The nose is one of our most defining features—its size and shape can alter the harmony of the entire face. With such high stakes, it’s no surprise that rhinoplasty continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures available.
Over 200,000 rhinoplasties were performed in 2018, making it one of the top five cosmetic procedures in the country. The procedure is used to create a slimmer, smoother nose that fits in beautifully with the rest of the features for a more attractive appearance.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Commonly referred to as a nose job, rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that enhances and reshapes the nose, typically to get it in better proportion with the rest of the face.
Dr. Alexander will work closely with patients to address any specific problems and craft a beautiful-looking nose that fits naturally with their face. Rhinoplasty may also be combined with other procedures, like a facelift, to get patients the look they want.
What Can Rhinoplasty Do?
Rhinoplasty is used to correct various issues that affect the appearance of the nose, such as:
Nasal asymmetry: A nose that sits in an abnormal position or appears to be crooked or bent.
Bumps on nasal bridge: Bumps or humps that cause the entire nose to protrude or create the appearance of a “hooked” or curved nose.
Depressions on nasal bridge: Defects that flatten the nasal bridge and affect the shape of the nose, particularly the profile. A depression can occur as a result of birth defects or a nose injury.
Large or upturned nostrils: A nasal tip that turns up instead of downwards and causes nostrils to look wider, more visible, or too big for the rest of the nose.
Bulbous or fleshy nasal tip: A nasal tip that is excessively large and round that creates the appearance of a bulb at the end of the nose.
Rhinoplasty is also performed to adjust defects in nasal structure that cause problems with breathing. One common condition is a deviated septum, a condition where the septum (thin wall between the nasal passages) is displaced to one side, obstructing one or both of the airways.
Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Patients seeking to correct cosmetic problems on their nose and restore facial balance can benefit from rhinoplasty. Ideal candidates should be in good general health. Patients who smoke must quit for at least four weeks before the procedure.
Rhinoplasty can be completely transforming. Patients who are realistic about their goals for rhinoplasty are good candidates for the procedure and will often be satisfied with their outcome.
Dr. Alexander also offers a specialized technique for transgender patients who desire a more feminine-looking facial appearance called a feminizing rhinoplasty.
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
Dr. Alexander will usually put patients under general anesthesia to perform rhinoplasty on an outpatient basis. After anesthesia is administered, Dr. Alexander will then use incisions to gain access to the tissue and cartilage that need to be reshaped.
Incisions are made across the columella (the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils) or inside the nose. If the patient has a deviated septum, Dr. Alexander will straighten it to improve breathing.
After structuring the nose to the desired shape and size, Dr. Alexander will then redrape skin and tissue before closing up the incisions.
What Can I Expect After Rhinoplasty?
Patients will have to use a bandage and splint on their nose immediately after the procedure is complete, which will remain in place for at least a few days to help with swelling. There will be some discomfort as the site heals, especially in the first few days of recovery.
Dr. Alexander will give patients instructions on how to manage the site and prescribe medication to deal with the worst of the pain and discomfort. Most patients are able to return to work after about a week.
Rhinoplasty results are long-lasting, but it may take weeks or even months for the final results to be apparent. As nasal contours completely refine and healing is completed, however, the new shape of the nose should be permanent.
Interested in seeing if rhinoplasty is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander soon. Call our office at 954-589-0722 or fill out our online contact form today.