The nose is a defining feature that influences facial symmetry and balance. When its shape or placement feels out of proportion, it can impact your appearance and confidence. For many, rhinoplasty offers an effective way to refine the nose and enhance facial harmony. At Broward ENT & Aesthetics, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Wilson DuMornay combines extensive experience with a deep understanding of facial anatomy to create results that complement your natural beauty.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, known colloquially as a “nose job,” is a cosmetic surgery that improves the size and shape of the nose to create a more symmetrical appearance. One of the most popular plastic surgery procedures worldwide, rhinoplasty can target numerous concerns, such as dorsal humps, large nose tips, and asymmetry. Rhinoplasty can also be performed to correct functional concerns. If you have difficulties breathing through your nose due to its inner structure, for example, nose reshaping can maximize airflow and target airway obstructions. For patients with a deviated septum, your procedure may incorporate elements of a septoplasty to improve the function of your nose.
Why Choose Rhinoplasty
Correct the Size or Shape of Your Nose
Rhinoplasty can be used to adjust the size or the shape of your nose to help it align more with your ideal nose shape. Some patients choose a nose augmentation to correct a smaller nose that doesn’t match the size of other facial features. Other patients wish to address a prominent nasal hump, a bulbous tip, or an overly narrow bridge.
Address Asymmetries
Asymmetries can exist as a result of genetics, trauma, or prior surgeries. Uneven nostrils, a crooked bridge, or an off-center tip are often corrected through rhinoplasty.
Enhance Your Facial Proportions
Because the nose is central to the face, it is important for facial harmony. If it is large or small compared to other facial features such as the lips, cheeks, eyes, or jawline, there can be an aesthetic imbalance. With rhinoplasty surgery, we work to improve this balance while retaining the integrity of your unique features.
Address Breathing Problems
Structural issues within the nose, such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse, can obstruct airflow. Rhinoplasty can address these conditions by reshaping or realigning internal structures. While the primary focus of these corrections is to improve breathing, they may also improve the external appearance of the nose.
What Can Be Corrected During Rhinoplasty?
- Cartilage: The cartilage in your nose affects its shape and structure. Nasal surgery can adjust areas with cartilage such as the tip or bridge by reshaping, removing, or repositioning the cartilage.
- Bone: The nasal bones form the foundation of your nose’s shape. A crooked or wide bridge often requires adjustments to the bone during rhinoplasty.
- Soft Tissues: The skin and other soft tissues surrounding the nasal framework influence the final contour of your nose. These tissues may be reshaped to drape naturally over the modified structure depending on the type of surgery.
Types of Rhinoplasty
Open Rhinoplasty
An open approach provides the most amount of access to the nasal structure, which means the most amount of correction can be achieved. This is the preferred method for most surgeons since it allows them to provide the amount of change that patients are seeking.
The incision for this approach is made along the columella, the thin strip of tissue between the nostrils. While this does mean that the incision and scarring will be on your outward appearance, this bit of tissue does an exceptional job of healing inconspicuously.
Closed Rhinoplasty
For patients who only need minor corrections to their nasal structure, a closed approach is a great invisible option that results in no outward scarring. This technique involves making incisions inside the nostrils which keeps all surgical changes hidden from view. The only reason this approach isn’t utilized for every case is that it provides less access to the nasal framework, which may limit its use for more complex cases. Closed rhinoplasty is often chosen for refining the nasal tip, minor bridge adjustments, or addressing subtle asymmetries.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary procedure used to address concerns or complications following a previous nasal surgery. It can correct structural or aesthetic issues like persistent asymmetry, breathing difficulties, or dissatisfaction with the initial results. This type of surgery requires greater precision because of the altered anatomy of the nose and scar tissue.
Implants or Cartilage Grafts
While many rhinoplasties focus on reducing the size of the nasal structure, some people need to increase the cartilage they have to create a straighter, more balanced bridge. In these cases, you can choose to use an implant made from artificial materials or a cartilage graft from a different part of your body like the rib or ear.
Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty is ideal for most patients looking to improve the appearance of their nose, but it’s important that the nose has finished growing and developing to ensure optimal results. This usually happens in the mid-to-late teens, age 15 for girls and age 17 for boys.
Patients should also have reasonable expectations about their results. We recommend looking at plenty of rhinoplasty before and after photos to get a clear idea of what improvements will be made. While rhinoplasty is surgery, every procedure has its limitations, and if you have unrealistic goals you want to achieve, you are setting yourself up for disappointment regardless of how successful the surgery is.
While even subtle changes to your nose can dramatically change your look, they will not completely transform you. A more proportionate, symmetrical nose that compliments your appearance will enhance your existing facial features, but you will still look like you. This is the goal of rhinoplasty and every other cosmetic procedure — subtle changes to improve your natural appearance, not completely change it.
If you’re interested in rhinoplasty, your first step is to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. DuMornay. Together, you and Dr. DuMornay will discuss your goals and concerns to determine if rhinoplasty is right for you. During this time, the procedure will be explained to you in detail and you’ll have the opportunity to voice any questions or concerns you may have. Next, a customized surgical plan will be created to help you reach your unique aesthetic goals.
How to Prepare for Rhinoplasty Surgery
If you smoke, you will need to stop several weeks before your surgery. Smoking interferes with the healing process and increases the risk of complications. Avoid medications and supplements that thin your blood. We will provide you with a complete list during your appointment, but common examples are aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory medications, fish oil, turmeric, and St. John’s wort. Avoiding these medications helps prevent bleeding and bruising during and after the surgery. You should also refrain from alcohol in the week before your procedure.
Staying hydrated before your treatment supports your body’s healing process and overall well-being, so we recommend drinking plenty of water in the days leading up to your procedure. You should make arrangements for someone to drive you home from the surgery and to help you around the house for the first two days, and arrange to take days off of work if necessary.
What to Expect on the Day of Your Rhinoplasty
On the day of the surgery, you will meet with your anesthesia provider to go over any questions you have. Rhinoplasty surgery may be performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences and the extent of your surgery. If you are a female and of childbearing age, we may have you take a urine pregnancy test. We will also take “before” pictures and make any necessary surgical markings.
Once you’re ready, Dr. DuMornay will carefully make the required incisions, which will differ depending on which technique is being used. Most often, they will be made inside the nostrils and along the columella, the cartilage between your nostrils at the base of your septum. The incision placement will allow Dr. DuMornay to access the inner structure of your nose and make precise adjustments to the underlying bone and cartilage to craft your desired results. The exact steps will depend on your goals and be tailored to your unique needs and physiology. During this phase, we may use cartilage grafts from the septum, ear, or ribs. If the septum is deviated, it will be corrected at this time. Once this is complete and the nose has been sculpted, we will drape the skin back naturally over the nose and close the incisions. You will spend two hours in a recovery room so we can observe you.
Recovering From Rhinoplasty
Patients undergoing rhinoplasty should expect to take two weeks off from work or school to focus on healing. Bandaging, splints, and nasal packing will remain for the first week of recovery. During this time, you will experience some discomfort, bruising, swelling, and congestion, but these side effects will greatly improve within a week or two. Most discomfort can be managed with medication, ice packs, and head elevation, but you will be given detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, Dr. DuMornay will be available by phone.
Initial Recovery
In the early stages of recovery after nose reshaping, your focus should be on minimizing swelling and protecting the surgical area. When resting, you should always keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, and avoid activities that could accidentally bump your nose. We want you up and walking right away to prevent blood clots, but listen to your body, rest when needed, and avoid strenuous exercise for three or four weeks.
The First Two Weeks of Recovery
By the second week, much of the visible bruising and swelling will have improved. Internal and external packing or splints are removed by day ten. At this point, you can engage in more light activities but continue to avoid anything that increases blood flow to the face, such as vigorous exercise, bending over, or excessively hot showers. Most patients are able to return to work by the end of two weeks. Continue to avoid blowing your nose to prevent unnecessary strain on the healing tissues.
Recovery After the First Two Weeks
Once you’ve passed the two-week mark, you’ll feel more comfortable resuming daily activities. While you may not notice the final results of your rhinoplasty yet, the majority of the swelling will have subsided, and any residual bruising will continue to fade. Over the next few months, your nose will gradually refine as the tissues settle into their new position. Be mindful of protecting your nose from accidental trauma and exposure to excessive sunlight.
Post-Surgery Tips for Long-Lasting Results
- Eat fruits and stay hydrated: Incorporate plenty of fruits into your diet and drink water regularly to help prevent constipation.
- Use stool softeners if recommended: Begin taking a stool softener the day before surgery and continue for several days afterward as directed.
- Follow medication instructions: Take all prescribed and recommended medications exactly as instructed to minimize discomfort and reduce the risk of complications.
- Avoid blowing your nose: Use gentle sniffing or wiping techniques instead of blowing to avoid straining the surgical area.
- Protect your skin with SPF: Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when outdoors to shield the healing area from UV damage.
- Monitor the surgical site: Inspect the area regularly for redness or drainage and report any concerns to your doctor.
- Avoid submerging the area: Do not submerge the surgical site in water until you have been cleared by your surgeon.
Before and After Rhinoplasty
FAQs About Our Rhinoplasty Surgeries in Fort Lauderdale
When Will I See My Final Rhinoplasty Results?
Once swelling and bruising from your nasal surgery have subsided, the new contours of your nose will become visible and you will be able to see your final results. By week 12, you will be ready to show off your new look, but it may take up to a year for your new nose to feel adjusted and settled in.
How Long Will My Rhinoplasty Results Last?
Changes made to the bone, cartilage, and tissues of the nose are very stable. Because of this, results are considered permanent. However, the natural aging process can still subtly alter your nasal appearance over the years. Proper care, including protecting your skin from sun damage and avoiding trauma to the nose, can help you maintain your results for many years.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
The cost of an average rhinoplasty is around $5,400, but this will vary depending on your unique condition and the extent of the correction that you need. There are many factors that go into the cost consideration, such as anesthesia, facility, and surgeon fees, but Dr. DuMornay will provide you with an accurate cost estimate during your initial consultation so that you are well-informed during your decision-making process. Financing is also available for those who qualify.
Is Rhinoplasty Covered By Insurance?
Whether rhinoplasty surgery is covered by insurance depends on the purpose of the procedure. If the surgery is performed to correct functional issues, such as a deviated septum or other breathing problems, it may qualify for coverage. You will need to check with your insurance provider and discuss your specific case with your surgeon to understand what costs may be covered.
What Are the Risks of Rhinoplasty?
Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries potential risks. These include bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anesthesia, or complications related to wound healing. Other possible concerns may include persistent swelling, changes in skin sensation, or dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome. While these risks are rare, discussing them in detail with your surgeon ensures you are well-informed and prepared for the procedure.
Will I Have Scars After Rhinoplasty?
When performed using a nose surgery technique like closed rhinoplasty, there are no visible external scars, as all incisions are made inside the nostrils. For open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils. This scar is minimal and fades over time.
Can I Combine My Rhinoplasty with Other Procedures?
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive outcome, rhinoplasty can also be combined with other procedures, such as chin augmentation or brow lift. Performing such procedures simultaneously can ensure balanced, natural-looking results without additional downtime. If you’re interested in customized options or additional surgeries, these should be discussed during your in-person consultation and included in your personalized surgical plan.
Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty: What’s the Difference?
As injectables become more and more popular, so does a new procedure called a nonsurgical or liquid rhinoplasty. A non-surgical rhinoplasty involves injecting a filler into the nasal structure to change its appearance.
While a liquid rhinoplasty can provide a low-stakes look at how a changed nose will affect your appearance, it is not a long-term solution since you will need to continually have injections to maintain your results. It is also limited to only increasing the size of your nose, so if you are looking for a decrease in your nasal bridge, hump, or nostrils, it is not an option for you.
Traditional rhinoplasty, on the other hand, can handle any aesthetic concern in a one-time procedure.
Your Rhinoplasty Surgeon in Fort Lauderdale, FL
At Broward ENT & Aesthetics, Dr. Wilson DuMornay, a board-certified otolaryngologist, facial plastic surgeon, and rhinoplasty specialist, leads a team committed to providing exceptional care. With nearly 20 years of surgical expertise, Dr. DuMornay specializes in procedures that enhance both function and aesthetics, including rhinoplasty. His extensive training, which includes fellowships at prestigious institutions like the University of Miami, ensures patients receive the highest standard of care.
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation in Fort Lauderdale Today
Are you ready to learn more about rhinoplasty surgery and how it can enhance your appearance? With an emphasis on natural-looking results, balanced features, and facial symmetry, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. DuMornay can help you achieve the beautiful nose you’ve always wanted.
To schedule a consultation, please contact or call Broward ENT & Aesthetics in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, at (954) 466-7303.
