Rhinoplasty

Who Is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you wish to address:

• A disproportionately large nose
• A nose that appears overly wide when viewed from the front
• An off-center or crooked nose
• An asymmetrical nose (which may be the result of a previous injury)
• Bumps or depressions on the nasal bridge when viewed in profile
• Droops or plunges on the nasal tip
• A thickened or enlarged tip
• Excessively flared nostrils
• An airway obstruction that impairs breathing

Rhinoplasty can be performed on patients of almost any age. That said, we usually recommend that young people wait until their facial growth is complete; this is approximately 15 or 16 for girls and 17 or 18 for boys. If you are a teenager, having the procedure should be your own idea. Otherwise, as long as you are in good health, there is no upper age limit for nose reshaping.

Can Rhinoplasty Fix Breathing Problems?

If you undergo rhinoplasty for medical reasons (or, alternatively, a combination of both cosmetic improvement and health-related objectives), you should find it easier to breathe after surgery. In conjunction with alterations to the appearance of your nose, adjustments can be made to the nasal airway to combat functional problems. Breathing issues targeted in rhinoplasty can include deviated septums, nasal valve collapse, and other common causes of obstruction. Rest assured that Dr. Ereso will discuss all of your aesthetic and reconstructive nose surgery needs during your consultation.

Complementary Procedures to Rhinoplasty

The decision to complement a nose job with other procedures depends on your individual anatomy and ultimate cosmetic goals. Some patients choose to pair rhinoplasty with chin reduction, chin augmentation, or cheek implants to gain a more balanced facial appearance. Others opt to pair rhinoplasty with otoplasty to contour the appearance of the ears along with the nose. Moreover, some rhinoplasty patients find that they want to make additional improvements with procedures like facelift or brow lift surgery. No matter the details of your unique situation, Dr. Ereso can provide personalized recommendations during your first-time meeting.

What Does the Rhinoplasty Consultation Entail?

A personal rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Ereso is a critical first step. You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

• Previous surgeries and treatments
• Past and present medical conditions
• Medications that you are taking (including nutritional supplements and herbal remedies)

Preparing for rhinoplasty could require undergoing lab testing for blood work and/or obtaining a clean bill of health from your primary doctor (depending on your age and health status). Dr. Ereso will also review your medications, vitamins, and supplements and recommend you discontinue or adjust them as needed. Prior to rhinoplasty, you will be advised to be mindful of your diet and refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol. Eating lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables can healthily fuel your body prior to surgery, whereas tobacco products and alcohol can interfere with your recovery.

At Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics, we utilize state-of-the-art technology for optimal accuracy. At your initial visit, computerized imaging will be used, allowing you and Dr. Ereso to preview potential changes to the appearance of your nose. Computer imaging has been an invaluable communication tool in helping you to achieve your desired result.

What Does the Rhinoplasty Procedure Involve?

Rhinoplasty is generally done through incisions inside your nose. In some instances, there may also be an incision on the underside of your nose between your nostrils. Small wedges of skin at the base of your nostrils can be removed to narrow the base of the nose or target excess nostril flare. Your nose can be reduced or built-up with the removal or addition of bone and cartilage to the support structures, and your skin and soft tissues should assume their new shape over this “scaffolding.”

What Can I Expect from Rhinoplasty Recovery?

Dr. Ereso encourages you to make arrangements for your day of surgery and recovery period. Plan for someone to transport you to and from surgery and stay with you for a few days to help with meal preparations, laundry, and other household responsibilities. If you have children, pets, or elderly family members who rely on you, recruit help from another adult. Fill your prescriptions ahead of time, grocery shop, and do laundry so you have all of your essentials at the ready.

After your rhinoplasty, some discomfort, swelling, and bruising can be expected. Minor swelling of your nose may persist for up to a year, but most likely this will not be noticeable to others. Depending on the extent of your rhinoplasty and the areas reshaped, you may have nasal packing for two to three days and a plaster splint for three to five days. Frequently, Dr. Ereso will give you instructions for taping your nose at night for one to two weeks to decrease swelling; you can begin wearing cosmetics as soon as it is removed.

Your routine will be severely restricted for only a day or two, and it will be a few weeks before you can resume bending, lifting, and exercise. As long as your job does not involve activities that raise your blood pressure, you should be able to return to work within the first week.

Does Rhinoplasty Cause Scarring?

As with any major cosmetic procedure, rhinoplasty is liable to produce scars. That being said, Dr. Ereso is always careful to place incisions in inconspicuous areas to limit scarring to the best of his ability. In the majority of cases, any resulting scars will fade and ultimately become virtually invisible.

Is Rhinoplasty Safe?

Long-term complications from rhinoplasty are highly unlikely when the procedure is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. However, as an informed patient, you are entitled to know the possible risks.

• Bleeding
• Infection
• An overcorrected or under-corrected nose
• Breathing challenges
• Poor wound healing that leads to bad scarring

Are There Non-Surgical Alternatives to Rhinoplasty?

While no non-surgical procedure has been invented to match the results of rhinoplasty, certain less invasive options can be used to alter the appearance of the nose. For instance, some practices offer the “liquid rhinoplasty” technique, which uses dermal fillers (such as JUVÉDERM^®) to add volume or adjust shape. Please be aware, however, that methods like the “liquid rhinoplasty” are not designed to make structural changes to cartilage and bone; this is currently only possible with surgical rhinoplasty.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?

Pricing for rhinoplasty at our practice usually begins at $8,500. With this in mind, the final cost will be contingent on factors such as:

• The surgical strategies employed
• The complexity of treatment
• The inclusion of additional procedures
• Dr. Ereso’s surgeon’s fee
• Facility fees
• Anesthesia fees
• Pre- and post-operative care (e.g., medications and follow-up visits)

For more information pricing for rhinoplasty, we encourage you to explore this page. Please also feel free to direct any questions about financing to our team, and note that certain patients will be eligible to finance their treatment through CareCredit^®; we would be happy to help you determine whether or not you are a candidate.

To learn more about rhinoplasty, contact Alexander Ereso Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics today!

Medical Resources*

University of Utah Health