What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. The surgeon can reshape both bone and cartilage, depending on the patient’s goals. To create a proportional-looking nasal structure, the surgeon will consider the aesthetics of the entire face when planning the surgery.
An asymmetrical nose will depend on other facial features to create a balanced facial appearance. Many people choose to get rhinoplasty so they can achieve smaller nostrils and a straight bridge. Others prefer to narrow the width of their nostrils while maintaining the nose’s overall size. Dr. Salloum guides patients through the planning process to customize their procedure for a natural look.
The Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty provides multiple benefits for both men and women. Patients who are interested in the procedure for cosmetic reasons typically find that it boosts their self-esteem. They often observe a noticeable difference in the profile after the surgery that complements the rest of the face.
The procedure is extremely versatile. Dr. Salloum can remove a prominent nasal hump or change the width of the nose. He can easily alter bulbous nasal tips or “hooked” noses, and he can address a crooked nose or other common cosmetic concerns.
Rhinoplasty is also frequently performed for medical reasons. Structural abnormalities of the nose are common and can be caused by genetics or trauma. Injuries can occur due to a car crash or blunt force trauma to the face. Whether a person was born with structural abnormalities or not, the nose can be damaged at any age.
A deviated septum (crookedness in the wall separating the nasal passages) is one of the most common medical reasons for getting a nose job. This issue frequently causes breathing issues due to airway obstruction. If the nasal structure is compromised, it can lead to poor sleep and other problems. Nose surgery can correct this problem by realigning the nose.
Chronic allergies and polyps can also obstruct the airways. The surgeon can alter the shape of the nasal structure to make it less likely for pollen, mold, and even dust to cause breathing difficulties.
Rhinoplasty can also reduce snoring for some people with breathing problems. Quality sleep is important at any age. By eliminating chronic sinus problems, an individual may no longer need over-the-counter sleep aids.
The Rhinoplasty Consultation
An initial consultation is required for all patients. During this meeting, patients will learn more about the nose job procedure and what is and isn’t possible for their nose. Rhinoplasty is not a “cookie-cutter” procedure and must be customized. For this reason, there are many variations of it, such as revision rhinoplasty and African American or ethnic rhinoplasty, as well as different techniques like open and closed rhinoplasty.
An initial consultation is about more than just figuring out the surgical plan to address the shape and size of the nose. Although most patients will qualify for the surgery, a medical history is necessary to determine candidacy. This background information will help ensure that patients stay safe while achieving beautiful rhinoplasty results.
A typical consultation includes an exam of the patient’s facial proportions and bone structure. The provider may take pictures of the nose from various angles to assess results later. As always, questions are encouraged throughout the process.
Patient aesthetic goals are discussed in a spa-like environment. There is valet parking available to make the visit as relaxing as possible.
Who Qualifies for a Rhinoplasty?
The Miami Center for Plastic Surgery has high standards of care and will want to know as much about a patient’s medical background as possible. Those who have bleeding disorders such as hemophilia may not be considered as safe candidates for the procedure. Teenagers who have not reached their full growth potential are also at risk of developing complications after the surgery.
The ideal candidates for rhinoplasty surgery include healthy non-smokers with realistic expectations. Physically healthy patients who are not taking blood thinners can typically undergo rhinoplasty with few risks.
*All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
*All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
The Rhinoplasty Preparation
Before the procedure, the doctor may ask the patient to adjust their medications. This is primarily due to the risks of the surgery itself. Patients who are using blood thinners are at risk if they do not discontinue their use in advance. The provider will carefully monitor or reduce dosages depending on a number of individual safety factors.
Nicotine use is not advised. Before surgery, a patient will need to stop smoking or vaping at least several weeks in advance. The patient should also avoid Aspirin and some other over-the-counter medications in addition to certain herbal supplements.
Dr. Salloum will perform the procedure at the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery. Patients will need a ride to and from the appointment. It’s important to arrange this beforehand so there is no confusion or concern.
The Rhinoplasty Surgery
Depending on the type of surgery required, the surgeon may be able to perform the procedure with the patient under local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia. During the procedure, the doctor can readjust both bone and cartilage to change the shape of a nose.
Rhinoplasty usually involves a small incision at the base of the nose. From here, the surgeon can shape the nasal structure, sometimes using cartilage from other areas of the nose. After the alterations are complete, both the skin and tissue can be properly restored.
Patients can go home on the same day of the surgery. Grogginess from the anesthesia is to be expected and will wear off within an hour.
The Rhinoplasty Recovery
Patients will need time to rest after the procedure. An internal dressing will remain inside the nose for approximately 1 week. The provider will place a splint for support, which will continue to protect the nose. This, too, will be removed in approximately 7 days.
Patience may experience light bleeding after the surgery. This will usually end after a day or two. To avoid swelling, patients should take baths instead of showers, sleep with their heads elevated for the first few days, and eat lots of high-fiber foods. Sunscreen is recommended to protect the healing skin.
Typically, patients take one week off from work. They will experience some temporary swelling, and the majority of it should subside after a few weeks. The last of the residual swelling can take up to a year to resolve.
Risks of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can produce drastic results. Unfortunately, the surgery has certain risks. The first risk is related to the nasal bones. During the procedure, the nasal bones may be broken and reset for cosmetic purposes. If these are not set correctly, this can lead to an uneven or crooked nose.
Another common risk of rhinoplasty is a broken nose. This could occur due to strenuous activity in the period after rhinoplasty. Patients should avoid any activities that put pressure on their nose during recovery as this could disrupt the healing process and result in a broken nose. Additionally, when choosing a plastic surgeon, you should make sure they have experience achieving your desired cosmetic goals and that they use techniques that minimize visible scarring from the procedure. Finally, since rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, patients should arrange for transport home following surgery as well as someone who can stay with them for 24 hours afterward for assistance and monitoring if needed.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
Learn More About Your Rhinoplasty Options
To fully understand what’s possible, book an initial consultation with Dr. Salloum at our Miami, FL, office. Then you can discuss all the possible options with an expert board-certified plastic surgeon. Call the Miami Center for Plastic Surgery at 305.405.6910 today.
