Rhinoplasty

What should I Expect During a Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Rhinoplasty may be performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on your preferences and the extent of your surgery. Before your procedure, Dr. DuMornay will discuss your options so you will know what to expect. 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, ensuring beautiful and natural-looking results.

Rhinoplasty is a highly-personalized procedure and may include customized options such as implants, augmentations and grafts. These techniques may be necessary to produce optimal results and Dr. DuMornay may discuss these options with you depending on your specific goals. 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.

What Are My Rhinoplasty Options?

Since rhinoplasties are highly tailored procedures, there are many different options you have when it comes to your specific surgery. Here are some of the biggest variances in nose jobs.

Incisions

There are two main incision approaches, each of which provides different benefits.

Open Approach

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 at healing inconspicuously. 

Closed Approach

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. The only reason this approach isn’t utilized for every case is that the incision is made inside the nostril and provides significantly less access for the surgeon to make corrections.

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.

You will be able to speak to your surgeon about which option is best for you during your consultation and follow-up appointments. 

What Can I Expect During Rhinoplasty Recovery?

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.

Once swelling and bruising 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.

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 nonsurgical 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.

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 performed. 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.