Rhinoplasty

Your nose. It’s right in the middle where everybody can see it, but you wish it weren’t so prominent. It’s just too big, too knobby and bumpy, or has no definable shape. Genetics or trauma has determined its shape, but you wish it were smaller, had better contour or more aesthetically pleasing definition.

Look no further, Nose Surgery at Selfie Plastic Surgery is one of the most common plastic facial surgery procedures performed here due to the number of individuals who desire an improved appearance in their nose. Nose reshaping, also known as Rhinoplasty will leave you with a more proportionate appearance by adjusting the overall shape or size of the nose.

What Can Nose Surgery Correct?

The main purpose of rhinoplasty is to achieve a more harmonious balance of the nose with your other facial features. It is best performed by a plastic facial surgeon who has a good understanding of facial anatomy as well as who has extensive experience in nose surgery. Getting a nose job can mean more than just changing the size of the nose. It has the potential to change virtually any visible feature of its anatomy including the following:

Decrease the overall size of the nose
Increase the size of the nose through an Facial implant
Shorten the length of the nose
Narrow the width of the nostrils
Reduce the prominence of the tip
Remove a bump on the bridge of the nose
Correct nasal birth defects
Fix injuries from sports or other activities
Help with breathing problems by repairing a deviated septum)

Most importantly rhinoplasty will help you get the facial profile you’ve always wanted, allowing you to feel confident and about your appearance.

Types of Nose Surgery

The exact details of surgery will depend on what is to be corrected and the anatomy of your face. Common nose surgery techniques / types include:

Closed Rhinoplasty- method that involves internal incisions to adjust the structure of the nose
Open Rhinoplasty- method that includes a second incision in the tissue between the nostrils called the columella
Primary Rhinoplasty- is when no surgery has been performed on the nose before and trauma has not affected the area. An alteration of the existing structure of the nose is performed to achieve the desirable results
Secondary Rhinoplasty- If the nose has been operated on before or trauma has been experienced, the scheduled rhinoplasty is termed secondary or revision. This type of nose job is designed to fix any problems that result from trauma or a previous nose job.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty- when choosing a physician it is important to choose a facial surgeon who has great knowledge on how to create form and shape specific to your face, to make sure your nose is compatible with your other facial features. With that being said, your facial surgeon must have experience with all different ethnicities, including past surgeries specific to Asian Rhinoplasty, Middle Eastern Rhinoplasty, African & Caribbean Rhinoplasty, and Hispanic Rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty – this type is performed when the septum (which is a structure on the inside of the nose, and divides both nasal cavities from each other) has become deviated or shifted, and prevents proper airflow. This type of nose surgery corrects the functional form of the nose rather than cosmetic and aesthetic appearance.

Rhinoplasty Q&A

When do the results appear?

Though a change is immediately apparent following surgery, bandages, swelling and bruising may “hide” results. The true results from rhinoplasty appear in the months following surgery. Complete recovery from swelling may take up to a year, however patients usually notice improvement earlier. It is the finer, more subtle results that appear after swelling has fully subsided.

How long do the results last?

Rhinoplasty permanently alters the shape/size of a patient’s nose. Results will last permanently, though they may be affected by the natural signs of aging.

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

Private insurance will cover rhinoplasty if you have severe difficulty breathing (septoplasty). The purpose of the surgery is functional and not for cosmetic purposes, therefore aesthetic defects will most likely not be corrected.

Will I have any visible scars?

Although rhinoplasty does require incisions, they tend to be in discreet areas, such as the inside of the nose or underneath the nose, right between the nostrils. Any scarring that could result is well concealed. To help the scar heal properly (into a fine line that is barely noticeable), follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions.

Does rhinoplasty hurt?

General anesthesia is administered during rhinoplasty. Following the procedure, medication may be prescribed to alleviate any pain. Most patients experience more discomfort than pain as they recover.

Will I get black eyes?

Not everyone gets black eyes after this procedure. If you do, however, they typically subside after a week of rest.

Am I old enough to have rhinoplasty done?

It is recommended that you wait until full facial growth is completed. Usually, this means ages 16 for women and 18 for men. As with each individual, this may vary.

Will my nose have to be broken?

It is not always necessary to break the nasal bones to perform this procedure. A lot of people only need cartilage reshaping to achieve their goal.

Will everyone notice that I had a rhinoplasty?

The point of rhinoplasty is to restore balance to your natural face and enhance your features. In many cases, people may say you look better or healthier or prettier, and not even notice that your nose is different.

How soon can I go back to work?

Typically, you should rest for one week after your rhinoplasty procedure. After one week, your dressings will be removed and you can then apply makeup to your face.

Rhinoplasty Before and After