Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair or reshape the nose. It can change the size, width and profile of your nose; smooth out depressions or bumps on the bridge; and fix an imperfect nasal tip (one that is too large, droopy or curves upward). Large or wide nostrils may be reshaped, and a deviated septum can be corrected.

What are the reasons for rhinoplasty

Breathing through the nose is difficult. Traditional sleep apnea treatments are not effective. Severely deviated septum requires correction. Cosmetic reshaping of the nose. Reconstruction after a nasal fracture or other trauma.

What are the risks of rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a common and safe procedure, but there are risks inherent with any surgery. These include infection, bleeding, pain, bruising, swelling, numbness, nasal asymmetry, skin contour irregularities and perforations in the nasal septum.

What happens during a rhinoplasty surgical procedure?

Surgery is performed using either a local or general anesthetic. The procedure typically takes between one to two hours but may last longer when more complex restructuring is required. An incision is made – usually inside the nostrils – and the nose is either reduced or augmented using cartilage from other parts of the body. If a deviated septum needs to be corrected, it is straightened. Once the nasal structure has been reshaped, the incisions are closed and the patient is given a splint and packing to help support the nose as it heals.

How long is the recovery from rhinoplasty?

Most patients return home the same day, though more complicated procedures may require a brief hospital stay. You’ll be asked to rest in bed immediately after the surgery, keeping your head elevated in order to reduce swelling and bleeding. Dressings usually come off after a week.

What precautions should you take after rhinoplasty surgery?

Avoid demanding aerobic activities. Avoid intense facial expressions including laughing and smiling. Do not shower while your nose remains bandaged. Do not pull clothing over your head while healing. Do not rest glasses on your nose for four weeks post-surgery. Do not blow your nose. Lightly brush your teeth, especially near the upper lip. Eat high-fiber food. Wear SPF 30 sunscreen on your nose when outside.

What results can you expect from rhinoplasty?

As with any surgery, results will vary. When it comes to nasal reconstruction, even a small difference of millimeters can have a drastic effect on the appearance of your nose. Working with your plastic surgeon to properly measure your expectations and the projected outcome can impact your satisfaction with the results of the procedure.

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty | Aspen Facial Plastic Surgery

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair and/or reshape the nose. It can change the size, width and profile of your nose, smooth out depressions or bumps on the bridge, and improve the appearance of a nasal tip and nostrils.

This can be done at the same time as a functional nasal surgery that helps correct breathing and sinus issues.

Can Functional Nasal Surgery and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Procedures Be Performed at the Same Time?

Absolutely! Medical and cosmetic procedures are often combined so there is a single recovery period for the patient. Combining procedures is often more convenient as they rarely extend the recovery or change much in the way of wound care and risks

During the Consultation

Your surgeon will review your desires with what is surgically feasible and you will come up with a surgical plan
Photos will be taken and digitally morphed to show what a reasonable outcome will look like- these will be emailed to you for review
An estimate for the cost of the surgery will be provided for you

Surgical Procedure

Surgery is performed using general anesthesia. The procedure typically takes between one and a half to three hours but may last longer when more complex restructuring is required.

Incisions vary depending on the type of changes desired. Sometimes these are all made on the inside of the nostrils, and sometimes a small incision is made between the nostrils. This incision heals very well.

Through these incisions, the nose is changed based off the discussion between the patient and surgeon.

Once the nasal structure has been reshaped, the incisions are closed with absorbable sutures and the external nose is dressed with tape and a small cast. There is no significant packing inside the nose- only 1mm flexible silicone sheeting that is customized for the patient’s individual anatomy to help support the nasal septum. This is easily removed 1 week after surgery.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

Surgery is outpatient and patients return home the same day. You’ll be asked to keep your head elevated in order to reduce swelling and bleeding. Dressings usually come off after a week.

Patients traveling from out of town will be asked to stay for 7-10 days and will need someone who can assist them during their recovery.

What Precautions Should You Take Post-Surgery?

Avoid activities that elevate your heart and blood pressure until cleared by your surgeon (usually 2 weeks)
Avoid lifting heavy objects, greater than 20-30 lbs (usually 3-4 weeks)
o You may shower, but keep your nasal bandage dry
There may be a 4-6 week restriction for glasses resting on your nose depending on what was done
Avoid nose blowing for 2 weeks
Eat high-fiber and low inflammation food
Wear sunscreen when outside and avoid prolonged sun exposure

You may experience puffiness in the face and minor bruising for a few days while you heal. Rhinoplasty usually offers permanent results, though it may take up to a year for these to be fully noticeable.

Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?

Rhinoplasty is a common and safe procedure, and risks are rare. Expected side effects are temporary and a normal part of the recovery. Expected temporary side effects include drainage, swelling, possible bruising, numbness, temporary post surgical pain

Risks are rare but include infection, bleeding requiring cauterization/packing, prolonged pain, bruising, nasal asymmetry, contour irregularities and perforations in the nasal septum.

What Results Can You Expect?

Some results will be visible immediately after removing the dressing 1 week after surgery! A large proportion of the swelling will go away quickly, within the first 4-12 weeks, but a small proportion of the swelling may take 1-2 years to fully resolve. Patience is key in the recovery, and in general the result continues to improve with time.

Non-Surgical / Liquid Rhinoplasty

In some patients, changes in the nose can be achieved using filler material placed in specific areas. Often, this is to reduce the appearance of a bump on the bridge of the nose (dorsal hump).

This is an in-office procedure and usually needs to be done in several sessions for safety reasons

Call Aspen Facial Plastic Surgery at (801) 567-0516 for more information or to schedule an appointment.