Many people wish that their nose looked different, with either a smaller bridge or an elevated nasal tip. Others may want congenital issues like asymmetry to be corrected. All of these concerns can be addressed in a rhinoplasty procedure.
Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery in Wellington, FL, provides rhinoplasty surgery for patients who want to change the appearance of their nose. Find out more about rhinoplasty and who it can benefit in the complete guide below.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure in which the bones and cartilage of the nose are altered to change its appearance. These procedures can be performed for cosmetic reasons or to correct congenital abnormalities. Patients most often seek rhinoplasty surgery to resolve the following concerns:
- Large bump along the nasal bridge
- Asymmetry of the nostrils
- Elongated nasal tip
- Crooked nose
- Deviated septum
Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgical procedures because of the significant impact it can have on your appearance. Altering the nose can completely transform the appearance of the face.
Many people struggle with the way their nose looks, feeling that it is unflattering to their overall facial structure. With rhinoplasty surgery, the nose can be reconstructed to better match the rest of the face.
Candidates for Rhinoplasty Surgery
Candidates for rhinoplasty include anyone who is unhappy with the appearance of their nose. This includes those who have a pronounced bump on the bridge, an elongated nasal tip, or any other aesthetic nasal concerns.
Some people who seek rhinoplasty procedures are struggling with congenital issues with their nasal structure. These issues may make them feel self-conscious. Some structural issues can even cause breathing difficulty, such as a deviated septum. These patients may be good candidates for rhinoplasty.
The only way to confirm that you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty is by having a consultation with a plastic surgeon. We can assess your nasal structure and discuss your desired outcome to determine whether rhinoplasty is the right choice for you.
The Complete Rhinoplasty Procedure
Are you considering rhinoplasty surgery? Before committing to a new surgical procedure, it’s important to understand all that the process involves. The following is a breakdown of what to expect during your rhinoplasty surgery.
Consultation and Preparation
Prior to scheduling a rhinoplasty procedure, you must have a consultation appointment with a plastic surgeon. We need to examine your nasal structure and assess any anatomical issues you may have.
You will need to provide your complete medical history to be reviewed. We will also discuss your desired outcome to determine whether rhinoplasty can achieve your aesthetic goals.
Rhinoplasty is not the best fit for every patient, as each person has unique needs. If we find that you are not a good candidate for the procedure, we will advise you on any alternative options that are available to you.
If you are deemed a good candidate for rhinoplasty, you will be able to schedule your procedure and begin preparing for surgery. You will need to receive medical clearance from your general physician, as rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. The night before your surgery, you will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking as a precaution.
Surgical Process
Your rhinoplasty procedure will begin by being placed under general anesthesia. Once you are completely under, incisions will be made to access the cartilage and bones in your nose. There are two different types of rhinoplasty surgery that impact the type of incisions you may have: closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty.
In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostril. The cartilage and bone structures are then accessed completely within the nose, making no external incisions. This is the most discreet way that a rhinoplasty can be performed, with no outward evidence of surgery.
For an open rhinoplasty, incisions must be made externally to access the bones and cartilage of the nasal structure. The type of rhinoplasty you receive will depend entirely on your desired outcome and aesthetic goals. We will discuss this during your initial consultation appointment.
Once the appropriate incisions have been made, the bones and cartilage of your nose will be altered to achieve your desired outcome. This may involve shaving bone down, removing cartilage, or repositioning tissues within the nasal structure.
When this is complete, your incisions will be closed with tiny sutures, and you will be transferred to a surgical aftercare area to awaken from anesthesia.
Recovery and Results
While some rhinoplasty procedures are outpatient, most require an overnight stay in our plastic surgery aftercare center. The rhinoplasty recovery process can differ slightly depending on whether you had a closed or open procedure.
Most patients are sent home with bandaging on the nose for increased protection. You may have a tiny splint in place to provide support for the delicate tissues that will need time to heal. These are typically removed after one to two weeks.
For about two months after your surgery, you will need to avoid anything that could cause direct impact to the nose. This includes strenuous exercise and contact sports.
Patients often see the final outcome of their rhinoplasty about two to three months after their surgery, as this gives enough time for the nasal tissues to settle into their new placement.
Rhinoplasty Surgery at Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery
If you are interested in rhinoplasty surgery, contact our team at Palms Wellington Plastic Surgery. We provide rhinoplasty procedures for patients throughout Wellington, FL, and surrounding cities. To schedule a rhinoplasty consultation, contact us by phone or online.