Nose Job (Rhinoplasty)
Rhinoplasty reshapes your nose to bring it into balance with your face, and it can also correct structural problems that make breathing difficult.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, enhances facial harmony by refining the size, shape, and proportions of your nose. It can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects inside the nose.
For some patients the goal is cosmetic. For others the priority is opening an obstructed airway. Frequently, internal and external changes are performed together in a single operation, and the results can have a profound impact on your sense of well-being.
Facial Balance
Reshaping the bone and cartilage framework refines your profile and brings your nose into proportion with your face.
Easier Breathing
Correcting the septum and reducing enlarged turbinates is very effective at improving airflow.
Hidden Incisions
In most cases incisions can be placed inside the nose, leaving no visible scars.
What Rhinoplasty Can Address
During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your goals and perform a physical exam to determine whether you are a good candidate. Rhinoplasty may be right for you if you are concerned about:
- Nose size that feels out of balance with your face
- Width at the bridge, or the size and position of your nostrils
- Visible humps or depressions on the bridge
- A nasal tip that is enlarged, bulbous, drooping, upturned, or hooked
- Nostrils that are large, wide, or upturned
- Nasal asymmetry
- Breathing problems caused by structural defects in the nose
Functional and Cosmetic Concerns
Surgically altering the nose is a common plastic surgery procedure, and many patients address function and appearance at the same time.
Functional Problems
Airway obstruction is the most common functional nasal problem. It may stem from a congenital or post-traumatic deformity of the nasal septum, or from enlarged turbinates. These changes can also worsen existing sinus problems.
Cosmetic Concerns
Some cosmetic deformities follow an injury, while others are present from birth. Both are addressed the same way, by surgically reshaping the underlying bony and cartilaginous framework of the nose.
Open and Closed Approaches
Rhinoplasty can be performed using an open or a closed approach. Your surgeon will recommend one based on your individual goals and desired outcome.
Open Approach
Incisions are made inside the nostrils, and the skin is lifted off the nasal bones and cartilage. This gives your surgeon direct access to the framework of the nose.
Closed Approach
All incisions stay inside the nostrils, so no visible scarring results.
The Procedure
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty are generally outpatient procedures performed under general anesthesia or sedation with a local. Airway problems are treated by removing or reshaping septal cartilage, and some cases call for reducing the size of the turbinates.
Changes to the shape of the nose are made by reshaping its bone and cartilage framework. Splinting, taping, and nasal packing are frequently used after surgery to support healing.
Results and Choosing Your Surgeon
Corrections to the septum are very effective at improving airflow and reducing the symptoms you had before surgery. On rare occasions, a touch-up procedure may be needed.
Rhinoplasty is a very personal decision, so choose a surgeon you trust and feel comfortable with. The surgeons at Northland Plastic Surgery are experienced in this procedure and will do everything they can to help you reach the results you want.
Recovery at a Glance
Most patients recover in one to two weeks.
Some swelling and bruising around the eyes is common at first.
Many people feel comfortable returning to work and light activity within a week.
Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for at least four weeks.
Splints, taping, or nasal packing may support your nose while it heals.
“I had a deviated nasal septum which impaired my breathing. Since the surgery I have equal airflow through my nasal passages, and I am more happy with my appearance. It has given me a softer look.”
Coleen · Rhinoplasty Patient
Coleen came to our office after an injury 20 years earlier left her with an obstructed left nasal airway. She also disliked a dorsal hump and felt her nose was too large and too long. An exam traced her breathing trouble to a deviated septum.