Rhinoplasty is one of our most sought-after procedures by adults of all ages and backgrounds. It is also one of the most complex and precise plastic surgery options in the world, requiring a comprehensive skill set to deliver refined results. Commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty offers a way to reconfigure the nose into a more pleasing shape, size, and profile. Though it is a complicated surgical undertaking, it can have incredible and permanent results. Below, we cover why the option of an awake rhinoplasty can produce more refined results.
Why Does Awake Rhinoplasty Produce More Refined Results?
Dr. Kenneth Kim at Dream Medical Group is a leading provider of rhinoplasty and other unique treatment options for patients looking for a more modern approach to cosmetic surgery. In addition to our regular rhinoplasty procedures, we also offer awake rhinoplasty, creating beautiful results without needing full anesthesia. This lesser-known rhinoplasty technique is beneficial for anyone who feels that general anesthesia would be too great a risk. But awake procedures are also important because they involve increased patient safety through three key factors:
- By not using general anesthesia, the patient avoids the multiple risks it poses (ranging from allergic reactions to fatality).
- Awake procedures demand more precise techniques, promoting little to no damage to the surrounding tissues.
- A milder recovery means less strain on the body and decreased risk of complications.
Guide to the Article
Today, the office of Dr. Kenneth Kim will answer essential questions about this specific procedure, including:
- What is the purpose of awake rhinoplasty?
- What are the advantages of an awake rhinoplasty?
- Why does awake rhinoplasty produce more refined results?
- What is the recovery process of an awake rhinoplasty like?
- How long does it take to start seeing the results of an awake rhinoplasty?
Safety, innovation, and transparency are our most significant values, and it is important that we provide the very best care to all of our patients. We strive to bring you the opportunity to customize your nose further than ever before. Find comprehensive information about awake rhinoplasty below, learn to identify key differences between rhinoplasty procedures, and choose the technique that you are most comfortable with after you schedule a personal consultation with our experts.
What Is Awake Rhinoplasty?
The most prominent distinction that makes an awake rhinoplasty stand apart from traditional cosmetic surgery procedures is the fact that this surgery is performed with only local anesthesia. Instead of being completely unconscious, the patient is wide awake and aware throughout the entirety of the treatment.
Awake rhinoplasty is a relatively new type of procedure, revolutionizing the world of nose surgery. There are actually many types of awake surgery we perform at Dream Medical Group, as this emerging field of plastic surgery is designed to offer more personalized options than ever before. But, most importantly, it is safer for patients and produces results that can improve their quality of life overall.
During awake rhinoplasty, the patient will not feel anything as local anesthesia will be applied to the treatment area. Rhinoplasty surgeries are well-known for being fast and efficient, which is why this is the perfect opportunity for an awake surgery. However, that does not mean the procedure is rushed. Dr. Kim takes his time in carefully crafting the nose for optimal results.
The procedure should go smoothly without any instances of pain or discomfort. This type of surgery allows for deeper customization, less strain on the body, minimal risks, faster recovery and more pleasing results. Many patients are happy to report that recovery times are uncomplicated and minimal.
What Are the Advantages of an Awake Rhinoplasty?
Many patients deal with varying levels of sensitivity when it comes to general anesthesia. This causes people to give up on their aesthetic dreams because they do not want to go through the trouble of going under. Being put to sleep for surgery can be scary (and this fear is potentially merited due to the risks involved in general anesthesia).
That is why Dr. Kim and his expert medical team operate using more modern methods of performing a rhinoplasty. Awake rhinoplasty has proved to be beneficial for a unique selection of patients and for a unique list of reasons:
- You can avoid some of the risks of complications that stem from general anesthesia, such as memory loss, nausea and vomiting, and hematoma.
- You will face a shorter recovery time than traditional rhinoplasty procedures as you do not need a few days to recover from the full-body effects of anesthesia.
- Patients report more enjoyable results with awake rhinoplasty than with other forms of rhinoplasty.
- Your post-op instructions may be less intensive with an awake rhinoplasty.
- The specifics of your nose job are typically natural-looking and more refined, due to avoiding subdermal scarring of tissues.
With fewer risks and a less invasive surgical process, awake rhinoplasty can be advantageous to your entire body. There is less likely to be scar tissue after the area is healed, making more space for your beautiful new nose to shine. Dr. Kenneth Kim invites you to be a part of this emerging rhinoplasty technique that can offer you some truly revolutionary results.
Why Does Awake Rhinoplasty Produce More Refined Results?
Far fewer surgical requirements are needed during an awake rhinoplasty, but the surgeon must be even more aware and meticulous. As the patient stays awake, the procedure becomes almost interactive. The surgeon will go through a step-by-step process during your rhinoplasty, helping you achieve your most desired look through trained techniques and ensuring you approve of the results before completing the procedure.
Using our particular anesthetic method, we can completely numb the nose and the surrounding area of the face without requiring you to be put to sleep through an IV. You will be awake to breathe and even speak comfortably throughout the procedure.
In many ways, it will feel similar to a dental procedure that numbs your mouth while the rest of your body remains intact. This makes it easier for the surgeon to focus on the most specific areas of your nose, crafting the exact right structure to suit your needs.
Since your body does not need the extra few days to recover from general anesthesia, you will find the recovery process to be lightning-fast. There is a far smaller risk of internal bleeding and little to no scar tissue to show for your advanced procedure. Recovery is usually simple and quick for our patients who experience an awake rhinoplasty.
The Key Difference in Scarring
Traditional rhinoplasty procedures can involve techniques that are less meticulous because the surgeon knows the patient is fully asleep. But an awake procedure demands greater precision, which results in minimal bleeding. Much of scar formation is due to the inflammation that occurs from bleeding, and bleeding occurs from a lack of meticulous technique.
Thus, even though the initial results may look fine, as the scars continue to form beneath the skin, patients will see less refined results. Namely, they will see results that do not match the nose they envisioned or were promised by the surgeon. With awake procedures, the exacting techniques used prevent this inflammation-related scarring and deliver more refined results.
Awake Rhinoplasty Recovery Details
The innovative methods used during awake rhinoplasty guarantee pleasing results. Furthermore, in some instances, it is even possible to predict your rhinoplasty results based on the current shape and misalignment of your nose. This can also determine the difficulty of the path to recovery that lies ahead of you. In almost every instance, patients start to heal right away. Since typical surgeries can make the body feel groggy for a while after anesthesia, you can skip this initial recovery period and go straight for direct healing.
Like traditional surgery, it is still a good idea to recruit a friend or family member who can take care of you for the first 24 hours following your procedure. You may feel tender, sore, and weak. It is important that you get plenty of rest to make the healing process go even faster. Simple activities such as sleeping with your head propped up, eating soft foods, and keeping your nose bandaged can help aid you in a swift recovery.
When Will I Start to See Results from an Awake Rhinoplasty?
A popular advantage of awake rhinoplasty procedures is reduced swelling. Most patients do not notice swelling as it is covered by bandages, and it quickly subsides before the next phase of healing begins. Swelling tends to occur when there are damaged tissues in need of healing, but since Dr. Kim’s techniques preserve the nose’s structures, very little swelling occurs. Still, it is normal to feel a little bit of tenderness or discomfort at first, though these symptoms will remain mild and fade quickly.
It only takes a few days to start seeing the full results of your advanced rhinoplasty surgery. Awake rhinoplasty awards you with instant gratification by revealing your results as you heal, rather than forcing you to wait for several weeks before viewing your new nose. The results will be stunning, and you are a lot more likely to be happy with how your new nose looks. You can still become a good candidate for a revision procedure, but you may not need one after your successful experience with awake rhinoplasty.
Learn More About Awake Rhinoplasty Today
At the office of Dr. Kenneth Kim, we are pioneering a new way to reform and repair the nose. Awake rhinoplasty is a modern alternative to traditional plastic surgery methods, offering less intensive scarring and shorter recovery times. To get set up with your own personalized recommendations, we encourage you to contact Dream Medical Group in Los Angeles and get to know Dr. Kim in a one-on-one setting. From there, we can assess your candidacy for awake rhinoplasty while creating an individual care plan.
References:
- Adamson PA, Constantinides M, Kim AJ, Pearlman S. Rhinoplasty: panel discussion. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2014;22(1):25-55.
- Byun JS, Kim KK. Correction of asian short nose with lower lateral cartilage repositioning and ear cartilage grafting. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2013;1(6):e45.
- Fanous N, Brousseau VJ, Karsan N, Fanous A. Predicting the results of rhinoplasty before surgery: Easy noses versus difficult noses. Can J Plast Surg. 2008;16(2):69-75.
- Oh YH, Seo JW, Oh SJ, et al. Correction of Severely Contracted Nose. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016;138(3):571-582.
- Seify H. Awake Plastic Surgery Procedures: The Use of a Sufentanil Sublingual Tablet to Improve Patient Experience. Aesthet Surg J Open Forum. 2022;4:ojab056.
- Schank KJ, Engwall AJ, Kuhns BW, et al. Guidelines for Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia Surgery with No Tourniquet in the Office Setting Using Field Preparation Sterility. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2023;151(2):267e-273e.
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