Today, rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States. In fact, over the last three years, more than 300,000 patients a year have had this surgery.
If you think rhinoplasty may be in your future, it’s important to fully understand the procedure, including what exactly it involves, what makes a good rhinoplasty candidate, how to prepare for surgery, and what to expect during recovery.
We will touch on all of these points in the following guide. Let’s get started.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty Beverly Hills is a procedure that alters the size and/or shape of the nose. Rhinoplasty can be performed both to alter a patient’s appearance and to improve the functionality of their nose (improve their breathing).
When it comes to improving appearance, a rhinoplasty surgeon must first fully understand the goals of the patient. They must also consider the entire architecture of the patient’s face and their skin type so as to match all of their features for a pleasing outcome.
In some cases, patients may come to Dr. Lahar’s office for a revision rhinoplasty as well. This happens when a patient has already had rhinoplasty, but they were unhappy with their results.
What Can Rhinoplasty Do?
Rhinoplasty can improve many aspects of your nose and your overall appearance. For example, it can:
- Alter the size and/or shape of the nose
- Change the angle or projection at which the nose extends away from the face
- Slim the width of the nose (or make it wider, as is often requested with rhinoplasty for men)
- Change the shape and/or size of the nostrils
- Fix asymmetry issues (crooked nose rhinoplasty)
- Fix bumps or ridges on the nasal bridge
- Change the nasal tip (make it less bulbous, less droopy, more upturned, etc.)
- Improve breathing
Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty
Some people may confuse septoplasty with rhinoplasty as both are surgeries performed on the nose. In fact, these are two different procedures.
Septoplasty is primarily concerned with the internal structures of the nose and the patient’s breathing. Patients who have trouble breathing clearly and freely may require septoplasty. On the other hand, rhinoplasty is primarily concerned with aesthetic appearances — or the outside look of the nose.
Because form influences function and vice versa, some patients may end up having a septo rhinoplasty as well. This is a procedure that combines both septoplasty and rhinoplasty.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Those who are unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of their nose may be good candidates for rhinoplasty. Whether you have always had a nose that you feel doesn’t match the rest of your face or a recent injury or medical issue has caused you to want to change the size or shape of your nose, this procedure can help you meet your goals.
Likewise, rhinoplasty (septoplasty) can be extremely effective at improving nasal functionality and fixing breathing issues — an improvement that will naturally permeate the rest of your life.
Overall, you are likely a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you meet the following criteria:
- The bones in your face have stopped growing
- You are in good overall physical health
- You are a non-smoker
- You fully understand the procedure, including the potential risks and complications
- You have realistic expectations
How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty
The periods before and after rhinoplasty are especially important. Before rhinoplasty, it’s important to have a strong grasp of your goals for surgery. Your consultation appointment is your chance to discuss your aesthetic goals with Dr. Lahar.
At this appointment, he will ask you questions about what your ideal nose would look like. Feel free to bring photographs of noses you like or those you would like Dr. Lahar to reference. While everyone’s face is unique, having photographs as inspiration can help Dr. Lahar create a surgical plan that will help achieve your goals.
What Happens During the Rhinoplasty Procedure?
Rhinoplasty is always performed under general anesthesia so that you do not feel anything and are perfectly comfortable throughout the procedure. All rhinoplasty surgeries will be performed at an accredited facility in the Beverly Hills area.
Incisions are a necessary part of any rhinoplasty surgery. However, Dr. Lahar is adept at making each incision, however small, extremely discreet.
Whenever incisions are needed on the exterior of the nose, they will be across the lateral span of the skin between your nostrils. Incisions like these are called columellar incisions, and they heal extremely well. After just a few months, an incision like this will be barely noticeable.
There are many different types of rhinoplasty — including wide nose rhinoplasty, bulbous nose rhinoplasty, crooked nose rhinoplasty, and rhinoplasty for a bump or ridge on the nose. Each of these procedures will necessitate a different approach and different techniques.
Rhinoplasty Techniques
There are two main rhinoplasty techniques: open and closed. Open rhinoplasty requires a small incision to be made across the small strip of tissue separating the nostrils (the columella). Closed rhinoplasty only requires “hidden” incisions that are inside the nostrils.
Dr. Lahar will start by making the necessary incisions and then raise the skin gently to have access to the nose structure. He will then reshape the bone and/or cartilage using various techniques. Cartilage grafts from the septum may be repurposed, and structural abnormalities causing breathing issues will be remedied. Finally, the incisions will be closed.
How Long Does a Rhinoplasty Take?
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia for your comfort. The procedure itself generally takes anywhere from 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the specifications of your surgery. Most rhinoplasty procedures are outpatient, which means you can go home on the same day as your surgery after a brief stay at the surgical facility.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Let’s go through a brief rhinoplasty recovery timeline.
After surgery, you will stay for a brief period at the surgical facility. Dr. Lahar will monitor you for a short time and then release you to go home.
During this time, you will be wearing a small cast and paper tapes over your nose. A rhinoplasty splint may be inside your nose as well. This is a small soft piece of plastic that will aid in the reduction of swelling over the first few days. Once you are discharged, be sure you have a close friend or relative who can drive you home.
At home, your primary concern will be relaxing and taking it easy. Dr. Lahar will provide you with detailed recovery instructions. Follow these closely, and take your prescribed medications consistently.
Keep the nostrils clean with gentle salt water rinses. Keep your head elevated. This will reduce the pressure in the nose and keep swelling at bay. You should avoid extreme facial expressions and blowing your nose for several weeks.
Rhinoplasty swelling stages can vary depending on what techniques were used during surgery. If the nose was adjusted, for example, swelling around the eyes may occur. This is normal and should resolve shortly.
As you recover, you will meet with Dr. Lahar periodically so that he can check your progress and recovery. As time goes on, you will see more and more of what your nose will eventually look like. Patience is essential as it can take several weeks for the swelling to decrease and even longer to see your full results.
How Long to Take Off Work After Rhinoplasty
When planning for rhinoplasty, be sure to take off at least one week from work or school. You’ll need this time to rest and relax at home. For some patients, taking off two weeks or more may be beneficial. Dr. Lahar can give you more details when you meet with him for your consultation.
When Will I See Rhinoplasty Results?
Because of the initial swelling inherent to this procedure, it’ll take some time to see the outcome of your rhinoplasty. Generally speaking, the major swelling will last for several weeks and then begin to subside.
Still, even when the swelling has disappeared, in some cases, it may take up to a year to see the full results of your rhinoplasty. Of course, along the way, you’ll gradually see the changes.
One of the best things about rhinoplasty is that the results are nearly always permanent. Certainly, the natural aging process may change the structure of the face over time. And in some rare cases (for example, when post-operative instructions are not followed carefully), the structure of the nose may not heal properly, and the features may drift to an asymmetrical appearance.
However, in the overwhelming majority of cases, the improvements you achieve through surgery will remain with you, and you’ll have a beautiful, brand-new nose for life.
FAQs About Rhinoplasty
How much is rhinoplasty?
The average cost of rhinoplasty will vary based on what exactly you’re having done. Overall, you can expect to pay between $6000 and $10,000 — or more in some cases.
At what age can I get rhinoplasty?
Complete growth of the nose is necessary before rhinoplasty can be performed. For young men and women, this generally means that rhinoplasty cannot be performed until somewhere in their teen years, at the earliest. Dr. Lahar can perform a complete nasal analysis to determine if you are old enough for rhinoplasty. Minors must also have permission from a parent or guardian for the procedure.
Can you blow your nose after rhinoplasty?
You should avoid blowing your nose or making extreme facial expressions directly after rhinoplasty. Try to avoid sneezing as well. Fortunately, this is not a long-term mandate. After about three to four weeks, you can resume blowing your nose and sneezing as you need to.
Does rhinoplasty change your smile?
It may, but if your smile is altered after rhinoplasty, this is generally temporary. The reason for a smile that changes after rhinoplasty is that the underlying muscles of the face may be affected or weakened during surgery.
This generally occurs when work is done near the base of the nose. As swelling subsides during recovery, your normal smile should return.
When can I get fillers after rhinoplasty?
This depends on your recovery progress and what exactly you had done. Most rhinoplasty patients must wait at least three months before getting fillers or other injectables. Speak with Dr. Lahar about when additional procedures can be safely performed.
How long after rhinoplasty can I sleep on my side?
Sleeping on your side directly after surgery should be avoided as it may cause asymmetrical healing. You should wait at least a few weeks post-surgery before sleeping on your side. For an exact timeframe, speak with Dr. Lahar about optimal sleeping practices after your surgery.
How long after rhinoplasty can I drink alcohol?
You should avoid drinking alcohol for at least a few weeks after surgery. Mixing alcohol with any medications you are taking as you heal could be dangerous, and it’s also important to avoid because it can stimulate more swelling.
Can I combine rhinoplasty with other procedures?
Certainly. Many patients opt to improve other parts of their face and body when undergoing rhinoplasty as well. Multiple surgeries must be required, however. You might consider a face-lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or liposuction, for example.
Is revision rhinoplasty common?
Only a small number of patients request rhinoplasty revision. In some cases, where extensive work must be done, the patient may be interested in changes to the original surgical plan or additional alterations that will help avoid the need for revision.
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation Today
You can change the nose you were born with and still love who you are. Rhinoplasty is an amazing procedure that can help cultivate the pride and confidence you deserve to have about your appearance. For those who struggle with nasal obstructions and other sinus issues, rhinoplasty can give you the gift of clear, easy breathing.
Your first step is to give the office of Dr. Nicholas Lahar a call today to book your consultation appointment. Together with Dr. Lahar, you will come up with a surgical plan that meets your needs and provides you with fabulous results. Call today to schedule your appointment.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/thinking-about-rhinoplasty-2019030616112
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-is-non-surgical-rhinoplasty
https://utswmed.org/medblog/rhinoplasty-nose-job/
