Rhinoplasty

It’s important that your facial growth is complete before having rhinoplasty. Although young women typically mature earlier than young men, teens can usually undergo this procedure as early as age 16 or 17. Another consideration for younger patients is their motivations. During the consultation, our surgeons make sure that patients have realistic expectations about what they may gain from plastic surgery. For people of a wide variety of ages, nose surgery can provide a significant boost to self-esteem.

Dr. Van Pelt, who specializes in rhinoplasty, will determine which technique is most appropriate for your needs during your consultation. The open technique provides the greatest access to the internal structures of the nose and is the most commonly performed technique. During an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is placed across the lower portion of the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils). The resulting scar usually becomes unnoticeable within a few months. In a closed procedure, the incisions are within the nostril.

Functional rhinoplasty is nose surgery that improves breathing and corrects congenital deformities. This type of rhinoplasty may include septoplasty, which straightens and opens a deviated septum to open blocked airways. Many patients have cosmetic enhancements performed with their functional rhinoplasty.

Most patients are pleased to find they have minimal discomfort after rhinoplasty. The first day after surgery is usually the most difficult, and patients typically need prescription pain medication for only 2 to 3 days.

Swelling and bruising can be minimized by applying ice packs such as frozen peas to the cheeks frequently for the first 2 days. It also helps initially to keep your head elevated at all times, even while resting and sleeping, by using multiple pillows or sitting in a recliner. We will give you a list of medications and supplements to avoid before and after surgery that can contribute to bruising.

This time period will depend on what was done during your specific procedure, how your body heals, and what type of work you do. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within about a week after any sutures, tape, casts, or splints are removed. The majority of the initial swelling and bruising will dissipate within 10 to 14 days. Our surgeons strive to minimize bruising in the first place by using very delicate techniques during surgery.

When nose surgery is performed by a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon, you will look natural and more attractive — not like you’ve had a nose job. The goal is to make your nose fit in better with the rest of your facial features by making it smaller, larger, or correcting certain attributes such as a hump on the bridge of the nose or a bulbous nasal tip.