What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a facial cosmetic procedure, performed to enhance the appearance or reconstruct the nose to make it aesthetically more appealing. During the process, nasal cartilages and bones are modified, or tissue is added, to achieve the desired look. This procedure is also done to repair nasal fractures and restore pre-injury appearance of the nose. Septorhinoplasty is a related procedure performed for patients who also have nasal obstruction. Septorhinoplasty not only improves the appearance of the nose, but it removes any internal obstructions and stabilizes structures that may be blocking nasal breathing.
Like all cosmetic procedure, it is important that one understands and resolves all cosmetic concerns and expectations before opting for this surgery. Preoperative tests need to be conducted prior to scheduling the surgery. Smokers need to stop smoking at least a month before the surgery as it will help in reducing postoperative coughing and bleeding. Difficulty with tissue healing has also been noted in smokers during the postoperative period. There would be swelling and bruising of the nose, upper lip, cheeks, or around the eyes for several days after surgery. It would gradually go away over the next 7 to 10 days. Applying ice packs to reduce swelling is recommended.
FAQ
A rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that is performed to change the shape or look of a nose or improve its function due to trauma or birth defects.
The cost of rhinoplasty greatly depends on your geographic location and how much alteration you want or need to have done to your nose. The average cost of a rhinoplasty procedure ranges from $2,879 USD to $10,200 USD. The average cost does not take into consideration an overnight hospital stay if required. If you have documented breathing issues, your health insurance may cover a portion of the procedure. Before you schedule your rhinoplasty, contact your health insurer to discuss the possibilities of the procedure being covered.
Rhinoplasty is a generally safe surgical procedure, but as with any surgery, things can go wrong. The most common risks during a rhinoplasty procedure are infection, adverse reaction to the anesthesia, and excessive bleeding. There is also the slight possibility that you will need additional surgery in the future. Another risk in regards to cosmetic rhinoplasty is that you may be unhappy with the procedure — rhinoplasty has the highest rate of revision in cosmetic surgery.
Prior to the rhinoplasty your surgeon will go over the realistic expectations of your procedure. He or she will determine what needs to be done and the most appropriate methods to use in order to meet your expectations. As far as what you can do to prepare for your rhinoplasty, it is recommended that you don’t take any medications that may inhibit blood clotting or cause postoperative bleeding problems such as aspirin and ibuprofen. If you smoke, it is also recommended that you stop smoking at least a month before your surgery and don’t start again until a month afterward. Smoking greatly slows down the healing process and will extend the time it takes you to recover. This may be a good time to quit smoking altogether.
Your rhinoplasty will generally be performed under general anesthesia and the entire surgery typically lasts no more than two hours. Depending on your situation, your surgeon may make an incision across the bottom of your nose between your nostrils (known as the open technique), or in the lining of your nostrils (known as the closed technique). Your surgeon will then remove or rearrange cartilage, and in some cases break and rearrange bone to reshape the nose. Afterward, the surgeon or health care team closes the incisions and your nose is packed with gauze. Usually, a nasal split is also applied.
Your surgeon will require you to wear a nasal splint for the first 7-10 days after your rhinoplasty. After your surgery, you may have moderate swelling and bruising around your eyes that could last up to two weeks. You should avoid strenuous activity for up to four weeks after your surgery; your physician will let you know when it’s safe for you to return to your daily activities.
Results from a rhinoplasty surgery can typically be seen once the swelling goes down and your physician removes the nasal splint. Nasal breathing is also difficult for about 3 weeks after the surgery due to swelling. Most, if not all, of the swelling is gone two months after you have the surgery performed. As your doctor may tell you. you should see your nose becoming more refined over the following months.
When it comes to alternatives to cosmetic rhinoplasty, there are none. But if you’re looking to improve your breathing you can try using nasal strips as a non-surgical means of correcting the issue.
A Liquid Rhinoplasty is a non-surgical treatment that changes the shape of the nose using injectable fillers. A Liquid Rhinoplasty can improve the shape, size, and in some situations, position of the nasal tip, straighten the nose, and hide a bump. A Liquid Rhinoplasty is not for everyone, since it can only be used to fill hollows or depressions. A Liquid Rhinoplasty does not make a nose smaller and it does not remove bumps. A consultation and an examination is needed to determine if you are a candidate for a Liquid Rhinoplasty.
Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, and Radiesse can all be used for a Liquid Rhinoplasty. The Hyaluronic Acid fillers (Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm) are the preferred injectable formula for a Liquid Rhinoplasty:
- They are the easiest to mold and shape.
- They can be completely removed within 24 hours by the injection of another medication, if so desired.
- They do not interfere or prevent a future rhinoplasty.
- A Liquid Rhinoplasty has little to no down time. Bruising is rare, and most people are able to go back to work immediately.
- It is excellent at correcting minor depressions.
- You will see the results immediately.
- It is very safe.
- If you don’t like it, it can be dissolved within 24 hours.
- It can not make a nose smaller.
- It is not for every nose. A consult is required to determine if a Liquid Rhinoplasty is right for you.
- A Liquid Rhinoplasty is temporary.
- What injectable filler is being used (please refer to the pages specific for each product)
- The area of the nose being injected