Rhinoplasty Procedure Overview

As one of the most-requested plastic surgery procedures in the country, rhinoplasty can greatly improve a person’s nasal appearance as well as their breathing. Therefore, it can meet both the patient’s cosmetic and/or reconstructive needs.

Altering the shape and size of a patient’s nose requires meticulous preoperative planning, as it is one of the most delicate plastic surgery procedures available. I recognize that rhinoplasty is a combination of art and science, which is why I take the necessary amount of time with my patients during consultation to assess the features of their nose. I will evaluate the bridge of the nose (technically called the “dorsum”), the nostrils, and the tip. I will also analyze the relationship and proportions of each feature to one another, and create the correct surgical calculations. This is important because every slight change of one feature will affect the other, and will ultimately be a contributing factor to the new, overall appearance of the nose.

The ultimate goal of rhinoplasty is to create natural-looking, beautiful, and balanced results. In order to do so, I will use the “closed” approach or “open” approach. Although I prefer to perform rhinoplasty using the closed approach, the method chosen depends on my findings during the examination. There are unique sets of advantages and disadvantages to both techniques.

Closed Approach

This approach does not involve external incisions; incisions are made within the nose, which means that the scars will remain hidden. Because many individuals will desire changes to the bridge of the nose and the tip, and/or require treatment of minor breathing difficulties, I believe that most people interested in nasal surgery are ideal candidates for the closed approach.

Open Approach

During the open approach, a small incision is made across the “columella,” which is the tissue between the nostrils leading up towards the tip. I use my rhinoplasty skills and eye for details to ensure that the incision is carefully placed, so that the scar is as inconspicuous as possible. The open approach is typically a better option for more complex modifications of the bridge of the nose and the tip, and to treat major breathing difficulties.

Frequently Asked Rhinoplasty Questions

Q. What type of anesthesia is used for rhinoplasty?
A. Most commonly, general anesthesia is used.

Q. How long will my nose surgery take?
A. The operation usually takes about two to three hours depending on the extent of the procedure and what needs to be done.

Q. I’ve heard there is a lot of swelling associated with rhinoplasty, how long will that last?
A. Swelling after rhinoplasty may persist for up to a year, but most of it will subside within the first month.

Q. Will I have stitches on the outside of my nose?
A. The closed approach is technically more complicated than the open approach; however, I prefer this technique because all of the incisions are made inside the nose and not visible.

Q. Do you have a way to show me what my result will look like after surgery?
A. The imaging software program in my office allows me to take a picture of the patient, morph it, and then simulate what he or she may look like after undergoing the procedure.

Q. What should I expect during recovery?
A. My patients report that the healing period is more of a discomfort rather than a painful experience, with most saying that they feel good after about three days. My patients also admit that this discomfort was far less than what they expected. If necessary, pain medication can be taken. Tapes and protective splints should stay in place for a minimum of seven days. Due to many patients not wanting to be seen in public with tapes and protective splints, and may not feel ready yet, the majority of my patients refrain from work and activities for about seven days. The downtime following rhinoplasty varies for every patient, based on several factors. This includes whether I used the closed or open approach, if any nasal tip work was performed, and whether I had to break the bone in order to properly reshape the patient’s nose.

Q. Does insurance pay for my nose surgery?
A. Insurance does not pay for cosmetic improvement of the nose. Some insurance plans will cover or contribute to a medically necessary nose procedure, such as if the patient has difficulty breathing.

Q. What is the deal with non-surgical nose jobs?
A. The only way for a patient to achieve permanent correction is with plastic surgery. The term “non-surgical nose job” refers to a temporary cosmetic improvement with the use of filler injections, such as Juvederm®. Injections will camouflage a defect.