Rhinoplasty

Ideal candidates for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is ideal for patients looking to improve their overall appearance or address breathing issues caused by structural issues that disrupt airflow. Regardless of the reason for undergoing surgery, it’s important to ensure the nose is fully developed to ensure optimal results. Ideal candidates have reached their mid-to-late teens and are bothered by the following:

• A nose that’s too large or small for the face
• A nasal bridge with a bump (dorsal hump)
• An abnormally wide nose
• A protruding, overly large, bulbous or drooping nasal tip
• Flared or pinched nostrils
• A crooked or asymmetrical nasal structure
• Frequent breathing problems
• A deviated septum caused by injury or genetics

Ideal candidates are also in good overall health and have realistic expectations. During your initial consultation, our team will consider your needs to determine if rhinoplasty is right for you and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

What to expect during your Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is most often performed using either an open or closed technique. In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the tissue between the nostrils, allowing your surgeon greater visibility and precision in reshaping the nasal structures. Closed rhinoplasty involves making incisions within the nostrils, resulting in no visible scarring. The choice of technique depends on your exact goals and the complexity of the required adjustments.

Rhinoplasty is most often performed under general anesthesia, so you'll be asleep, comfortable and pain-free throughout the surgery. Surgery generally takes between one to three hours to complete, although this may vary based on the specific changes being made. During the procedure, your surgeon will carefully reshape the bone and cartilage of the nose to achieve your desired results. If septoplasty is also being performed to correct a deviated septum, this will be done simultaneously to improve both the appearance and function of your nose.

After surgery, you'll be monitored in a recovery area for a short time as the effects of the anesthesia wear off. You’ll be able to go home the same day, but you will need someone to drive you. Your surgeon will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.

Rhinoplasty recovery

The first week of recovery is a crucial time after your rhinoplasty. You will need to be very gentle to avoid harming your new nasal structure and interrupting the healing process. We recommend wearing buttoned shirts that don’t need to be pulled over the face, sleeping with your head elevated, eating soft foods, taking baths rather than showers, and avoiding blowing your nose.

You’ll also need to carefully change your gauze dressings as directed by your surgeon.

In the first few weeks of your recovery, it’s normal to experience swelling, bruising and stuffiness. Though not the most comfortable (comparable to what it feels like when you have a cold), these effects are temporary, and you will see them subside as you heal. The day after your surgery, you’ll return to the office for your first post-op appointment, then again a week later to have your dressings removed and your nose evaluated to ensure that you’re healing properly. This is also a good opportunity to address any questions or concerns you may have!