Rhinoplasty F.A.Q.
Welcome to our rhinoplasty (“nosejob”) site. We created this site to provide thorough and up to date information for people who are considering having cosmetic surgery of their nose. There are a lot of misconceptions regarding what can and can not be accomplished when it comes to improving the appearance of one’s nose. We hope that this site will provide you with useful information and make your decision-making process easier. Below are the questions we will address, based on the most frequent issues brought up by our patients during the consultation process.
What does the word “rhinoplasty” mean?
The term “rhinoplasty” is used to describe cosmetic surgery of the nose, a procedure we commonly perform to improve the appearance of one’s nose.
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Are you a good candidate for a rhinoplasty?
A patient becomes a candidate to undergo a rhinoplasty once their normal facial growth has reached a plateau. Typically, this occurs around 15-16 years of age, depending on individual development. If one finds that they would like to refine the appearance of their nose, it is very important that they have an in-depth discussion with their plastic surgeon as to what in particular they would like improved. Their surgeon should take the time to explain what can and can not be accomplished, so that expectations are realistic. Any problems one may have breathing through their nose should also be addressed at the time of the consultation, as this can also be improved.
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What can a rhinoplasty improve?
A rhinoplasty can address significant or very subtle “imperfections” in one’s nose. That being said, sometimes these subtle “imperfections” are considered beautiful and give someone character. Nasal surgery should address only what the patient wants to change. Our goal is to make people look better, not different. The more common improvements we perform during rhinoplasty are:
-Reduce the “hump”, or “bump” on one’s nose, giving a nicer profile
-Narrow a widened upper part of the nose
-Refine the tip of one’s nose
-Reduce the size of one’s nostrils
-Correct a downward-pointing or “droopy” nasal tip
-Improve one’s breathing through their nose
-Improve any asymmetries
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How is a rhinoplasty performed?
The nose is made up of three components. The skin, the most superficial layer, is draped over the deeper, supporting structures of the nose, namely the bone and cartilage. We address all three components when refining a patient’s nose. The operation is performed entirely through incisions that are hidden within the nose. Typically, we “file down” the bone and cartilage that creates the “hump,” improving the patient’s profile. We narrow the upper part of the nose by fracturing the paired nasal bones in a controlled fashion. This creates a more narrow and esthetically pleasing upper part of the nose. By removing some cartilage from the tip of the nose, we can also turn a bulbous, or wide tip into a smaller, more refined one. Finally, if one’s nostrils need to be made smaller, we do this via small incisions hidden in the fold at the base of the nostrils.
Patients with problems breathing through their nose may also need additional work done on the internal structures of the nose, so as to open up their airway (this typically does not increase recovery time). Once the operation is done, small synthetic “packs” are placed to keep the nostrils open and a plastic splint applied over the bridge of the nose. These are removed during the post-operative visits.
There is a small percentage of patients who may benefit from undergoing chin augmentation (with a small synthetic implant) at the same time as a rhinoplasty. In those patients with a “weak chin,” better symmetry between the central and lower part of the face can be achieved.
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What is the difference between an “open rhinoplasty” and a “closed rhinoplasty?”
A “closed rhinoplasty” is performed via incisions on the inside of the nose, with no external scars. With an “open rhinoplasty,” the same incisions are made inside the nose, but an additional, small incision is made at the base of the nose (between the nostrils). This external incision is typically imperceptible at a conversational distance.
We perform the majority of our nasal surgeries using the “closed” approach. It has the advantage of not having any external scars and less swelling of the tip of the nose, which can last longer with the “open approach.”
Patients who we believe have more complex deformities and/or would like to improve their nasal breathing may be better candidates for an “open rhinoplasty” approach.
It is important that you discuss with your plastic surgeon which one of these techniques best suits your needs.
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Do I need to be “put to sleep” to have nasal surgery?
We perform rhinoplasties using either general anesthesia (where the patient is completely asleep) or local anesthesia with sedation (where the patient’s nose is completely numb and they are in a “twilight” state). Both techniques can be performed safely, and patients are monitored using the latest technology. Patients can choose the technique which best suits their needs.
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What happens in the days following a rhinoplasty? How long is the recovery time?
Once our patients feel comfortable enough after surgery, we send them home (accompanied by a friend or family member) with antibiotics and pain medication. Most patients describe what they feel as more of a “discomfort” rather than pain, and what bothers them most is that they must breathe through their mouth for the first two days. At the first post-op visit, 48 hours after the surgery, we remove the nasal packs (meant to keep the nostrils open) and patients are relieved to finally breathe through their nose.
Patients can expect swelling and sometimes bruising of their noses and surrounding areas to increase during the first 24-48 hours after surgery. The swelling begins to improve on the third day, and most of it can be expected to resolve after the first week. We remove the plastic splint over the bridge of patients’ nose 5-7 days after the operation. Patients can appreciate the changes in their nose at this time, but we reinforce that there is always a small amount of residual swelling that must “settle.” While after 1 ½ to 2 weeks, almost all of the swelling has resolved, they will not see their final result for 3-6 months after the surgery. Patients are scheduled for additional follow-up appointments 3 weeks and then 3 months after surgery. If any of our patients have concerns or questions, they can call the clinic 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, where there is always someone available to help them.
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When can I go out in public without anyone noticing that I had nasal surgery?
Any bruising and/or swelling begins to improve on the third day after surgery. One week post-op, there is already a drastic improvement in the swelling and our patients are usually comfortable being seen in social situations between one and two weeks after surgery. Typically, most people will not be able to pinpoint the change in our patients, only noticing a “softening” of one’s look. In other words, people will wonder why you look better…not different!
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What are the potential risks and complications?
Rhinoplasty is a very safe procedure, and complications are rare. They include bleeding, infection, asymmetries, irregularities, decrease in nasal airflow, and unfavorable scars. Most complications can be treated conservatively, and rarely patients chose to undergo a touch-up procedure (with minimal down time). It is important that one consults with their plastic surgeon to discuss the risks prior to surgery.
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