Most patients who undergo rhinoplasty have been contemplating surgery to enhance, reduce or refine their nose for many years. As the nose is the face’s central, often dominant, feature, it is usually the determining factor in how we feel about our overall appearance.
So, correcting something that has made you unhappy for a long time is a momentous decision. Among the many considerations is whether rhinoplasty is a painful procedure.
Is rhinoplasty painful?
In short, everyone is unique and has different pain thresholds, but most patients report discomfort rather than easily manageable pain.
The next section of this article covers the techniques used during nose reshaping surgery and what this means for your rhinoplasty experience and levels of discomfort.
Different rhinoplasty techniques
Unlike a tummy tuck, which entails making a lengthy incision, repositioning and removing fat and tissue and tightening the abdominal muscles, a rhinoplasty involves small incisions and precise and careful reshaping of the bone and cartilage.
The degree of discomfort felt after rhinoplasty is influenced by the techniques employed. An open rhinoplasty involves a small incision between the nostrils, allowing your Karidis Clinic surgeon to lift the skin from the substructures to adjust the cartilage and bone below. The skin is then redraped and sutured.
A less extensive procedure is a closed rhinoplasty. Your surgeon will make incisions inside your nostrils to make minor changes, such as improving the shape of the tip or smoothing a hump on the bridge. It is not usually appropriate for significant changes to the nose.
Most patients report minimal pain and only experience discomfort because of the congestion felt immediately post-surgery. Typically, your nose will feel ‘plugged up’, and patients are forced to breathe through their mouth. There is often a sensation of pressure in your temple. This should only last a few days.
More rhinoplasty questions? Call 0207 432 8727 to arrange a consultation with either Mr Alex Karidis or Mr Mark Ho-Asjoe at the Karidis Clinic. Get in touch with our team to discuss your rhinoplasty options, ranging from traditional nose surgery and revision rhinoplasty to tip rhinoplasty and male nose surgery.
