Rhinoplasty (Cosmetic Surgery of the Nose) in New Orleans
Rhinoplasty, also known as a “nose job” or “nose reshaping,” is an elective, cosmetic procedure that can improve or balance the look of one’s face by adjusting the proportions or shape of the nose, or it can be done to correct impaired breathing that result from nasal structural issues.
Cosmetic reasons for Rhinoplasty
- Enhancing facial balance by adjusting nose size
- Enhancing the appearance of the nose by changing the nose width, nostril size, or nostril position
- Enhancing the appearance of the nose by fixing any bumps or depressions on the nose bridge
- Enhancing the appearance of the nose by adjusting the nasal tip (tip of nose is large, drooping, hooked, etcetera)
- Correcting nasal asymmetry
If you desire a more symmetrical nose, keep in mind that everyone’s face is asymmetric to some degree. Results may not be completely symmetric, although the goal is to create facial balance and correct proportion.
Medical reasons for Rhinoplasty (correcting a deviated septum)
Changing the shape or alignment of the nose may be done in response to a birth defect, or to a nose injury.
One of the most common causes of breathing impairment is internal valve collapse or septal deviation. This can be corrected via elective nasal surgery (rhinoplasty). A rhinoplasty for a deviated septum adjusts the structure of the nose to improve alignment, allowing easier airflow through the nose and thus improving breathing.
In some cases, insurance will pay for a rhinoplasty. Our office can help you determine this with your insurance company.
“Should I get rhinoplasty?”
If you have one or more of these conditions, rhinoplasty may be a good option for you.
- Dorsal hump: You have a bump on the bridge of your nose
- Nasal width issues: Your nose is too narrow, or too wide
- Asymmetry: Your nose is asymmetrical or misshapen
- Prominent nasal tip: The tip of your nose is bulbous, misshapen, or disproportionate
- Drooping nasal tip: The tip of your nose points too far down toward your top lip
- Post-traumatic deformities: Your nose is misshapen after an injury or accident
- Nasal airway problems: Breathing problems or nasal airway obstruction
Candidates to correct or amend these issues are adults whose physical features have matured, who approach elective surgery with thought-through and realistic expectations, and who are not motivated by body dysmorphia. Meet with us in a one-on-one consultation to discuss your options if you are seriously considering rhinoplasty but have questions about your options.
How does a Rhinoplasty work?
If you touch the bridge of your nose, you’ll feel that it’s harder than the soft tip of your nose. The bridge and surrounding structure is made of bone. The bottom or your nose including the nostrils and nasal tip are made up of cartilage.
Many nose reshaping procedures involve adjusting the bone and cartilage under your skin. This may be done via the inside of your nostrils or via a minor incision at the base of the nose, between the nostrils. If augmentation is part of the surgical plan, your surgeon may use cartilage from elsewhere on the nose, or from the ear. If more material is required, rib cartilage or bone implants are sometimes used.
Each rhinoplasty operation is unique to the patient. Our surgical team will speak with you about your needs, hopes, and expectations, and create a patient-specific course of care that’s right for you.
Rhinoplasty Risks
All surgeries carry risks. With Rhinoplasty, those risks may include:
- Nosebleeds
- Breathing obstruction / nasal breathing issues
- Permanent numbness of the nose
- Long-term pain, swelling, or bruising, or scarring
- Risk of infection
- Negative reactions to anethstesia
To avoid an increased risk of bleeding during and after the surgery, avoid aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) leading up to and following your surgery, and only take medications prescribed or recommended by your doctor.
Smoking could slow the healing process and increase the likelihood of an infection, so if you smoke, stop smoking after your surgery at least until healing is complete.
The best way to avoid risks is to carefully consider your options and talk to your doctor about the best course of care.
What to expect from nose surgery
Rhinoplasty may be done as an outpatient or an in-patient procedure, depending on the complexity and on the kind of anesthesia used.
Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia will be administered depending on the anticipated length and complexity of the surgery, or on your or your doctor’s preferences as discussed in advance.
Rhinoplasty recovery
After the surgery, you may need to rest with your head elevated. You might experience congestion from swelling or bleeding.
In most cases, the internal dressings remain in place for as long as week, along with splints. You might be asked to take the following precautions to avoid heightening the risks of bleeding, swelling, and infection.
- Bathe instead of shower
- Avoid full sun and wear sunscreen outdoors
- Wear button-up clothing to avoid brushing the healing area with clothing when dressing or undressing
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Avoid resting glasses / sunglasses on your nose to prevent pressure on the nose bridge
- Brush teeth gently so as not to jostle the upper lip
- Avoid strain on the facial muscles, which may include smiling and laughing
- Avoid strenuous or high-impact exercise such as jogging or aerobics
- Don’t apply ice packs or other remedies directly to your nose unless instructed by your doctor.
At New Orleans Craniofacial, we’re doctors – not salesmen.
At New Orleans Craniofacial, we believe in team care and in patient-first care. We’ll take whatever time is needed to fully discuss your options and your concerns, assisting you in making a decision about rhinoplasty – or cosmetic nose surgery in combination with other facial surgeries – that is right for you.
We’re thoroughly trained and experienced in complex microsurgerical and craniofacial technologies and techniques, both in the areas of post-traumatic surgery and elective surgery. This means our patients are not subjected to the unnecessary risks that come with inexperience.
Talk to us about a plan for your rhinoplasty today that meets your personal needs and fits within your budget in a paid, personal evaluation with our surgical team.