The nose is the central focal point of the face. Proper nasal proportion and aesthetics, or the lack thereof, can be perceived not only by an individual, but often subconsciously by those with whom he or she interacts. Individuals who are unhappy with the shape or size of their nose often consider cosmetic enhancement for a long time. Rhinoplasty from our Charleston plastic surgeons can help turn those aesthetic dreams into a reality.
Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job,” is a procedure designed to enhance the appearance (or sometimes function) of the nose by creating a more proportionate nasal framework in relation to your surrounding facial features. Surgery can make the nose larger or smaller, as well as adjust the shape of the bridge, tip, or nostrils. The procedure can also correct damage caused by injury and breathing abnormalities resulting from deformed internal nasal structures. Patients who undergo rhinoplasty can achieve a more harmonious facial balance, resulting in improvements to their overall facial appearance.
Generally, rhinoplasty may be able to help open up the airflow to improve breathing problems. During the procedure, internal strips of cartilage and tissue can be removed or repositioned, such as adjusting a deviated septum, resulting in increased breathing functionality. During a consultation, the nasal structure and symptoms will be evaluated so a customized treatment plan can be created to achieve the best possible outcome.
Rhinoplasty can often be combined with other surgical and/or non-surgical procedures to provide a more comprehensive, youthful-looking facial enhancement. Some of the most common procedures that may complement a rhinoplasty include:
Our team will thoroughly discuss all of your cosmetic concerns to formulate the best treatment plan to achieve your aesthetic goals, which may be performed simultaneously or in various scheduled surgeries.
Rhinoplasty is primarily performed using either the “open” or “closed” technique. With an open approach, the incision is placed in the narrowest area between the nostrils (known as the columella) for optimal precision and control over the surgical outcome. The closed technique places the incision internally; this approach has the benefit of leaving no external scar. However, there may not be as much visibility and control over the procedure, as is afforded by the open technique. Both methods can produce natural-looking results and a more favorable facial balance. The most beneficial approach for your unique anatomy and cosmetic goals can be determined during a consultation.
The average length of rhinoplasty surgery is one to three hours. To maximize the results of the surgery, rhinoplasty is sometimes performed in conjunction with other procedures, including cheek implants or chin augmentation. Combining these procedures will increase the duration of surgery. If you are considering nose surgery, it is important to go into the surgery with realistic expectations.
During your rhinoplasty consultation at Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas, you will meet with our team one-on-one to discuss your cosmetic goals. At this time, your surgeon will be able to communicate what can and cannot be achieved with rhinoplasty surgery. Taking your unique anatomical features into account, they will develop a treatment plan that can achieve a more harmonious facial balance in relation to the proportions of your other features.
Our primary goal for any rhinoplasty procedure is to produce results that appear natural. In order to achieve this natural look, the unique features and proportions of each individual’s face must be considered. Our team has extensive experience working with patients of different ethnicities (including African-American, Latino, Asian, and Middle Eastern), and we aim to address each rhinoplasty patient’s functional and cosmetic concerns while paying special attention to ethnicity for results that are harmonious with the patient’s natural facial features.
If you were dissatisfied with the outcome of a previous nose surgery, we offer revision rhinoplasty to improve upon the results of the initial procedure. Whether your concerns are cosmetic or functional (breathing) in nature, we perform secondary rhinoplasty with the goal of attaining results that more closely fulfill your desires for the original surgery. There are a number of reasons why you may consider a revisionary procedure, such as an unsatisfactory initial outcome due to poor healing, a miscommunication with your previous plastic surgeon about your surgical goals, or an injury that may have compromised the results of prior surgery. Regardless of your reasons for pursuing revision rhinoplasty, our team will listen closely to your concerns and recommend whether a secondary procedure can help you achieve your goals. In general, we suggest waiting 9 to 12 months before undergoing additional surgery to allow swelling from primary rhinoplasty to completely subside.
After the rhinoplasty procedure, patients will typically experience some bruising, swelling, tenderness, and minor discomfort in the nasal area. These symptoms should dissipate as recovery progresses. A splint will be applied during surgery and remain in place for about five to seven days to stabilize the nasal bones as well as facilitate the healing process and minimize swelling. A gauze pad is applied under your nostrils for the first 12 to 24 hours to collect any slight oozing. Our team will provide specific post-operative instructions personally; however, rhinoplasty patients are generally advised to protect the nose from sun exposure for the first year following surgery. Smoking should also be abstained from for at least six weeks before and after the operation. Receiving plenty of rest and limiting movement when possible can typically accelerate the recovery period.
The results of a rhinoplasty procedure are expected to last a lifetime. Once the surgical modifications of the cartilage and bones of the nasal framework are complete, the changes can be considered permanent. To help ensure optimal healing and a successful recovery, it is imperative to closely follow all post-surgery instructions provided by our surgeons.
The ultimate price of rhinoplasty will be determined by a number of factors unique to each patient’s treatment plan. These considerations may include:
Once your needs are known during a consultation, our office will be able to provide you with a personalized quote of your rhinoplasty expenses. If you are interested in paying for your treatment over time rather than in a lump sum, we work with financing companies to make the cost of nose surgery more manageable. These highly reputable healthcare lenders offer qualified applicants a range of payment plans with low monthly installments and interest-free options to suit their budgetary concerns. If you have any questions about our accepted payment methods or financing options, please reach out to our practice to speak to a friendly member of our team.
For minor recontouring of the nose, non-surgical cosmetic enhancement, also known as liquid rhinoplasty, may be possible by strategically combining certain dermal fillers, such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane®. This alternative option can achieve some degree of improvement by filling in hollow areas and bumps on the nasal bridge or improving the overall dimensions of the nose without extensive downtime for recovery. However, the effects will be temporary and ongoing touch-ups will be necessary to maintain the results. For a more permanent outcome, surgical rhinoplasty is still the most effective treatment for addressing various structural nasal concerns.
For more information about rhinoplasty, or to schedule a consultation, please contact Plastic Surgery of the Carolinas today.
Our Mt. Pleasant plastic surgery practice is looking for an experienced CMA to join our team in a full time position. If you are a self starter who take initiative and enjoys working with patients, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your resume to jacque@plasticsurgerycarolina.com
