Many people can quickly associate a rhinoplasty procedure with nose surgery, however, only a handful of people actually know the various rhinoplasty procedures which are available and what each respective one entails.

The steps to obtaining a rhinoplasty are as follows. First you schedule an appointment for a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will conduct an examination will speak to you about your goals. If everything works out as planned, you will be slated to receive the procedure. On operation day, you will be wheeled into the operating room and given local anesthesia. This will put you to sleep during the procedure. Some rhinoplasty procedures make use of other types of anesthesia, depending on the extent of the operation as well as the patient’s medical history. Further anesthesia may be issued to the operation site alongside other medications designed to limit blood flow to the area during the procedure.

Only two types of rhinoplasty procedures currently exist: internal and external. Both of these procedures have their respective perks and drawbacks. Your doctor should elaborate on these during your consultation. Both of these procedures are equally effective in garnering goods results. The end outcome of the surgery, regardless of what specific technique is used, rests on the skill of the surgeon and a number of other factors. The expectations of the patient also come into play.

The external rhinoplasty procedure calls for an incision on the outside of the nose. To hide any scarring, an incision is typically made at the intersection of the nose with the face. Once inside the nose, the surgeon can make any necessary adjustments to achieve what he/she discussed with the patient. There are some variations of the external rhinoplasty that call for incisions in other areas. These are performed on a case-by-case basis depending on how much adjustment is required.

The internal rhinoplasty, as its name implies, calls for an internal incision within the nose. This type of procedure is reserved for patients who require a limited amount of work. Space is limited as well as maneuverability. No visible scars are made during this procedure, which is a tremendous advantage for many patients. Once the surgeon has made the incision, he/she proceeds to work and makes any necessary adjustments.

Many rhinoplasty surgeons consider photographs and other reference material to be extremely helpful in guiding their work amidst the procedure. A large number of surgeons are meticulous and wrap up the procedure having done exactly as they talked with the patient. When the surgeon has finished his/her work, they will place sutures at the incision site. A splint is then fitted on the patient’s nose.

You will return to your surgeon’s office for a follow-up visit wherein this splint will be removed. Don’t expect to see your new nose just yet. Swelling and discoloration will obscure any of the results of the operation. However, in a few weeks, you will be greeted with your new nose. Be patient and follow your surgeon’s instructions during the recovery period. You will be happy that you did.