Rhinoplasty: What You Need to Know

As one of the most prominent facial features, your nose, is often one of the features that is first noticed by others. Many people are self-conscious about their nose for a number of reasons, including size, shape, and prominence. Rhinoplasty surgery can dramatically improve one’s appearance and continues to be one of the most highly requested facial surgery procedures. The goal of a rhinoplasty procedure performed by Dr. Barr is to significantly improve the appearance of your nose and create beautiful aesthetic features that compliment the rest of your facial aesthetics. The outcome of your rhinoplasty will be as individual as you are, and no two rhinoplasty outcomes are the same. The rhinoplasty procedure shapes your nose in a way that makes it less conspicuous and creates an aesthetically pleasing facial harmony. The following article will answer the question, ‘ how do nose jobs work? ‘ as well as explore who may be an ideal candidate for nose surgery, and detail the projected recovery from rhinoplasty surgery timeline. 

What is Rhinoplasty Surgery

During a rhinoplasty procedure, the support structures of the nose (the cartilage and bone) are exposed through small incisions that are hidden within the nose and Columella (the small area separating the two nostrils on the underside of your nose). Dr. Barr artistically sculpts the cartilage and bone to create beautiful aesthetic lines, a refined tip and a beautiful dorsal line. The hidden incisions are then closed with tiny stitches that are removed by one week. This procedure is virtually painless, and Dr. Barr’s rhinoplasty patients are not bothered by discomfort following the procedure.

Who Is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty

The idea candidates for rhinoplasty are healthy individuals who have any concerns about the appearance, shape and/or size of their nose. While the changes desired will vary based on individual characteristics, the rhinoplasty procedure is generally pursued by those patients seeking one or more of the following aesthetic surgical improvements:

• Narrow the width of the nose
• Soften the tip of the nose
• Reduce the length and/or height of the nose
• Decrease the size of the nostrils
• Change the angle between the nose and upper lip
• Make the nose appear smaller

The Rhinoplasty Consultation

During consultation, advanced computer imaging will be used to demonstrate the possible aesthetic outcome of your rhinoplasty procedure. Your assessment and imaging will provide the foundation for your consultation with Dr. Barr. Patients often concern themselves with what to ask at a rhinoplasty consultation. During your consultation your individual concerns about your nose and your desired changes will be thoroughly discussed. Dr. Barr will detail the benefits, proposed improvements and the recovery associated with nose surgery. The information provided at this initial consultation will be comprehensive and thorough, and enable you to make an informed decision as to whether or not rhinoplasty surgery is the right choice for you. A comprehensive instruction package will be provided to you at the time of consultation which includes instructions for both before and after nose surgery.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

How is rhinoplasty done?

There are 2 techniques used in rhinoplasty surgery; closed or open.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In a closed rhinoplasty procedure, all incisions are hidden inside the nose. The structural changes to the nose are made through these hidden incisions. Patients whose nose does not require extensive correction of the nasal tip can often be done using this technique.

Open Rhinoplasty

In an open rhinoplasty, all but one incision is hidden inside the nose. In addition to the hidden incisions, a single incision is also placed across the columella, the piece of skin between the two nostrils. An open rhinoplasty is performed when Dr. Barr needs to reshape the tip of the nose in order to achieve the optimal aesthetic outcome. Dr. Barr will suggest the appropriate technique based on each individuals patient’s facial characteristics and surgical goals.

Recovery and Aftercare

Patients will be discharged the same day as their rhinoplasty procedure with a customized, molded, plastic splint on their nose. This is used to protect the nose from injury while it is healing, and will be worn for 7 days following surgery. Dr Barr’s rhinoplasty patients do not require pain medications following surgery due to the expert rhinoplasty method he has developed over the past 29 years. While some patients experience only minimal bruising, initially there will be some bruising and swelling. This will settle over the next few days. Seven to eight days following surgery, the custom cast is removed. At this point, any residual bruising can be concealed with makeup. Swelling in the lower forehead and eyes generally peaks within 48 hours following surgery and then steadily improves. By the time the cast is removed, this swelling has already significantly dissipated. Patients can engage in light activities for the first 2 weeks following surgery, at which point they can increase the intensity of their activities in order to return to regular activities. Patients will, however, need to refrain from contact sports for a minimum of 6 weeks following rhinoplasty surgery.

Risks and Complications

Prior to their consultations, patients often find themselves concerned with what can go wrong with rhinoplasty surgery. Rhinoplasty surgery is very safe and there are few risks associated with this procedure. Although the majority of patients do not experience complications, these will be discussed thoroughly in your consultation with Dr. Barr in order to ensure each patient’s awareness and comfort prior to proceeding with surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a rhinoplasty surgery cost?

The cost of your rhinoplasty procedure will depend on whether or not you have additional procedures done concurrently. An accurate quote will be provided to you at the time of your consultation. Our Patient Facilitators can discuss the various payment options available to you in detail and help facilitate the payment process.

How do nose jobs work?

Rhinoplasty surgery is performed either using a closed procedure, with all incisions hidden in the nose, or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the narrow strip of tissue separating the nostrils. The structure of the nose is reshaped through these incisions.

How long does a rhinoplasty operation take?

The rhinoplasty procedure itself takes approximately one to two hours to complete, depending on the complexity and amount of changes to the nasal structure required.