Seattle Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common facial 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 also 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. Nose reshaping surgery can effectively treat certain breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated nasal septum.

What can rhinoplasty do for me?

Rhinoplasty surgery 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 deviation or asymmetry for facial balance

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

The best candidates for rhinoplasty:

• Are at least 13 years old
• Have finished facial growth
• Are generally health
• Do not smoke
• Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others
• Have realistic goals for the procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

Rhinoplasty procedures are usually outpatient surgical procedures in our Seattle office performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Our Seattle facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Salemy performs a closed rhinoplasty. This is different from an open rhinoplasty procedure, in that the only incisions are inside the nose, so there are no visible scars. Once the incisions are made, Dr. Salemy then gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose. He will then sculpt the bone and cartilage to the desired shape, and if additional cartilage is needed to augment the nose, it will be taken from the septum or behind the ear.

The tissues are then re-draped and stitched closed. If the patient desires nostril reshaping, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty.

The entire nose job procedure generally lasts one to two hours.

What is the recovery from nose surgery like?

For a short time after surgery, rhinoplasty recovery patients 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.

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.

Will I like the results of my nose surgery?

Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results depend on the patient’s nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age.

What are the possible risks of rhinoplasty?

Complications are rare and, when they occur, minor. These may include infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia.

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons, but this nasal surgery will likely not be covered by insurance if it is for cosmetic purposes.

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). In general, Dr. Salemy recommends patients wait a year after their rhinoplasty before considering a revision procedure.

Contact us today to schedule a Rhinoplasty consultation in our Seattle office!

Click here to see Before and After Photos of a Rhinoplasty

Click here to read frequently asked questions about Rhinoplasty

Related Topics:

What You Should Know About Nose Jobs (Rhinopolasty)