Aug 19th, 2022

Considering Rhinoplasty? Here’s What You Need to Know

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is surgery performed on the nose. It’s done to enhance your appearance, improve breathing, or both.

If you are self-conscious about the size or shape of your nose, rhinoplasty surgery may help you feel better about your appearance. Rhinoplasty is a well-established corrective procedure to fix a variety of cosmetic and anatomical issues. It can be used to:

• Reshape or decrease the size of the nose
• Alter the appearance of the nostrils
• Reduce or eliminate a bump on the bridge of the nose
• Improve breathing

The goals of cosmetic rhinoplasty are to balance a person’s facial features and give the nose a natural look—as if it was never altered.

Choosing the Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon

When you’re searching for the best rhinoplasty surgeon, some important factors to consider include the surgeon’s experience, board certification status, and patient satisfaction ratings.

Rhinoplasty is a specialized procedure that requires a skilled hand. That’s why it’s so important to choose an experienced, board-certified surgeon.

Ask how many rhinoplasties the surgeon has performed and read patient reviews and testimonials for any surgeon you are considering.

Most healthy adults are good candidates for surgery, as long as they have realistic expectations. A reputable surgeon will help you understand what you can reasonably expect from the procedure.

What Does Rhinoplasty Involve?

Rhinoplasty surgery time is usually 1.5 to 3 hours. More involved reconstructive surgeries may take longer. Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients do not need to be admitted to the hospital.

The surgeon will not break your nose during a rhinoplasty procedure—this is a common misconception. To reshape the nose and/or remove a hump, the surgeon will cut, not break, the nasal bones.

In general, there are two rhinoplasty techniques: open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty.

• Open rhinoplasty involves making an incision across the columella (the tissue that separates that nostrils) to reshape the inside of the nose. This technique can leave a visible scar on the underside of the nose, but it may be the optimal choice depending on the patient’s needs and goals.
• Closed rhinoplasty involves making incisions inside the nostril. This technique typically leaves no visible scars.

The surgery team will use local anesthesia (a numbing agent) with sedation, or general anesthesia (sleep sedation) to keep you relaxed and comfortable during the procedure.

What Is the Rhinoplasty Recovery Time?

Rhinoplasty surgery recovery times vary, but most patients can return to work 5-7 days after the procedure. You must wear a splint or tape for around a week, and you should avoid strenuous exercise or activity for at least 3 weeks after the surgery.

Normal and expected side effects include nasal drainage, tenderness and swelling, bruising, temporary decreased feeling in the nose.

All surgery comes with risks. Rhinoplasty risks include perforated septum, infection, and additional surgeries. These risks are rare, especially when you choose an experienced, board-certified surgeon.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?

The total cost of rhinoplasty surgery can vary greatly depending on your needs and the physician.

Factors that can impact cost include whether you have an open or closed rhinoplasty, whether it’s a primary surgery or revision case, and whether you need additional work to correct breathing issues. Surgeon fees, anesthesia, and surgery center costs must also be factored in.

In general, rhinoplasties can range in cost from $5,000-$15,000. Some costs may be covered by insurance—for example, the portion of the surgery to correct functional (breathing) issues.

Why Choose Dr. Grossman?

The team at Grossman Plastic Surgery knows you want the best, and Dr. Grossman delivers.

A board-certified surgeon with decades of experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Grossman’s vast and diverse experience make him one of the most sought-after Southern California surgeons.

Dr. Grossman strives to achieve natural-looking results for his patients, and his team is among the best in Southern California.

Call us today to set up a consultation. During your visit, Dr. Grossman will evaluate whether you are a good candidate for the procedure and answer all of your questions.