Rhinoplasty
What is Rhinoplasty?
Why Should I Get Rhinoplasty?
What are Concerns for Rhinoplasty?
Steps to getting your procedure
Frequently Asked Questions
Cost of Procedure
Procedure

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose reshaping or nose job, is a surgical procedure performed to improve the appearance and proportion of the nose to the rest of the face. Rhinoplasty is not exclusively a cosmetic procedure. The surgery also aims to maintain or improve nasal function if the patient has reduced airflow due to an obstructive process. It adds to the complexity of the procedure as internal nasal structures have to be modified to correct functional concerns. Combining these factors can explain why rhinoplasty is such a rewarding surgery, which can provide highly favorable outcomes.

What is Rhinoplasty?

As a central landmark of the face, nasal proportions and symmetry are directly linked to facial beauty. Rhinoplasty enhances facial harmony and the proportions of your nose. Besides addressing cosmetic concerns, it can also help treat functional issues due to obstruction in the airflow. Therefore, rhinoplasty is the most widely performed procedure worldwide.

Despite its popularity, rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging and complex procedures because the technical difficulties, the wide range of techniques used, and the struggle to achieve consistent results make it challenging even for experienced surgeons. Meticulous planning and excellent surgical skills are prerequisites for good outcomes. However, there is no such thing as an 'ideal nose' or 'ideal results' because a nasal configuration that may suit one patient's face might be very different or another.

How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty?

You can start preparing for rhinoplasty by scheduling a consultation with a qualified and experienced surgeon who can assess your candidacy, discuss your goals and expectations, and create a personalized treatment plan. You may need a medical evaluation to ensure you are healthy for the procedure. Your surgeon may also ask you to stop taking certain medications or supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding during or after surgery.

Moreover, you must avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before and after surgery, as these can increase the risk of complications and delayed healing.

Plan your recovery by arranging for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you after surgery to assist you with daily activities for the first few days following surgery.

It's better to wear loose and comfortable clothing on the day of surgery that can be easily removed and put on.

Before the procedure, the patient should confirm that they accept the risk of:

  • a significant dissimilarity between the planned and actual outcome

  • operative impaired nasal breathing due to scarring

  • temporary or long-lasting numbness of the nasal tip

  • alteration of skin texture and color

  • reduced mechanical stability of the nasal framework 

  • the eventual necessity of a revision.


A well-informed patient will find it easier to cope with post-operative swelling and bruising of the eyelids, nasal obstruction due to swelling, and the inconvenience of nasal packs.

Procedure Steps

A nose reshaping surgery typically involves the following steps:

Anesthesia

General anesthesia or intravenous sedation is administered for your comfort during the procedure. The choice of anesthesia depends on the extent of the surgery, your personal preference, or your surgeon's recommendation. 

Whatever the anesthesia choice is, it is done meticulously to produce numbness in the nasal region and a bloodless operative field.

Incisions

Rhinoplasty is performed using a closed procedure, where incisions are well-hidden inside the nose, or an open procedure, where the nose is incised across the narrow strip of tissue separating the nostrils, called the columella.

The skin covering the nasal bones and cartilage is approached through these incisions and gently raised to reshape the structure of the nose.

Reshaping the Nose

An oversized nose may be reduced by removing bone or cartilage. Sometimes nose surgery may require adding cartilage grafts. Most commonly, cartilage from the septum is used for this purpose (the septum is the partition in the middle of the nose). Sometimes cartilage from the ear or a section of rib cartilage can be used, however infrequently.

Septal Correction

If the septum has deviated, it can be straightened, and the protrusions inside the nose are reduced to improve breathing.

Closing the Incisions

Once the underlying structures of the nose are reshaped, nasal skin and tissue are redraped, and incisions are closed.

Additional incisions may be made in the natural folds of the nostrils to change their size.

Splints and Dressings

Splints (packing) and dressings are placed outside and inside the nose. Splints provide immobilization and protection of reshaped nasal tissues and preserve the new shape. Plaster of Paris, thermoplastic splints, and aluminum splints (Denver splints) are commonly used. The advantages of plaster of Paris splints are low cost and unparalleled versatility.

Recovery

Initial swelling usually subsides within a week. However, your nose may take as long as a year to show a fully refined contour. During this time, you may observe gradual changes in your nose until it's permanently reshaped. 

Swelling may come and go and get worse in the morning during the first year of your rhinoplasty. During this time, you will be given specific aftercare instructions and oral and topical medicines to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.

Rhinoplasty

Why Should I Get Rhinoplasty?

Many people are self-conscious about the shape of their noses and undergo rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons (to improve the appearance of their noses). In this case, the operation would aim to make your nose look the best for you and make you less self-conscious about it. 


Rhinoplasty can also be performed for functional reasons, such as correcting breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum or collapsed nasal valve. These issues can impact an individual's quality of life, causing problems such as chronic snoring, sleep apnea, or difficulty breathing during exercise or other physical activities.


Therefore, you must be clear about your aesthetic concerns or health concerns. Voicing your concerns precisely to your surgeon will enable them to tell you what is surgically possible and what is not. 


Rhinoplasty is typically performed for the following reasons:

  • Aesthetic concerns
  • Breathing problems
  • Trauma or injury
  • Self-confidence
  • Congenital Abnormalities

What are Concerns for Rhinoplasty?

As stated earlier, rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging surgical procedures. One of the main reasons for this is the limited predictability of results. A good result postoperatively may only be seen at least one year later. It can be attributed largely to the many variables involved in the healing process. The individual reactions of the different nasal tissues are not always predicted, and therefore, unfavorable results can occur. Although the risk for major complications is low, functional and aesthetic complications can cause social and psychological issues. The following concerns related to rhinoplasty: :

  • Functional Complications

    One complication rising after rhinoplasty is functional complications, such as breathing difficulties, loss of sense of smell, or nasal obstruction. These issues may be caused by improper surgical techniques, such as the over-reduction of nasal tissue or the formation of scar tissue. Choosing an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon who can minimize the risk of functional complications and provide appropriate postoperative care to ensure the best possible outcomes is essential.

  • Unrealistic expectations

    Patients may have unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved through surgery based on their perceptions or expectations that may not be achievable with the available surgical techniques. It can lead to dissatisfaction with the results, emotional distress, and even depression. By managing expectations and providing honest, clear communication, plastic surgeons can help ensure patients are satisfied with their rhinoplasty results.

  • Recovery time

    Rhinoplasty surgery results may take up to a year to show a fully contoured and well-defined nose. This long recovery period following rhinoplasty is an important aspect of the procedure that can cause patient concern. The recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, with more complex procedures generally requiring a longer recovery period. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort for several weeks after surgery. They may also need to wear a nasal splint or bandages for several days to protect the nose and aid healing. Patients should follow the postoperative instructions provided by their plastic surgeons to ensure a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible results.

Steps to getting your procedure

Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

A. Generally, rhinoplasty is considered a permanent procedure, and the changes to the nose structure are typically permanent. However, the nose's appearance may change slightly over time due to aging, natural tissue changes, or other factors. It's important to remember that the healing process after rhinoplasty can take several months to a year, and the final results may only be fully visible once the nose has fully healed. To help maintain rhinoplasty results, patients should take good care of their noses by avoiding any trauma to the area, following postprocedural guidelines, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

A. The type of anesthesia used during rhinoplasty is determined based on the patient's medical history, the complexity of the procedure, and the surgeon's preference. The surgeon will discuss the anesthesia options with the patient during the consultation. Together, they will determine the best option for the patient's needs. Typically the options of anesthesia are: Local anesthesia for minor nose surgeries or for patients who prefer to stay awake during the procedure General anesthesia - a sleep-like state for the patient's comfort during the procedure Intravenous sedation, a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous medication (to feel drowsy during the procedure)

A. Rhinoplasty involves some pain and discomfort. However, the degree of pain and discomfort can vary from person to person. It also depends on several factors, such as the extent of the procedure, the patient's pain tolerance, and the type of anesthesia used during the surgery. Most patients complain of discomfort and pain during the first few days following the procedure, which can be managed with pain medications prescribed by the surgeon. Patients may also experience swelling, bruising, and congestion in the nose and sinuses, contributing to discomfort. The pain and discomfort associated with rhinoplasty are typically manageable and temporary.

A. Yes, there are usually some restrictions on physical activities after rhinoplasty to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. The specific restrictions and length of time for following the restrictions will vary based on the individual patient's needs and the extent of the surgery. Generally, patients are advised to avoid any activities that could cause trauma to the nose, such as contact sports or any activity that could lead to a blow to the surgical site. The most common restrictions include the following: Avoid strenuous activities Avoid bending over Avoid wearing glasses Avoid blowing the nose Avoid swimming

Cost of Procedure

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of the rhinoplasty procedure is $5483. However, the average cost is just a part of the actual cost. The actual cost of rhinoplasty may vary depending on the extent of the correction and the goals of the procedure - aesthetic or functional. Moreover, the cost may also depend on the surgeon's experience; highly skilled board-certified surgeons charge more for the procedure. The geographical location of the surgical unit also adds to the cost of the procedure. Other factors affecting the cost may include: Anaesthesia provider's fee Pre-and Post-operative medicines and dressings Laboratory tests Medical imaging Follow-up consultations It's important to note that insurance may or may not cover the cost of the procedure, depending on the goals of the surgery. It may not be covered if it is done for cosmetic concerns. However, if it is done for functional reasons, such as air passage obstruction or breathing difficulty, then insurance may cover the expenses of the procedure. Carefully review your insurance plan's terms and conditions before proceeding.