What Is Rhinoplasty?
One of the most common plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty, also known as, a nose job or nose surgery, is performed to reshape, reduce or augment a person’s nose. It can also remove a hump, narrow nostril width or change the angle between the nose and the mouth, or correct injury, birth defects or other problems that affect breathing.
What is revision rhinoplasty?
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.
What Can Rhinoplasty do for me?
Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:
- Balancing the size of the nose with the other facial features
- Modifying the width of the nose at the bridge
- Improving the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
- Contouring a nasal tip that is too large, “boxy,” drooping or upturned
- Changing the angle between the nose and the mouth
- Narrowing and reshaping the nostrils
- Correcting asymmetry or deviation
The best candidates for rhinoplasty:
- Are at least 13 years old
- Have finished facial growth
- Are generally healthy
- Do not smoke
- Have realistic goals for the procedure
- Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not because of pressure from others
Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
How is Rhinoplasty Surgery performed?
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Dr. Walden 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, the surgeon gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose. They sculpt 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, the surgeon will adjust the septum and the inner structures of the nose to improve breathing. Then the tissues are redraped 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.
Austin Surgeon Using New 3D Imaging Technology
Rhinoplasty Surgery Using Vectra 3d imaging
Dr. Walden also has industry-leading three dimensional (3D) imaging technology called Vectra which can help you define your goals with the nasal reshaping procedure. Click here to learn more as she was featured on KVUE’s Health News in Austin, Texas highlighting this.
Rhinoplasty Surgery Results
Results depend on the patient’s nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age (teenagers should have had their growth spurt). Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose.
Rhinoplasty Patient Stories
Rhinoplasty at age 18
Rhinoplasty Surgery Recovery
For a short time after surgery, you may experience puffiness, nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding or stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within two days and return to work in about a week. Contact lenses can be worn immediately but glasses will have to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to seven weeks.
Is Rhinoplasty Covered by Insurance?
Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons, but likely not for cosmetic purposes.
Risks of Rhinoplasty
Complications are rare and, when they occur, minor. These may include:
- Infection
- Recurring nosebleed
- Reaction to the anesthesia
- Numbness in/around nose
- Very rarely, nasal perforation
In general, a rhinoplasty is considered a very safe surgical procedure.
Rhinoplasty Patient Reviews
Check out this 5-star review from a highly satisfied Rhinoplasty patient!
“I have so much more confidence now. I’m not worried about people staring at my crooked nose or the bump that used to be there. I love my nose now – I have so much more confidence. Dr. Walden did such an amazing job. I’ve received many compliments from people on how natural it looks and how they forget I had the procedure done. That’s exactly what I wanted! I didn’t want it to be obvious to everyone that I had the procedure done. I would definitely recommend Dr. Walden to anyone who needs septorhinoplasty done.” Rhinoplasty Patient of Jennifer Walden, MD
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about a potential Rhinoplasty procedure please contact Austin TX-based plastic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Walden today at 512-328-4100.
