What is Rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job”, is a surgical procedure that can alter the appearance of the nose, to enhance facial harmony and proportions. Many aspects of the shape and structure of the nose can be addressed, including:
Tip of the nose
- Full or wide tip (bulbous, or boxy)
- Droopy tip
Nose width
- At the bridge
- At the nostrils
- Irregular (asymmetric)
Nose profile
- Hump or depression
Surgery can accomplish a great deal, but it’s important to keep in mind that everyone, including a celebrity or model, has some facial asymmetry; also, there are limits to what can be added or removed, based on blood supply and anatomy. Sometimes our experienced plastic surgeon—Dr. Yee—will suggest other procedures, such as chin surgery, to further enhance facial harmony.
Rhinoplasty can also improve breathing by relieving internal obstruction, most commonly caused by a deviated septum.
Non-surgical rhinoplasties have become more popular, and involve injecting dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM VOLLURE™ XC or JUVÉDERM® into the nasal tissue to address smaller issues, such as mild asymmetries, camouflaging profile humps or depressions, or making the nasal bridge appear higher or narrower. Using fillers can be a nice way to try out a desired change, as most resorb within 9 months to a year. Typically they cannot help with breathing or more dramatic changes in appearance.
Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
The best candidates for nose surgery are in good health, do not smoke, and have realistic expectations for improving their appearance or breathing.
How is Rhinoplasty Surgery Performed?
Nose surgery can be done in a “closed” technique, where there are no external scars, or an “open” technique, with small scars under the nose and sometimes inside the mouth. Dr. Yee prefers the open technique, as it provides direct access and visualization of the delicate structures being altered in a rhinoplasty, for the most precise work.
Depending on the aspects of your nose being addressed, the time involved and the steps required can vary. Typically the bone, septal cartilage, and tip cartilage are all adjusted. Occasionally cartilage or even bone grafts can be added, from the rib or ear.
Nose surgery is performed on an outpatient basis so you can go home the same day. You will have splints on the outside, and often the inside of the nose.
Recovering from Rhinoplasty
Swelling after surgery is normal; keeping your head elevated on at least 2 pillows will help, as will using ice on the nose (without putting pressure on the splint). Usually swelling is the worst at 2-3 days after surgery, and most of the swelling will be gone 2-3 weeks after surgery; however, it often takes up to a year for the last 10% of swelling to resolve, so you won’t see the true final result until then.
The nasal splint stays on for a week but overall you will probably be ready to try going back to work in 10-14 days.
If you think rhinoplasty is right for you, please schedule a consultation to discuss your goals with Dr. Yee.