What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a procedure that reshapes the nose. Patients may seek out rhinoplasty because they want a more symmetrical and harmonious facial appearance or a change in the overall shape and size of their nose. Some of the most common rhinoplasty requests include changing the size and position of nostrils, changing the shape of the nose tip or bridge and improving overall symmetry.
Nasal surgery also corrects common breathing problems or birth defects that affect the nose, face and nasal passages. Correcting a deviated septum is the most common medical reason for a rhinoplasty. This involves changing the structure of the nasal passages to allow for easier airflow and breathing. It also involves careful evaluation of the current problems to be sure the changes will result in significant airflow improvement.
About the Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the day of surgery. General Anesthesia keeps patients safe and comfortable during the procedure.
Incisions made in the procedure may be made entirely inside the nose, entirely outside the nose, or some combination of the two depending on the goals of the procedure. External incisions are generally made only across the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils. It is highly unlikely that even external incision marks will be noticeable.
The shape of the nose is altered by either removing or adding cartilage to the inside of the nose or reshaping the nasal bones. If cartilage must be added, the graft is most commonly taken from the middle of the nose (the septum), but it may also be taken from the ear if the nasal cartilage is not available. In rare cases, the cartilage may be taken from the rib. Taking these grafts may require separate incisions and anesthesia. The surgical plan is made in advance so that patients are aware of all the steps that will take place during the procedure.
After the interior sculpting of the nose structure is complete, the incisions are closed. All of these steps can be done in a single procedure.
About the rhinoplasty Procedure
Initial recovery from rhinoplasty involves supporting the new nose structure while it heals with packing, bandages or splints. These supports are generally removed after a few weeks. Specific recovery times vary depending on the patient and particulars of the procedure.
Swelling and minor discomfort are the most common side effects of the procedure. This swelling may come and go over time and tends to be more severe in the morning. There may be mild pain, including a dull headache and a feeling of stuffiness or nasal congestion.
Full recovery from the surgery generally takes a year, though the majority of healing only takes a few months. During this prolonged recovery time, you may notice gradual changes in the shape of your nose as swelling subsides. It is important to keep in mind that the initial appearance of the nose right after surgery will probably not be the final appearance.
It is important to keep the site clean, especially for the first few days after surgery. Patients should also be extremely careful and prevent bumping or damaging the nose for several weeks. Your nose will be very fragile while it recovers, and even a minor impact may alter the results of surgery. Overexertion after surgery can slow down healing or damage the nose. You may not be able to exercise normally or vigorously for a few weeks. You will also be prescribed various medications such as painkillers and antibiotics to help you recover and prevent infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rhinoplasty results are permanent. Some people notice very minor changes as they age, but your new nose will look very much the same — even in 20 years when your new nose isn’t so new anymore. The new structure of your nose will remain stable in the future, and revision surgeries are quite rare. Note, however, that an injury such as a broken nose could alter the appearance of your nose at any time.
A septoplasty addresses functional issues with the nose by fixing the wall between the nostrils (septum). This surgery doesn’t change the outward appearance of the nose. Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is a cosmetic procedure that changes the way the nose looks. Plastic surgeons often perform the two procedures together, but you can have one without the other.
You won’t feel anything during your rhinoplasty thanks to general anesthesia. After surgery, moderate pain and discomfort are common, but you shouldn’t experience severe pain. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication for you to help manage any unpleasantness during the first 24 to 72 hours after your surgery.
Rhinoplasty comes with the risks inherent in any surgery, such as hematoma, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Rhinoplasty also carries the risk of breathing problems and asymmetry. Revision surgery is necessary if you’re unhappy with your rhinoplasty results, but this is rare when you choose your plastic surgeon carefully.
Liquid rhinoplasty utilizes dermal fillers to alter the shape of the nose. This option offers immediate results without the downtime of surgical recovery, but it is a temporary fix requiring ongoing maintenance. While liquid rhinoplasty can change the shape of the nose, it cannot make it smaller. It generally corrects only minor defects.
Surgical rhinoplasty can correct larger problems and make the nose smaller, if desired. It is also a permanent procedure that rarely requires revision surgery or further work. Surgery is best for those looking for significant, permanent changes.
An experienced plastic surgeon can produce natural rhinoplasty results no matter what technique they choose. Both open and closed techniques can be beneficial depending on the patient’s needs and desires. A closed technique keeps incisions inside the nostrils while an open one creates a small external incision on the skin between the nostrils.
You will see improvements in your nose within a few weeks of your rhinoplasty. Final results won’t reveal themselves for about 12 months, as residual swelling subsides and the tissues settle into their new position.
Yes. We can repair nasal defects that negatively affect breathing during your rhinoplasty. This surgery is often referred to as functional rhinoplasty. Note that functional rhinoplasty is sometimes covered by health insurance. Because our work generally falls under the heading of cosmetic surgery, Mia Aesthetics does not accept health insurance. If your primary goal is to improve your breathing, you may wish to speak to your insurer about your coverage options.