The Savvy Patient's Primer to Rhinoplasty Surgery: The Basics

There are many reasons people consider rhinoplasty surgery. Most people think of "nose jobs" as a purely cosmetic procedure because it's a popular way to fix facial symmetry and improve overall appearance. But there are medical reasons to consider rhinoplasty surgery as well.

For patients who have suffered injury, such as a broken nose, rhinoplasty can repair the damage and ensure the nose isn't permanently disfigured. Other patients who suffer from a deviated septum also turn to rhinoplasty surgery, which will help them breathe easier.

Regardless of why you are considering rhinoplasty surgery, sorting through all the medical terms and information on the web can be overwhelming. In this article, we will cover the basics of rhinoplasty so you can get a better idea if it is a good fit for you.

The Basics of Rhinoplasty Surgery

Like everything else in plastic surgery, having realistic expectations with rhinoplasty is incredibly important.

A nose-reshaping surgery performed by a skilled surgeon can do wonders for your appearance, but you need to find a plastic surgeon who will help you make wise decisions. Apart from nasal anatomy, the overall facial shape and proportions should be carefully considered too. Chin surgery may also be recommended, which can help to enhance the results of rhinoplasty and significantly improve facial symmetry.

Finding a rhinoplasty surgeon who takes your personal goals and existing facial anatomy into consideration should be a priority. A skilled surgeon will perform thorough evaluations of your facial anatomy, nasal features and skin. Then, they will combine your personal preferences and their medical expertise into a custom-tailored rhinoplasty plan for you.

The Confidence Factor

Before taking a leap and choosing surgery, it's important that you fully understand the procedure, costs, side effects, recovery, and desired outcomes. Don't be afraid to ask questions, before your procedure. This is your face, your only face. You need to make sure you are 100% confident in your surgeon and your procedure before you go ahead with it.

How is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Rhinoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. There are various techniques used to ensure each patient gets the best results. This is another reason you should seek out an expert who is skilled in all of the latest techniques. Doing so will ensure you are getting the best treatment for your unique needs.

In most cases, incisions are carefully made around the nostrils, allowing access to the nose's structural framework. The procedure usually takes two to four hours to perform. Most patients will be discharged home after surgery. In rare cases of complex reconstructive rhinoplasties, an overnight stay may be required. In these rare cases, the surgery and the stay will be completed at the hospital.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Bruising and swelling commonly follow rhinoplasty surgery. Recovery takes about one to two weeks, and the majority of bruising and swelling subside during this timeframe. Residual, subtle swelling can remain for up to a year after surgery.

Types of Rhinoplasty

You may be confronted with these terms while looking for more information about nose-enhancement surgery:closed rhinoplasty, open rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, and non-surgical rhinoplasty.

Closed vs. Open Rhinoplasty

“Closed” rhinoplasty refers to a form of rhinoplasty with a limited surgical access in which all of the incisions are hidden inside the nostril.

Some surgeons prefer the closed approach because it avoids a potentially visible scar and has less post-surgery swelling. However, it can significantly limit the surgical exposure. This makes it difficult, or even impossible, to use today’s most effective rhinoplasty techniques.

Dr. Fan's Tip: With closed rhinoplasty, recovery is quicker than the open approach and there is no external scarring after surgery. However, due to limited visibility and access, this approach may not be suitable for more extensive rhinoplasty procedures.

"Open Rhinoplasty" is similar to the closed approach, but with a small incision made at the columella (tiny tissue that links the nasal tip to the base) to connect the two incisions within the nose.

This tiny incision — usually only about 1/3 of an inch long — dramatically improves surgical access and visibility. This approach allows the surgeon to safely sculpt your nose to naturally exquisite outcomes.

For the majority of patients, the benefits gained by the open approach are well worth the negligible risk of an inconspicuous scar.

Dr. Fan's Pro Tip: The open approach is useful for patients with challenging anatomy or require complex changes. Although initially visible, the extra incision seldom results in an objectionable scar. in fact, the scar typically fades to obscurity in the months following surgery.

'Revision' Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary operation to correct or further improve the results from the primary rhinoplasty. It is commonly performed using an open approach. Still, in some cases, a closed approach may be merited.

Revision rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging and delicate plastic surgeries, calling for the highest level of skill, experience, and aesthetic sense from the surgeon.

'Functional' Rhinoplasty

When a surgeon refers to functional rhinoplasty, they are often referring to an operation to improve structural defects in the nose that are affecting the patient's ability to breathe. While the purpose of the functional rhinoplasty is medical, it will still improve facial balance and the overall appearance of the nose.

Non-Surgical Alternatives

For some patients, test-driving a nose reshaping procedure with a temporary non-surgical procedure is an attractive choice. It allows them to experience subtle nose reshaping, without committing to a permanent change.

By injecting a filler at certain points in the nose, you can smooth out bumps, augment the bridge, reshape the tip, and improve your overall nasal symmetry. The results are temporary, and maintenance treatments will be needed to sustain the results about once a year. Still, this non-surgical approach can be a cost-effective way for you to have a glimpse of the stunning outcomes, without the costs, permanency, and extended downtime following surgery.

Getting a Beautiful Nose

In the end, getting the results you want without risking your health is most important. For some patients, nose reshaping can be combined with chin enhancement, eyelid surgery, and a facelift to further improve facial balance.

In the end, apart from the decision to have the surgery, choosing the plastic surgeon is the most important decision you will make. Do your homework, ask a lot of questions, and make sure you choose a surgeon based on their expertise, reputation, and abilities rather than just bargain shopping.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Larry Fan has helped thousands of men and women attain their nose-reshaping goals and desires. His rhinoplasty experience coupled with his careful attention to detail (rhinoplasty is one of the most delicate cosmetic surgeries), has made him one of the most sought after nose-reshaping surgeons in San Francisco.

If you're interested in learning more about how rhinoplasty surgery can help you, consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Fan. He will be able to answer your questions and help you come up with a plan to achieve the results you want. You can also take our free online self-evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty surgery.