About Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to improve the appearance of the nose or resolve certain anatomical abnormalities. Nose jobs are some of the most common cosmetic procedures in the world because they can make a significant difference in the appearance of the face.
For some patients, the nose overwhelms the proportions of the face, taking attention away from other facial features. We strive to alter the structure of the nose in a way that complements your face and allows you to still look like yourself.
A rhinoplasty may involve the removal of cartilage at the tip of the nose to give it a smaller appearance. Rhinoplasty at the AJ Plastic Surgery Centre often starts with the removal or shaving down of bone along the bridge of the nose to give it a flatter appearance.
Some patients have asymmetry in the structure of their noses. In these cases, we can carefully reconstruct the nasal structure to produce a symmetrical result.
Patients may also seek rhinoplasty if they are experiencing breathing difficulties due to anatomical issues like a deviated septum.
- Before Procedure
- During Procedure
- Results & Recovery
What You Should Know Before Your Rhinoplasty
Before scheduling a rhinoplasty procedure at AJ Plastic Surgery Centre, you will first need to have a plastic surgery consultation. During your consultation, we will carefully examine your nasal anatomy. We will discuss your desired outcomes and review before-and-after photos of previous rhinoplasty patients.
We are always transparent with our patients about whether their aesthetic goals are possible or not. If we do not feel that rhinoplasty is the best treatment to meet your needs, you will be advised on other options during our consultation.
We will also review your medical history during your consultation. You’ll be asked to provide a thorough and detailed medical record so that we can discuss any relevant information that could affect your procedure or outcomes.
If you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty, we will begin to design a detailed treatment plan for your procedure. You will also receive complete care instructions and consent forms to sign.
What Happens During Rhinoplasty?
Before your procedure begins, we will once again discuss your desired outcome in the pre-operative area. We may mark your skin to show where your incisions will be. After this, we will move forward with your procedure.
What Kind of Anesthesia Is Used?
We work with a complete surgical team to ensure that you have the best possible outcome for your rhinoplasty at the AJ Plastic Surgery Centre. This team includes an anesthesiologist who will place you under general anesthesia for your procedure.
Once anesthesia has been administered, we will apply a numbing solution to the nasal area to minimize any discomfort you may feel upon waking.
The Surgical Procedure
During your rhinoplasty, we will work to provide utmost care and attention, leading to a successful outcome. We use a 3.5X microscopic examination to perform rhinoplasty. This allows for the most detailed precision when working with the delicate bones and cartilage in your nose.
To begin the procedure, we make a discreet incision on the inside of the nose. The nasal skin is then folded up and back, allowing us to access the underlying bone, cartilage, and tissue. If you want a flatter bridge without a “bump,” we will shave down or remove some of the bone to create a flat or sloped appearance, depending on your desired outcome.
Many patients wish to alter the tips of their noses, making them appear to be smaller or shorter. Some patients desire an elevated tip that is turned upwards. We will discuss these options prior to surgery, and we will alter the cartilage in this region accordingly.
One common concern when it comes to nasal anatomy is asymmetry. If your nose is uneven or crooked, we will reconstruct the bone and cartilage to create a more symmetrical nose that fits naturally with the rest of your face.
It is important to remember that rhinoplasty is not only used for cosmetic concerns. Some patients seek rhinoplasty to correct structural abnormalities that have led to breathing issues. If this is the case, we will work with the internal anatomy, resolving things like a deviated septum to improve your breathing.
Once we have finished reconstructing the bones and cartilage of your nose to create the new shape, the nasal skin will be put gently back into place and your incision will be closed.
How Long Does a Rhinoplasty Procedure Last?
The entire rhinoplasty procedure can take anywhere from 3 to 4.5 hours, depending on a patient’s unique needs. More complex cases with anatomical abnormalities will be on the longer side, possibly extending up to 5 hours.
Rhinoplasty Recovery and Results: What to Expect
For our patients, rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure. This means that they are able to return home or to their hotel the same day as their surgery is complete.
One of our primary goals is to give patients a shorter recovery with minimal pain or discomfort. Patients may experience swelling and bruising in the surgical area for several weeks after their nose job, but this will gradually subside. There is very little pain or discomfort involved. Any discomfort can usually be resolved with Tylenol.
A lightweight splint will be placed at the time of surgery and will remain in place for the first week afterward the treatment. This maintains the new shape of the nose. For some patients, a nasal splint may be placed internally. This is done to protect the septum during recovery and can be removed after one week.
How Long Does Rhinoplasty Recovery Last?
Because of the way that we perform rhinoplasty, patients have a quick and easy recovery. Patients typically return to work a few days after their surgeries.
Moderate to vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least four weeks to avoid risk of injury to the nose. It is imperative that you do not bump or hit the nose at all during this time, as doing so can alter the outcome of your surgery.
Does Rhinoplasty Leave Scars?
We have developed an innovative approach to rhinoplasty that is virtually undetectable. The incisions will be made discreetly inside the nose so that they are not visible.