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The nose is the central feature of the face. Because of its prominent position, its size and shape have a profound impact on the overall harmony and balance of your facial features. If you feel that your nose is too large, too wide, crooked, or has a prominent bump, it can be a significant source of self-consciousness. Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job,” is a sophisticated and highly artistic surgical procedure designed to reshape the nose, bringing it into better proportion with the rest of your face. It is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures, capable of creating a dramatic and positive change in a person’s appearance and confidence.
What Can Rhinoplasty Accomplish?
Rhinoplasty is a highly customized procedure. The specific goals are unique to each patient, but the surgery can be used to address a wide range of cosmetic concerns:
- Change the overall size of the nose to be more in balance with the other facial features.
- Reduce the width of the nose at the bridge or at the nostrils.
- Remove a prominent hump or bump on the bridge of the nose.
- Refine the shape of the nasal tip, making it less bulbous, drooping, or upturned.
- Straighten a crooked or asymmetrical nose.
In addition to these cosmetic improvements, rhinoplasty can also have a functional benefit. A septoplasty is a procedure that is often performed in conjunction with a rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum—the wall of cartilage that divides the two nasal passages. By straightening a deviated septum, the procedure can significantly improve a person’s ability to breathe.
Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
A good candidate for rhinoplasty is a healthy individual who is unhappy with the appearance or function of their nose. It is important that the patient’s facial growth is complete, which is why the procedure is typically not performed on teenagers until they have reached their late teens.
The most important factor for a successful outcome is having clear and realistic expectations. The goal of rhinoplasty is not to create a “perfect” nose or to give you the nose of a specific celebrity. The goal is to create a natural-looking nose that is in harmony with your other facial features. A skilled surgeon will work to improve your nose in a way that looks like the nose you should have been born with, not like you’ve had surgery. As the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a leading professional organization, emphasizes, the consultation process is crucial for aligning the patient’s goals with what is surgically achievable.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure and Recovery
Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon may use either a “closed” technique, where all incisions are hidden inside the nostrils, or an “open” technique, which involves a small incision across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils) to allow for greater visibility.
After the surgery, a splint will be placed on your nose to protect it, and you will have swelling and bruising, especially around the eyes. The initial recovery period typically lasts about one to two weeks, after which most patients feel comfortable returning to work or school. However, it is important to understand that the final, refined results of a rhinoplasty can take up to a full year to become apparent as all the subtle, residual swelling completely subsides.
Your Dallas and Plano Nasal Reshaping Experts
Rhinoplasty is widely considered to be one of the most artistic and technically demanding of all plastic surgery procedures. To achieve a beautiful and natural-looking result, it is essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience and a keen aesthetic eye. For patients in the Dallas and Plano, TX areas, the team at RH Plastic Surgery specializes in nasal reshaping (rhinoplasty). Contact us today to schedule your surgical consultation.