The nose is the central, most prominent feature of the face and a major factor in defining balance and harmony among facial features. When the nose is out of proportion with other facial features or the nose does not complement the face, it can affect self-image and confidence. In most cases, the specific characteristics of the nose are a result of heredity; however the appearance of the nose may sometimes be the result of injury or prior surgery.
In general, rhinoplasty improves the appearance and proportion of the nose, enhancing facial harmony and self-confidence. Surgery of the nose may also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose.
What is rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic surgery of the nose, or rhinoplasty, is a procedure to improve the appearance of the nose. Specific features addressed in cosmetic surgery of the nose, and strictly for appearance enhancement, include:
- Nose size, in relation to facial balance
- Nose width, at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils
- Nose profile, with visible humps or depressions on the bridge
- Nasal tip, that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked
- Nostrils that are large, wide or upturned
- Nasal asymmetry
In some cosmetic cases, the characteristics of the nose are not the only factors contributing to facial imbalance. The facial structure – especially a small chin, weak cheeks and/or lower jaw – may also contribute to imbalanced facial proportions. In these cases, surgery of the nose may be performed in conjunction with placement of facial implants or other procedures to achieve overall facial harmony.
If you are bothered by the size or shape of your nose, then cosmetic surgery of the nose, or rhinoplasty, may be right for you.
When nose surgery is performed to improve breathing function, the cause is most commonly an obstructed airway. This procedure, whether performed alone or in conjunction with cosmetic surgery of the nose, is considered reconstructive and may be covered by insurance. This requires a detailed examination to verify the cause of your breathing impairment and prior authorization from your insurer.
Whether you have a personal desire to improve your appearance or you seek to improve breathing function, surgery of the nose is best performed when facial growth is complete, beginning around age 15. Good candidates are:
- Healthy individuals who do not have life-threatening illness or medical conditions that an impair healing
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for improvement
A consultation with your plastic surgeon is the first step to learn how surgery of the nose can improve the appearance of your nose and facial harmony, or how surgery of the nose can improve your breathing function. A consultation is designed to fully educate you in a non-pressured environment, and will include:
- A discussion of your primary concerns and an evaluation of your individual case
- The options available for surgery of the nose
- The likely outcomes of surgery and any risks or potential complications
- The course of treatment recommended by the doctor
The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction will also require that you:
- Honestly share your concerns, whether cosmetic or to improve nasal airway problems
- Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs
- Understand what results can be expected from the procedure you decide to pursue
- Commit to following all of your plastic surgeon’s instructions precisely
By making the decision to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon and following all the instructions given, you are taking an important step in helping to assure your safety.
Possible risks of rhinoplasty include but are not limited too:
- Infection
- Nosebleed
- Rupture of small surface vessels of the nose
Surgery of the nose is a procedure in which aesthetic outcomes can be unpredictable, and in some cases a second procedure may be necessary to fully achieve your goals.
All surgery carries risks associated with anesthesia. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks or potential complications.
Prior to surgery, you will be given specific instructions that may include:
- Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
- Day of surgery instructions and medications
- Specific information related to the use of anesthesia
- Postoperative care and follow-up
It is natural to feel some anxiety, whether excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperative stress. It’s very important to discuss any questions or concerns directly with the doctor.
Surgery of the nose may be performed either at our accredited office-based surgical facility or an ambulatory surgical facility or a hospital. The decision for anesthesia will be based on the requirements of your specific procedure.
If your procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
Cosmetic surgery of the nose is an individualized procedure that takes into account all the specific characteristics that contribute to the overall appearance of the nose and its relation to other facial features. The doctor will carefully evaluate your individual case and goals for improvement to determine the specific features to address through surgery of the nose. Appropriate techniques will then be defined and may include:
- Alteration of the nasal bridge
- Reshaping the nasal bridge
- Reducing the shape or width of the nose
- Reshaping the nasal tip
- Reducing the width or size of the nostrils
- Adjusting the angle between the nose and upper lip
If you desire a more symmetrical nose, keep in mind that everyone’s face is asymmetric to some degree. Results may not be completely symmetric, although the goal is to create facial balance and correct proportion. Facial augmentation with implants of the chin, cheeks and jaw may further enhance your outcomes.
Nose surgery to improve an obstructed airway is also a very individualized procedure. It requires careful evaluation of the nasal structure as it relates to airflow and breathing. Correction of a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of breathing impairment, is achieved by adjusting the nasal structure to produce better alignment.
Once your procedure is completed, a splint and/or packing will likely be placed inside your nose and a splint or bandages placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing.
The doctor will also instruct you how to care for your surgical site(s) following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health and when to come in for follow-up visits
Initial healing may include some swelling, bruising, headache and discomfort that can be controlled with medication and cold compresses. These are all common conditions.
Immediately following your surgery:
- You will be instructed to keep your head elevated until initial swelling has subsided
- You will be instructed to keep any nasal packing in place at all times.
- A return to light, normal activity is possible usually within a few days.
- Any packing or splints will likely be removed after the first week or two
You will be ready to return to work after removal of splint and cosmetics can camouflage any bruising or redness that remains. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate and the improved appearance of your nose begins to become apparent.
Diligent sun protection is recommended as you continue to heal. You must also protect your nose from injury during any physical activity for the next 4 to 6 months.
The outcome of your nose surgery will appear gradually over time. At a minimum, a year is considered normal for the outcome of surgery of the nose to fully refine. In general, the results of nose surgery are permanent; however, cartilage, the main supporting structure of the nose, is continually growing and moving tissue that may change the outcome over time.
You should be pleased with the improved balance among your facial features resulting from surgery of the nose. Achieving your personal goals for an enhanced appearance will likely increase your self-confidence.
