OVERVIEW
As one of the most prominent features of the face, the nose is also one of the most critiqued features. When a patient feels as if his or her nose isn’t up to par, he or she can turn to rhinoplasty, or nose surgery. Houston area cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Sumpter, will make small incisions to manipulate the nose’s bone and cartilage to change the shape, size and/or proportion of the nose. Dr. Sumpter also performs this surgery to correct birth defects and breathing problems like a deviated septum. There are several techniques that Dr. Sumpter can use such as the closed technique where the incision is made inside the nostrils or the open technique where she makes an incision along the base of the nostrils.
BEST CANDIDATES
Rhinoplasty, or nose job, offers benefits to individuals of most any age. However, children and teens should wait until their facial growth is complete. For girls, this typically occurs around age 16, and for boys at age 18. Good candidates for a rhinoplasty include healthy individuals with any of the following issues:
- A nose that is disproportionately large for the face
- A hump or depression on the nasal bridge
- A wide shape nose
- A nasal tip that droops
- An enlarged nasal tip
- Excessively flared nostrils
- An off-center or crooked nose
- A nose that is asymmetrical caused by injury or birth
- A nose that impairs breathing
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
There are a couple of different ways to perform nose surgery, that being the closed technique and the open technique. Many cosmetic surgeons prefer the open rhinoplasty method because this approach allows them to gain a better view of the inside of the nose, as well as greater access to its support structures. The incision is made between the nostrils or under the nose near the nostrils. Once this incision is made, the skin is pulled back and the bones, cartilage and tissue within the nose are exposed so that reshaping and reconstruction can occur. Once the incisions are closed, scarring is minimal and will not be seen. Closed rhinoplasty is less invasive. It is generally used when only mild reshaping is needed, or if the tip of the nose is being addressed.
DURING/AFTER SURGERY
Rhinoplasty is considered an outpatient procedure. It is performed in an accredited surgical facility under general anesthesia. Patients will be swollen and bruised around the eyes and nose for up to 2 weeks. These are the primary side effects after surgery, but they will go away quickly if proper care is taken. Nasal packing, which is the insertion of gauze or cotton into the nasal chamber to control bleeding may be used. After surgery, patients will wear a nose splint for a couple of days. Once this splint is removed, the newly shaped nose will be revealed. It can take a few months for the nose to gain its sensation, as well as its final contour and softness.
EXPECTED COST
On average, Rhinoplasty can cost between $5,800-$6,800. This is a specialized, tailored surgery, thus the cost will vary depending on the surgical case, as well as the aesthetic goals of the patient. Severe cases of nasal reconstruction surgery involving skin or cartilage grafting will increase the overall cost.
GET A SOFTER, GORGEOUS NOSE!
Noses that are too large or too wide, or have a specific deformity may only be able to be enhanced through nose surgery. Rhinoplasty can make a nose look smaller, more defined, softer in appearance, and natural looking as it pertains to the rest of the face. Countless patients have had rhinoplasty surgery at our office and love their results. We invite you to call our office in Houston today to learn more about this popular cosmetic procedure.
