Rhinoplasty in Florida

The Art of a Natural Looking Nose with Rhinoplasty

Each procedure is tailored to your unique needs. Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your nasal structure and determine the best procedure to achieve your desired results. While some patients achieve their ultimate results in a single procedure, you may require additional procedures to maintain a natural appearance. Your surgeon will also tell you if you need more than one type of procedure for your desired results.

Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can be used to correct asymmetry in the nose. It can also be used to reduce unsightly features of the nose, such as an enlarged or bulbous nasal tip. It can also adjust visible humps and depressions along the ridge of the nose. These are just a few of the cosmetic adjustments that can be made with rhinoplasty.

This procedure can also be used to correct breathing issues due to the nasal structure. A deviated septum can inhibit airflow. Adjusting the nasal structure for better alignment can improve some breathing issues.

Is Rhinoplasty Right for Me?

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if your facial growth is complete and if you are physically healthy and do not smoke. It is important that you undergo cosmetic procedures for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s ideals or to fit an ideal image. Excellent candidates will also have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the improvement of their appearance.

Elements of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty surgery includes the following steps:

• Step 1 – Anesthesia
  Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. The choices include intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
• Step 2 – The incision
  Rhinoplasty is performed either using a closed procedure, where incisions are hidden inside the nose or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.
  Through these incisions, the skin that covers the nasal bones and cartilage is gently raised, allowing access to reshape the structure of the nose.
• Step 3 – Reshaping the nose structure
  An overly large nose may be reduced by removing bone or cartilage. Sometimes surgery of the nose may require the addition of cartilage grafts.
  Cartilage from the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is more commonly used for this purpose. Occasionally cartilage from the ear or a section of rib cartilage can be used.
• Step 4 – Correcting a deviated septum
  If the septum deviates, it is straightened, and any cartilage projections inside the nose are reduced to improve breathing.
• Step 5 – Closing the incision
  Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue are redraped, and incisions are closed.
  Additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to alter their size.
• Step 6 – See the results
  For a few days, splints and gauze packing will likely support the nose as it begins to heal. Some results will be immediate after the splint is removed. Other changes to the nasal shape will continue over time.

How Involved Is the Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Most patients are able to go home following their rhinoplasty procedure. Be sure someone is able to drive you home afterwards. You may want someone to stay with you the first night. You will want to take it easy for a few days, and plan on avoiding any activities that may include contact with the face while your nose heals.

How Long Is the Recovery Period After a Rhinoplasty Procedure?

During your rhinoplasty recovery, a splint and/or packing will likely be placed inside your nose and a splint or bandages placed on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing.

You will notice initial results within the first few weeks, with gradual improvements occurring up to a year afterwards. During this time, you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent result.

How Much Does a Rhinoplasty Procedure Cost?

Prices will vary based on your individual case. Your board-certified plastic surgeon will provide you with additional information during your consultation. The total cost will vary widely based on the experience of your surgeon and your geographic location.

Many plastic surgeons offer payment and financing options for patients. Be sure to ask your surgeon’s office for more information.

Questions To Ask Your Rhinoplasty Surgeon

You should have an honest discussion with your doctor prior to any procedure. Here are some questions to ask before your rhinoplasty treatment:

• Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
• What will be expected of me to get the best results?
• Where and how will you perform my procedure?
• What surgical technique is recommended for me?
• How long of a recovery period can I expect, and what kind of help will I need during my recovery?
• What are the risks and complications associated with my procedure?
• How are complications handled?
• How can I expect my nose to look over time?
• What are my options if I am dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of my nose surgery?
• Do you have before and after photos I can look at for this procedure and what results are reasonable for me?

What Should I Do Next?

The first and most important thing to do is to select a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) that you can trust. ASPS surgeons meet rigorous standards. They are board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery® (ABPS). Each surgeon has completed at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training.

Other standards required for ABPS surgeons includes:

• Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
• Graduate from an accredited medical school
• Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
• Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities

Do not be confused by other official sounding boards and certifications. The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has approved medical specialty boards since 1934. There is no ABMS recognized certifying board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.

By choosing a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can be assured that you are choosing a qualified, highly trained plastic surgeon that is board-certified by the ABPS.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose or if you struggle to breathe due to a deviated septum or other nasal issues, consider a rhinoplasty procedure by a board-certified plastic surgeon.