FAQ’s – Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty or cosmetic nasal surgery (“nose job” ) is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures today. This procedure reshapes the nose to bring it into better harmony with the rest of the face. For those who suffer from a significant self-consciousness about their nose, rhinoplasty often can improve self-esteem and self-confidence. Rhinoplasty may be performed for functional rather than cosmetic reasons as well. Combining nose reshaping with septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery can effectively treat certain breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum.

1. What can rhinoplasty do for me?
2. Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
3. How is the procedure performed?
4. Open or closed rhinoplasty, which is better?
5. What is the recovery from nose surgery like?
6. Will I like the results of my nose surgery?
7. What are the possible risks of rhinoplasty?
8. Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?
9. What is revision rhinoplasty?

 

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What can rhinoplasty do for me?

Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:

• Improve the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
• Contour a nasal tip that is too large, “boxy,” drooping or upturned
• Balance the size of the nose with the other facial features
• Correct asymmetry or deviation
• Modify the width of the nose at the bridge
• Change the angle between the nose and the mouth
• Narrow and reshape the nostrils

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

The best candidates for rhinoplasty:

• Are at least 13 years old;
• Have finished facial growth;
• Are generally healthy;
• Do not smoke;
• Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others; and
• Have realistic goals for the procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Surgeons use one of two techniques when performing nose surgery. In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty, the incision is made across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. The remaining incisions continue inside the nose, as with closed rhinoplasty. With both methods, the bone and cartilage is sculpted to the desired shape. Any additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the septum. If the patient has a deviated septum, the surgeon will adjust the septum and the inner structures of the nose to improve breathing. Then the tissues are re-draped and stitched closed. If the patient desires nostril reshaping, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty. The entire procedure generally lasts one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the problem.

Open or closed rhinoplasty, which is better?

One might think that a closed rhinoplasty is better than an open rhinoplasty because the open technique involves a scar on the outside of the nose and there is more surgical dissection. The fact is that the small scar that crosses the columella (the bridge of tissue between the nostrils) can only be seen if you look under then nose itself, and even then, is often very difficult to see. To verify this, please visit the rhinoplasty photo gallery and look to see if you can see the scars, even in the photos that are taken looking up the nose, specifically taken to demonstrate the scar. The fact is that the Open Rhinoplasty Technique gives an unprecedented view of the nasal bony and cartilaginous skeleton that cannot be achieved using the closed technique. It also gives the surgeon access to perform a whole host of surgical maneuvers to better give you a more natural result with rhinoplasty.

Open rhinoplasty also excels in providing the surgeon the opportunity to perform non-destructive maneuvers as he contours your nose. Destructive maneuvers cannot be reversed during surgery. If the surgeon is not happy with the way a particular change looks, he cannot go back. Non-destructive changes are reversible. If the surgeon doesn’t like the way a particular change looks on the nose, he can “go back” and eliminate the maneuver or modify it. An example of this is the numerous non-destructive suturing techniques to reshape the nasal cartilages when altering the nasal tip. The open technique permits the best possible visualization of a change in the cartilage while that cartilage lays “in-situ” (in its natural position). In closed rhinoplasty, often the cartilage must be “delivered” outside the nose to be altered, but now the cartilage is not in its normal position within the nose.

Dr. Epstein prefers the open rhinoplasty technique in the vast majority of cases. It is his belief that this technique offers the best opportunity to achieve natural looking results with the least amount of downtime.

 

What is the recovery from nose surgery like?

At the end of surgery, some paper “steri-strips” are placed over the nose, followed by a small plastic splint to help the nose retain its shape and protect it from injury during the first ten days after surgery. Packing is rarely placed inside the nose, making it much more comfortable to breathe. For a short time after surgery, patients may experience puffiness, nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding or stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within two days and return to work in about a week.

The results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the days pass after surgery and swelling recedes. Swelling resolves for the most part in a few weeks, although there is some residual swelling that takes longer to resolve. The nose will reach its final shape in about one year in most cases. Contact lenses can be worn immediately, but glasses may need to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to seven weeks.

Will I like the results of my nose surgery?

Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results depend on the patient’s nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age.

What are the possible risks of rhinoplasty?

Complications are rare and, when they occur, minor. These may include infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia.

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons, but not when performed for cosmetic purposes.

What is revision rhinoplasty?

Revision or secondary rhinoplasty corrects deformities caused by a previous operation on the nose. It is a more difficult procedure to perform than primary rhinoplasty because there is less cartilage to work with and there may be scarring or tissue contracture (tightening). However, skilled plastic surgeons can improve both the appearance and the function of the nose.