Rhinoplasty
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Written by Annie Tye, PhD
- Overview
Overview
On this page
Is Rhinoplasty right for you?
If you feel that your nose is not shaped “just right,” you may be a good candidate. Some of the most common complaints from people considering rhinoplasty are: (5)
- Nose is too thick
- Nose is too thin
- Tip is too pointy
- Tip is upturned
- Nostrils are too wide or flared
- A bump on the bridge
- Nose bends to the left or right or is not symmetrical
In addition to these cosmetic conditions, rhinoplasty may be used to correct a deviated septum, which often contributes to sleep apnea. Rhinoplasty surgery is also used to repair damage caused by an injury, accident, or birth defect. In most cases, rhinoplasty patients should be at least 17 years old so that the nose can fully develop. However, younger patients may undergo rhinoplasty surgery in the case of birth defects or structural damage. There is no upper age limit for rhinoplasty candidates, and it can be performed on men and women of any ethnicity. One of the most important factors in the success of a rhinoplasty is the thickness of the skin covering the nose. In patients with thin skin, comparably minor corrections in the underlying bone or cartilage create significant visual changes. In patients with thicker skin, the same changes may have less noticeable results.
What to Know Beforehand
- There’s a big distinction between septoplasty and rhinoplasty. The term “nose job” conflates these two separate procedures. A deviated septum is a condition where the bone and cartilage that separate the nasal cavity is off-center or crooked. Septoplasty is an internal surgery that straightens the septum and helps alleviate any breathing issues stemming from blockage of the nasal passages.
- Rhinoplasty can performed when the nose has completed 90% of its growth, which can occur as early as age 15 or 16 in boys and 13 or 14 in girls however parental consent is required for patients under the age of 18. (6)
- There are non-surgical options. Rhinoplasty surgery is the best way to make long-lasting changes to your nose. However, if you are only seeking subtle changes, there may be a non-surgical solution. Dermal fillers like Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse can help with minor issues including small humps, bumps, or slight asymmetry. While non-surgical options are associated with minimal discomfort, results are temporary.
- Rhinoplasty (or nose reshaping) is among the most difficult of all cosmetic surgeries. Poor surgical technique can lead to permanent deformity, so it is important to choose your surgeon carefully.
- No rhinoplasty result is ever absolutely perfect. An accomplished surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty can deliver exceptional results, but without experience, artistic skill and technical expertise, a good cosmetic outcome is all but impossible.
- One size does not fit all. Although you may desire a specific style, a nose that looks great on someone else may look awkward on you.
- Great surgical skills alone do not guarantee a good outcome. Good tissue and favorable healing responses are also necessary for a successful rhinoplasty. Weak cartilage, poor healing ability, and thin skin can negatively affect even the most skillful surgery.
- Young adults have the best prognosis. All other factors being equal, a young individual with a smooth, clear complexion, firm nasal cartilage, forgiving skin, and good overall health will have the best prognosis for a favorable rhinoplasty outcome.
- Final results may not be apparent for 12-15 months. In most cases, post-surgical swelling will distort the nose for several months after surgery. Even good results may look disappointing at first. It can take a year or longer to see your final results.
Procedure Options
- Open method: With the open method, the surgeon makes an incision in the columella (the bridge of tissue that separates the nostrils) in order to gain access to the underlying cartilage and tissue of the nose. Additional incisions made be made inside the nose.
- Closed method: The closed (or endonasal) method is a less invasive type of rhinoplasty that involves making an incision inside the nose and working entirely beneath the skin of the nose with limited visual access.
- Non-surgical: The term “non-surgical” typically implies the use of an injectable dermal filler to temporarily correct small imperfections.
- Nasal implants: Involves the use of silicone implants to help alter the shape and size of nose.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Revision Rhinoplasty
- Too much tissue was removed from the nostrils
- The bridge of your nose was not narrowed enough
- The tip was upturned more than you wanted it to be
- Difficulty breathing through the nose as a result of their first surgery
It is recommended that patients wait at least two years after the initial surgery before considering revision rhinoplasty. Although it may only take a couple of months for the nose to appear healed, it could actually take several years for the nasal tissue to settle into a more permanent position. Once the nose has settled, meet with a plastic surgeon to determine whether or not another procedure would be an appropriate option for you.
Risks and Complications
- An infection may develop, which can spread to other parts of the body or cause scarring
- Nose asymmetry
- Nasal blockages
- Excessive bleeding
- Breathing is difficult through the new nose
- The septum is damaged
- Nose numbness that is temporary or permanent
Recovery Time
When to Expect Results
Cost of Rhinoplasty
- Anesthesia fee
- Your surgeon’s fee
- Facility / hospital fee
On average, the surgeon’s fee for rhinoplasty is around $3,500. This amount does not include the facility or anesthesia fees, or additional expenses that may be required for patients undergoing rhinoplasty. The anesthesia costs are usually between $600 and $1,000, and the facility fee between $700 and $1,100. The total cost of rhinoplasty usually averages between $5,000 and $10,000. Other potential factors that may influence the cost include:
- The extent of your procedure
- Your location
- Revision rhinoplasty (performed on patients who have had a nose surgery in the past) tends to be more complicated, and therefore costlier, than an initial procedure
When you are given a quote for rhinoplasty, make sure that it is includes the total cost of the surgery and not just the surgeon’s fee. If cost is an issue for your rhinoplasty procedure, ask your surgeon whether they offer financing options. Many plastic surgeons are willing to offer flexible monthly payment plans. Ask your surgeon about financing options during your initial consultation.
FAQs
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The best way to get the nose that you want is to find a skilled, experienced surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty. Check with the American Board of Medical Specialties to make sure any surgeon you are considering is board-certified in in facial plastic surgery or plastic surgery. In addition to being board-certified, the surgeon you choose should have a current membership in one or more of the following organizations:
- American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- American Board of Plastic Surgery
While membership in any of these organizations does not guarantee a successful outcome, you can be confident that surgeons who hold membership in one or more of these organizations has undergone extensive surgical training and has consistently high-quality surgical outcomes. Contact an experienced plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon near you!