Rhinoplasty

Your nose instantly draws the attention of anyone who looks your way. If you are not satisfied with the look of your nose, rhinoplasty may be the answer. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures. Our oral surgeons perform this procedure to sculpt patients’ noses into attractive sizes and shapes that blend beautifully with other facial features. Some patients may require rhinoplasty because their nose is out of alignment or has an obstruction that makes breathing difficult. This procedure can drastically improve a patient’s appearance, as well as, their overall comfort and lifestyle.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Our surgeons routinely perform rhinoplasty for conditions ranging from mild to severe, carefully sculpting the bone, cartilage, and skin of the nose to create an enhanced profile. The surgery can take two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Rhinoplasty can correct the nose’s size, shape, and width, sculpt the tip, adjust the angle between the nose and lips, narrow the bridge, eliminating a bump, or straighten a crooked nose. Our surgeons consult with each patient to determine their aesthetic goals and design a personalized treatment plan to create an optimal result that balances the rest of their facial features.

What to Expect in Surgery

Most rhinoplasty procedures take between two and four hours due to the delicate nature of the procedure and the complexity of the nasal passages. A nose job is usually performed under general anesthesia or IV sedation, depending on the extent of surgery and each patient’s preference. Whenever possible, your surgeon will perform your surgery through the nostrils, eliminating any visible scarring. For more extensive procedures, a small incision may be made beneath the nose fold. In some cases, the procedure may require cartilage grafting, breaking, and resetting the nasal bones, skin grafting, or cartilage removal.

The surgeons at Riverside Oral Surgery have extensive training and experience in facial aesthetics, bone structure, and surgical precision. They will develop a comprehensive surgical plan that utilizes the latest technologies and 3D imaging to capture the look each patient longs for while preserving the beauty and integrity of their facial structure.

What Can Rhinoplasty Do For Me?

If you are unhappy with your nose’s appearance or have breathing difficulties due to a broken or crooked nose, rhinoplasty can help. This procedure can correct the following conditions:

• A bump on the nose
• A crooked nose
• Reduce the length of the nose
• Reduce the width of the nose
• Sculpt the tip of the nose
• Reshape the nostrils
• Create nasal symmetry
• Remove crooked cartilage to improve breathing

Are There Risks with Rhinoplasty?

Any surgical procedure comes with risks, although most are minimal and rarely occur. Our oral surgeons are highly specialized experts in performing rhinoplasty with exceptional results. Rest assured, your risk of complications is minimal, and successful rhinoplasty can provide life-changing results.

As with any surgery, you may experience bleeding, infection, or a reaction to anesthesia. Risks associated with rhinoplasty may include difficulty breathing through the nose, numbness around the nose, pain, discoloration, scarring, or the need for more surgery.

Recovering from Rhinoplasty

After rhinoplasty surgery, a family member or friend will need to take you home. Resting in bed with your head elevated will reduce any bleeding or swelling. You will feel congested for the first few days due to swelling and any splints inside the nose. A splint or nose guard is placed over your nose to protect it for the first week.

Expect mucous drainage and light bleeding for the first few days; this is normal. Patients may also experience bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes for up to three weeks after a nose job. This will fade over time and resolve sooner if you follow our surgeons’ directions for post-operative care. To minimize pain, bruising, and swelling, keep these guidelines in mind:

• Use SPF 30 sunscreen on your nose any time you go outside
• Avoid strenuous activities such as jogging
• Take baths rather than showers while bandages are in place
• Do not blow your nose. You can let it drain and blot it with a handkerchief or tissue
• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fiber
• Avoid facial expressions that could shift the nose
• Be gentle when brushing your teeth
• Avoid pulling clothing over your head and touching your nose
• Do not wear eyeglasses on your nose for the first month after surgery
• Do NOT use ice packs on your nose

Riverside Oral Surgery performs all types of rhinoplasty for trauma-related and aesthetic reasons. Whether you have a deformity that interferes with breathing or simply want to enhance your appearance, a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons is the first step. Call our office at River Edge Phone Number 201-487-6565 to schedule an appointment and learn more about how rhinoplasty helps you look and feel your best.