If you have concerns about the appearance of your nose and wish to change its size, shape, or angle, a rhinoplasty procedure may offer a fantastic solution for you. The rhinoplasty procedure is often pursued by individuals who wish to improve the appearance or proportionality of their nose; the surgery can also be used to correct a deviated septum or other breathing problems.
It is amazing how a subtle change in the nose can dramatically alter one’s overall look. For example, a small nasal hump reduction typically does wonders to feminize the face of some women. Dr. Nichole Joslyn or Dr. Tiffany McCormack will individualize your procedure to target your concerns yet maintain the “character” of your nose and face. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, each of our doctors is extremely experienced in helping individuals look their best through the most established techniques in plastic surgery.
What is a Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to alter the dimensions of the nose to improve its overall function or appearance. Ideally, rhinoplasty can create a more harmonious balance between your surrounding facial features for a more proportionate facial appearance and natural-looking final outcome. This typically involves adjusting the bone or cartilage within the framework of the nose to achieve your unique goals for surgery.
What Can Rhinoplasty Accomplish?
The benefits yielded by rhinoplasty are unique to each patient and depend on what you hope to achieve with the surgery. Given the highly individualized nature of the procedure, Dr. McCormack will use your consultation to ask you thoroughly about your goals for rhinoplasty as well as your aesthetic ideal. In general, the surgery can:
- Increase or decrease the width of the nose
- Straighten a crooked nose
- Remove humps in the nasal bridge
- Adjust the angle of the nasal tip
- Create a slimmer or more defined nasal tip
- Increase or decrease the dimensions of the nostrils
- Resize the nose’s overall dimensions
To ensure your rhinoplasty procedure is tailored to your cosmetic wishes, Dr. McCormack uses advanced VECTRA® 3D imaging software to simulate the potential results of surgery. With this technology, she can demonstrate how a specific change to certain features of the nose may affect the overall look of the face. This can allow a clearer idea of the possible outcome of rhinoplasty so Dr. McCormack can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Open Rhinoplasty vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
There are two primary ways to perform rhinoplasty, each approach differing in the location of incision placement. Open rhinoplasty involves an incision made at the base of the columella, which is the central bridge of tissue separating the nostrils. With the open technique, the entire framework of the nose is usually exposed for an optimal amount of surgical control. This can be ideal for meticulous alterations in first-time rhinoplasty, as well as cases of revision rhinoplasty. Closed rhinoplasty places incisions internally so there is generally minimal visible scarring. A closed approach can result in less post-operative swelling when compared to an open approach, but the technique may not be appropriate for every rhinoplasty case.
How is the Rhinoplasty Procedure Performed?
Rhinoplasty is performed in the comfort of our private on-site plastic surgery facility. The procedure typically utilizes general anesthesia. To begin, Dr. McCormack will access the nasal framework from one of the incision locations discussed above. Skin, bone, and cartilage are then contoured from the incision to produce the desired result. After the procedure, a special protective dressing or nasal splint is worn to facilitate the healing process. In most cases, rhinoplasty is an outpatient surgery and you will be able to return home with a friend or family member after the anesthesia has worn off.
What is Recovery for Rhinoplasty Like?
Many patients experience swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes after rhinoplasty surgery, but are able to gradually resume normal activities within the first couple of weeks. Although a return to light activities can be expected in approximately one week, strenuous exercise—especially work or sports that have a possibility of blunt impact to the face—should be avoided. Post-operative swelling will subside as recovery progresses and oral pain medication can usually manage any discomfort. Complete healing can take up to one year.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
A number of details specific to your procedure will ultimately determine the cost of rhinoplasty, such as:
- The type of anesthesia utilized
- The extent of surgical work required
- The type of technique used (open vs. closed)
- Whether the procedure was a secondary (revisional) rhinoplasty
The geographic location of the procedure and the expertise of your plastic surgeon also generally influence the total price of surgery. Once your needs are evaluated in a consultation, our office will be able to provide a more accurate quote of your rhinoplasty. In addition to accepting all major modes of payment, our practice also works with some of the leading plastic surgery financing companies in the nation. Options such as CareCredit®, ALPHAEON™ Credit, and Prosper® Healthcare Lending offer an array of payment plans with low monthly installments for qualified applicants who would prefer to pay for their treatment over time. If you have any additional questions about the cost of rhinoplasty, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
If you would like more information about these procedures, or if you are ready to book a consultation, please contact Reno Tahoe Plastic Surgery today.