that you seek. He will have a full discussion with you on what options you have for addressing these concerns, and he will “morph” your photos on the computer so that you can better visualize the changes that would be made. A person’s gender, overall build, and ethnicity all factor into preoperative planning to achieve the best possible outcome.
As with other surgeries performed by Dr. Thomas, he always strives to achieve a natural-appearing result. He has authored many textbooks and given hundreds of educational lectures on rhinoplasty, and he has the surgical experience necessary to avoid some of the common pitfalls that may be seen with less experienced surgeons, such as an overly turned-up or overly pinched nose. Choosing an experienced surgeon who understands and shares your aesthetic goals is very important.
Dr. Thomas performs rhinoplasty surgery in downtown Chicago and has operating privileges at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and at 900 North Michigan Surgical Center.
The procedure will be performed under general anesthesia. Depending on how many changes are being made, the surgery typically takes between 2 and 4 hours. You should expect some bruising and swelling following surgery that will decrease significantly over the first 1 to 2 weeks following surgery. After 1 to 2 weeks, most patients feel comfortable in social settings, although your result will continue to improve steadily for a period of a few months following surgery.
Dr. Thomas and his professional staff will go through every aspect of the surgery and post-operative expectations with you, and a member of his staff is always available if you have any urgent questions or concerns. A complete set of post-operative instructions, including what to expect after your surgery, may be found here: