Nose Job
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is used to either correct nose-related health problems such as a deviated septum or nasal fracture, or to reshape the nose for cosmetic reasons. It can correct birth defects or help to relieve some breathing problems.
Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. An important aspect to consider about nose reshaping is that your nose should look as though it "fits" on your particular face. Choosing a nose shape based on a popular look or trend will be unsatisfactory in the end.
Dr. Goldberg will work with you to create the best possible shape for your nose, so that your nose is in the correct balance with the rest of your facial features.
Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. It can reshape, reduce or augment a person’s nose to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or an injury such as a broken nose.
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.
If you are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and have realistic expectations, you will be a good candidate. Age is a consideration, as our surgeons prefer to operate on teenagers only after they have completed their growth spurt. Most insurance policies don't cover rhinoplasty surgery unless it is performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct a breathing problem or a deformity.
What can I expect from a rhinoplasty or nose job?
- Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:
- Balance the size of the nose with the other facial features
- Modify the width of the nose at the bridge
- Improve the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
- Contour a nasal tip that is too large, "boxy," drooping or upturned
- Change the angle between the nose and the mouth
- Narrow and reshape the nostrils
- Correct asymmetry or deviation
Best candidates for rhinoplasty
- Are at least 13 years old
- Have finished facial growth
- Are generally healthy
- Do not smoke
- Seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others; and Have realistic goals for the procedure.
How is a rhinoplasty or nose job performed?
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Goldberg will 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.
With both methods, Dr. Goldberg gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose. He or she sculpts the bone and cartilage 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, Dr. Goldberg 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 two hours.
Recovery from a nose job or rhinoplasty
For a closed rhinoplasty procedure, recovery time ranges from about 5 to 7 days and slightly longer for an open procedure.
You will experience some swelling and bruising which may extend into the eyes, causing you to look as though you have black eyes. This can be relieved with pain medication and ice packs.
Most patients are back to full activity within two weeks. You'll come back into the office within the first few days for your first postoperative visit at which time any non-absorbable sutures will be removed as well as the packing, depending on your rate of healing.
It takes up to 6 months for the final results to be visible, so we advise our patients to exercise patience during this time as we wait for the final shape to appear. During that time, please avoid any contact sports that might injure the nose.
The results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the days pass after surgery and swelling recedes. Swelling may reappear from time to time in the first year after the procedure. It is typically more noticeable in the morning and fades during the day. 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.
Risks of getting a nose job or rhinoplasty
Complications are rare and, when they occur, minor. These may include infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia.
Will my insurance pay for my nose job?
Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons, but likely not for cosmetic purposes.
What is revision rhinoplasty surgery?
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.
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