WHAT IS NASAL RESHAPING SURGERY (RHINOPLASTY)?
Facial symmetry is an aesthetic trait that many scientific studies have highlighted as a key factor in how humans (consciously or subconsciously) assess and evaluate facial attractiveness. The shape, position and size of the nose all play an integral role in establishing whether or not a face is symmetrical. Because of this correlation, many individuals with facial asymmetry due to misshapen, crooked, or enlarged noses, suffer from low self-esteem or heightened self-consciousness.
Fortunately, when performed by a plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty (nasal reshaping surgery) procedures can improve the proportions and shape of the nose, thereby enhancing the overall symmetrical balance of the face. Rhinoplasty also offers benefits outside the realm of aesthetics. It is also a helpful procedure for patients with impaired breathing, resulting from structural defects of the nasal cavity.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A RHINOPLASTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS A “NOSE JOB”?
Some of the aesthetic improvements rhinoplasty surgery can provide include:
- Improvement of the genetic asymmetry of the nose, or nasal asymmetry resulting from an injury or accident
- Size reduction of a nose that seems too wide or large for an individual’s face
- Restoration of symmetry and balance to a crooked or off-centre nose
- Correction of a bump or depression on the bridge of the nose
- Enhancing a nasal tip that has an upturned, drooping or bulbous appearance
- Reduction of overly wide, flared or upturned nostrils
Nasal reshaping surgery is a complex procedure requiring a high level of precision and an extensive knowledge of facial anatomy and bone structure. At the private practice of Dr. Hani Sinno, you can be assured that you are in the care of a competent board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Sinno makes a concerted effort to stay up to date with the latest advances in the field of facial plastic surgery in order to provide his patients with the best possible medical and aesthetic results following their nasal reshaping surgery.
rhinoplasty before & after photos
When considering your options for a rhinoplasty surgery, take the time to find several examples (photos or videos) of the type of rhinoplasty you would like to have. Because noses vary so much in size and shape, it is important to try to find out what exactly you like about the nose shape. This will enable you to distinguish your preferences from other noses that are similar but may not be exactly what you prefer. It will help paint a more accurate picture of your aesthetic goals.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF RHINOPLASTY? WHAT DOES IT CONSIST OF?
Nasal reshaping surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. During your initial consultation, Dr. Sinno will conduct a thorough medical evaluation in order to determine whether a closed or open procedure would be the best choice for your specific case.
WHAT IS A CLOSED RHINOPLASTY SURGERY?
A closed rhinoplasty surgery is best suited for patients who require only slight nasal enhancements, and involves surgical incisions that are concealed within the nasal cavity.
WHAT IS AN OPEN RHINOPLASTY SURGERY?
An open rhinoplasty is an appropriate option for patients who need more intensive nasal reshaping, and involves an incision that is made across the columella.
Both rhinoplasty techniques can involve the utilization of pieces of cartilage from the septum (the partition in the middle of the nose) to build up the existing structures of the nasal cavity, in order to create a more symmetrically balanced and proportionate nose.
Following the rhinoplasty procedure, internal nasal splints and external casts will be utilized for about seven days to support the new nasal structures. Patients can expect some post-surgical bruising and swelling around the cheeks and eyes, which should subside within one to three weeks.
Your rhinoplasty results will be apparent immediately after your surgery, and will continue to improve over the next few months, as any remaining swelling decreases. Although your total healing time will be determined by your body’s unique capacity to heal itself, you will be advised to refrain from all vigorous physical activity for at least six weeks following your rhinoplasty.
WHAT ARE THE PROCEDURAL DETAILS AND RECOVERY PERIOD FOR A RHINOPLASTY (NOSE JOB)?
Rhinoplasty surgery is typically performed in an outpatient setting, under intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, and lasts between two to five hours. During your nasal reshaping surgery, Dr. Sinno will make incisions in and or on your nose, taking great care to ensure that your incisions will be as inconspicuous as possible. The specific details of each individual’s rhinoplasty can vary significantly, and depend upon the patient’s unique nasal features and surgical goals. Your nasal reshaping procedure may or may not include the correction of a deviated septum (Septorhinoplasty) and enlarged turbinates to help you improve your breathing.
The length of your post-surgical recovery period will depend upon the capacity of your body to heal itself, the level of surgical correction performed and the number of procedures you have undergone. Elevating your head will help to reduce post-surgical facial and nasal swelling and bruising, which typically peaks during the first 24-48 hours, and subsides within two to four weeks.
WHAT IS THE POST-OPERATIVE ADVICE AND CARE AFTER RHINOPLASTY?
Day Surgery OR Overnight Stay
Rhinoplasty surgery generally takes two to five hours, after which, you may be released (depending on your medical condition and health state) to a friend or family member and may return home to continue your recovery. In some cases, Dr. Sinno may decide to keep you overnight to help you have a safer and more comfortable post-operative recovery.When can the bandages come off after rhinoplasty?
Dr. Sinno and his team will apply a special nasal splint and a “mustache” dressing. He will also use initial bandages that should be kept dry and clean until your scheduled follow-up, which is generally under a week. The mustache dressing can be changed as needed. It is expected that there will be some bleeding and secretions from the nose and down the throat for the first few days after your surgery. At your follow-up visit, the bandages will be removed and your post-operative state will be evaluated.Ice packs can be applied on top of your nasal splint and cheeks do help reduce facial swelling. It is important NOT to apply the ice for more than 15 minutes at a time. Ice can be applied every hour, while awake.
When can I resume showering and washing after a rhinoplasty?
The bandages usually are removed before the week after surgery. Dr. Sinno recommends that all bandages should remain dry and clean after your surgery until your first follow-up appointment. Showers should be avoided until authorized by Dr. Sinno. This is usually done after all of the bandages are removed at the first post-operative visit. Until then, sponge baths are recommended.White non-scented shampoo and soap are recommended to be used along with running water on the incisions after the bandages are removed and when given medical authorization to do so.
When can I resume normal activity and exercise after a rhinoplasty?
Dr. Sinno recommends that patients refrain from all activities that may increase their heart rate or blood pressure, including exercise, sexual activity, stressful situations, etc.However, it is recommended that patients walk and perform their usual activities within the limitation of the medical advice given and their tolerance to their comfort. No lifting more than 10 lbs. (4 kg) is recommended for at least two weeks after the surgery.
For the first week, sleeping on your back is preferred with the head of the bed elevated to at least 45 degrees to help reduce post-operative swelling.
Patients are advised to always keep their heads above their hearts and to refrain from bringing their heads down below the shoulders. Patients are advised to bend their knees and go down to put on or take off footwear etc., so that the head is not suspended lower than the chest level.
When can I resume driving after a rhinoplasty?
It is recommended that patients not drive when taking narcotic pain medications and when having bulky dressings that may hinder their normal reflexes and reactivity.General Healing
You may experience some swelling and bruising that will peak two to three days after your surgery, and usually subsides within two to six weeks. Post-operative swelling, pain, bruising and duration may differ, depending on the patient and the extent of the rhinoplasty.You will be expected to be able to see visible aesthetic improvements in your nose immediately following your rhinoplasty. These results should continue to progress over the following weeks, as the incision site heals and the swelling decreases. Swelling can take six weeks to subside. Dr. Sinno advises his patients that final results should be expected at the one year point post-operative period when all scars and incisions should be mature.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISKS AND POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS THAT COULD ARISE FROM A RHINOPLASTY?
All medical and surgical procedures have inherent risks and potential complications associated with them. It is imperative that you understand the potential risks, complications and consequences that can arise after the medical or surgical procedure you undertake. This understanding will better allow you to be able to provide informed consent based on the comparison to the potential benefit of the desired procedure.
Although the materialization of inherent risks is rare and developing complications is unlikely, these are real events that can occur. Dr. Sinno will help you to understand the risk/benefit profile of your desired procedure.
HOW MUCH DOES A RHINOPLASTY SURGERY (NOSE JOB) COST?
You could consider rhinoplasty surgery for various reasons. Whether to decrease the size of your nose, correct asymmetries, straighten your dorsal hump or regain your confidence back, most patients agree that rhinoplasty surgery was worthwhile.
The type of materials used and level of work necessary to achieve your ideal results all contribute to the price of the procedure. It is also important to take into account the experience, training and reputation of the surgeon and support staff.
The average cost of a rhinoplasty procedure range between $5,600 and $14,600 plus applicable taxes.
