Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) ranks among the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures, characterized by its high precision and demand for extensive experience. Whether the procedure aims for subtle changes or more dramatic transformations, aligning the aesthetic objectives between the surgeon and the patient is crucial. It is of the utmost importance for both parties to possess a realistic understanding of achievable outcomes through surgery. This holds especially true in cases of revision (secondary) rhinoplasty, where prior surgeries may have failed to meet the patient’s expectations or resulted in undesirable complications affecting the desired nasal appearance and function.

At Forefront, we recognize that every patient has different needs. We are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care customized for each patient. Our board-certified plastic surgeons understand how altering the nose affects the entire facial appearance and are committed to providing our patients with safe, effective surgical options that deliver excellent results using the latest technology.

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What is rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)?

Rhinoplasty is a surgery performed to alter how your nose functions and looks. It can enhance facial harmony and the proportions of your nose. Over 350,000 rhinoplasties are performed yearly in the United States, making it the most common facial plastic surgery procedure.

The nose is one of the most defining characteristics of the face, so even a slight alteration in its size or shape can greatly change your appearance. Rhinoplasty can also help reshape the interior of your nose to improve your breathing and alleviate snoring and sinus issues.

What can rhinoplasty treat?

Patients opt for rhinoplasty for many different reasons. For instance, some have a deviated septum or traumatic injury to their face and need to correct the issue, while others wish to improve their appearance by making their nose smaller or bigger to create facial balance.

Visually, rhinoplasty can help treat:
• Nose size in relation to facial balance
• Nostrils that are large, wide, or upturned
• Size and position of nostrils
• Nose profile with visible bumps or dips
• Nasal tip that is enlarged, upturned, hooked, or droopy
• Nasal asymmetry

Rhinoplasty can also help:

• Correct a deviated septum by realigning nasal structure
• Open blocked nasal passages
• Repair a broken nose or other facial fracture
• Restore breathing function after medical treatments, traumatic injury, or burns
• Improve sleep by reducing snoring and sleep apnea

Who is a candidate for rhinoplasty?

First and foremost, you should want the procedure for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s wishes or fit any sort of ideal image. A positive outlook and realistic goals about improving your appearance go a long way.

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if:

• Your face has finished growing
• You are physically healthy
• You don’t smoke

Consultation

When considering rhinoplasty, your doctor will discuss various factors with you, encompassing the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the configuration of your face, the thickness of your skin, and your age. While many teenagers express interest in nose surgery, most plastic surgeons prefer to postpone the procedure until the individual’s growth spurt has ended.
Our board-certified surgeons conduct a comprehensive examination of your nose, taking into account your specific concerns, to formulate a personalized procedure plan that aims for optimal results. To provide you with a general idea of potential outcomes, you will be presented with before and after photos of patients with similar cases, although it is essential to acknowledge that individual results may vary. Bringing a picture depicting your desired results is very helpful.

What happens during a rhinoplasty procedure?

Rhinoplasty typically takes place in a surgical facility, outpatient surgical center, or hospital. Once you are under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an initial incision on the underside of the nose and moves the skin to access the bone and cartilage underneath. At Forefront, we understand that choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery is not an easy decision; Therefore, we try to make the process as easy as possible. One of our plastic surgeons will assist you through the entire procedure, from the pre-operative consultation to the recovery process.

During cosmetic surgery to improve the appearance of your nose, the surgeon uses a scalpel to remove excess cartilage and a delicate instrument called an osteotome to carefully reshape the bone. If the main purpose of your procedure is to improve nasal breathing, the surgeon may perform:

• Nasal septoplasty to correct a deviated septum
• Inferior turbinate reduction to address enlarged bony structures within the nose
• Nasal valve repair to enlarge abnormally narrow areas within the nose
• Cartilage grafts to strengthen and support the nose

What happens after a rhinoplasty procedure?

Immediately after surgery, the surgeon will put a small splint on your nose to protect it and keep it stable. If the surgeon packs absorbent dressings inside your nose, those will come out in a day or two – however, the splint stays on for at least five days.

The surgeon will likely use absorbable sutures inside your nose that dissolve over time and do not need to be removed. Any external sutures can be removed a week or so after surgery.

It is very important to follow the surgeon’s post-op instructions, such as not blowing your nose for 2-3 weeks after surgery. Be sure to notify the surgery team immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, uncontrolled pain, a fever above 101 degrees, or any other unusual symptoms.

What is the recovery time for rhinoplasty?

Swelling of the nose and face is most obvious the day after surgery, and minor bruising or swelling around the eyes is also common. You can relieve pain or discomfort with cold compresses, or the surgeon may prescribe pain medication.

Most patients return to work in about a week, although swelling of the nose may persist for several weeks. It takes a year or more for all the swelling in the nose to resolve, but most patients see improvement in their appearance a few weeks after the procedure.

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of rhinoplasty is $5,500 – but likely closer to $10,000 once anesthesia, hospital or surgical facility fees, prescriptions, and other costs are added. A surgeon’s fee for rhinoplasty will be based on their experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic location.

Is there a non-surgical nose job?

You don’t necessarily have to go under anesthesia to improve the appearance of your nose. Non-surgical rhinoplasty (or filler rhinoplasty) is a cosmetic rhinoplasty that uses dermal fillers to temporarily fill dips and irregularities in your nose. This in-office procedure can lift a droopy nasal tip or correct a small bump without extra expense or recovery time.

To see before and after photos and learn more about your non-surgical rhinoplasty options, contact Forefront today.

Get a nose job without going under the knife. Book a consultation with our skin care expert today.

Interested in Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)? Request a consultation with a skin specialist today.

*Treatment options may vary at each location.
Please confirm your desired treatment is offered at your preferred location when scheduling.
*Age Restriction.
For patients scheduling who are under 18 years of age (19 in Alabama) please make sure you have permission from your parent or legal guardian to schedule this appointment.  Your parent or legal guardian must accompany you on your initial visit and on certain subsequent visits to provide appropriate informed consent.

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