Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

There’s no reason to resign yourself to a nose that doesn’t suit your face or that otherwise makes you unhappy. If you’re unsatisfied with the appearance of your nose, cosmetic rhinoplasty may be the answer. Cosmetic rhinoplasty, which is otherwise known as a nose job, is a procedure that has been performed for several decades. It’s performed on an outpatient basis and can be used to correct a variety of aesthetic issues.

Types of Nose Jobs

The type of nose job you need depends on the complaints you have regarding your nose. While it’s far more common to worry about an overly large nose, a small nose can pose a problem as well. Sometimes, the tip of the nose is overly large, or the nostrils are too large or not positioned correctly. People also often opt for nose jobs to smooth out bumps along the bridges of their noses. Regardless of the nature of your complaint, there’s sure to be a rhinoplasty procedure that addresses it.

A few of the most common types of nose jobs include:

• Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty – If the appearance of your nose changed due to an injury, post-traumatic rhinoplasty may be right for you. This assumes that the initial injury didn’t warrant immediate action. Post-traumatic rhinoplasty is most commonly performed in the weeks following an injury.
• Rhinoplasty Tip Revision – When the flaw or other issue to be corrected is located on the lower third of the nose, a rhinoplasty tip revision may be in order. Whether the tip of the nose is misshapen, too narrow, too wide, boxy, bulbous or exhibits other problems, this procedure can be used to correct the issue. In the case of a bulbous tip, for instance, excess cartilage may be cut away. If the general shape or positioning of the tip of the nose needs correction, however, a more involved procedure involving the adjustment of the septum may be required.
• Reduction Rhinoplasty – By far, this is the most common type of nose job. People are far more likely to be unsatisfied with a nose that’s too large than with one that’s too small. This surgery is ideal for a nose that’s too wide or that has bumps along the bridge. It may also be used to correct overly large or wide nostrils. In most cases, it involves the removal of portions of cartilage and/or bone and the reshaping of the nose to a more pleasing appearance.
• Augmentation Rhinoplasty – If you’re concerned that your nose is too small, this procedure may be right for you. People most commonly opt for augmentation following injuries and surgeries that have damaged the underlying support cartilage. In other cases, this procedure is used to correct congenital underdevelopment or other defects. As with other types of rhinoplasty, the ultimate goal is to restore the nose to a pleasing appearance.

Rhinoplasty Procedure Steps

It’s natural to be nervous about having surgery performed on your nose. While the specific steps that are used will vary depending on the nature of the issue, most rhinoplasties unfold roughly as follows:

1. Administering of Anesthesia – Your doctor will want you to remain comfortable throughout the procedure and ensure your safety during the entire surgery. In our practice, Dr. Hecht generally chooses a light general anesthesia over IV sedation to ensure complete control and safety during the surgery.
2. Making the Incision(s) – Once the doctor is sure the anesthesia is working, he will make one or more incisions. If it’s an open rhinoplasty, the incision will be made on the strip between the nostrils, which is known as the columella. If it’s a closed rhinoplasty, the incisions will be made inside the nose.
3. Reshaping – Depending on what needs to be accomplished, reshaping may take several forms. For instance, cartilage that’s been removed from the ears, ribs or, most commonly, septum, may be grafted on to augment the nose. More commonly, bone and cartilage may be removed to achieve the desired size and shape.
4. Correcting Deviated Septum – If the septum is deviated, the surgeon may straighten it out before closing the incision.
5. Closing the Incision – Once everything is in the proper shape, the skin and tissue are redraped. The incisions are then closed, and the surgery is effectively complete.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty in Scottsdale, AZ, Cost?

Rhinoplasty prices vary wildly. The cost depends on a variety of factors, including the experience and reputation of the surgeon, the complexity of the procedure and the area of the country where it’s being performed. Across the country, rhinoplasties can cost as little as $3,000 or as much as $15,000 or more. In Scottsdale, however, the average price is around $7,500.

What to Expect After Your Rhinoplasty

Following your nose job, internal tubes and packing may be placed inside the nose. Bandages and/or a splint may be applied to the outside. These steps are done to support the new shape and structure of the nose while it heals.

You will likely be prescribed medications to help you heal more quickly from the procedure and to help alleviate any soreness you experience. Your surgeon will advise you on how to care for the surgical site and will let you know when the stitches, if any, will be removed. You can expect to return for a follow-up consultation in a week. At that time, stitches are typically removed as well.

What About Non-Surgical Nose Jobs?

Non-surgical nose jobs are technically possible, but there’s one major drawback: They only work for augmentations; if bone or cartilage need to be removed, non-surgical rhinoplasty isn’t an option. In a non-surgical nose job, an injectable filler like hyaluronic acid is used to reshape or alter the appearance of the nose. It can fill in depressed areas on the nose and smooth the appearance of bumps along the bridge. While most patients aren’t good candidates for non-surgical rhinoplasty, Dr. Hecht will perform these for patients who cannot have a surgical procedure due to certain contraindications.

Conclusion

Nose jobs are one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures in the United States, and with advances in surgical technique and technology, facial plastic surgeons are able to provide dramatic results that look natural. You’re sure to love the renewed confidence that you’ll enjoy, so schedule a consultation to learn more about your cosmetic rhinoplasty options in our Scottsdale facial plastic surgery practice with Dr. David Hecht.