Noses come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, an individual might be concerned with the appearance of their nose or how it impedes their breathing. Have you ever thought about making changes to your nose? The most effective way to alter the appearance or function of your nose is by having a rhinoplasty procedure. 

We offer rhinoplasty surgery at Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery in Tampa, FL. Learn more about nose surgery by reading the most common rhinoplasty questions below.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to enhance the appearance of the nose. During a rhinoplasty, cartilage and bone are either removed or repositioned to change the size or shape of the nose. The goal is to create a symmetrical, aesthetically pleasing nose that complements the rest of the face. 

A nose job can also address trauma that has altered the shape of the nose in addition to congenital issues of the nasal structure. Rhinoplasty may also be used to resolve breathing difficulties caused by a deviated septum. 

Is a Rhinoplasty Performed by a Plastic Surgeon?

While a nose job can alleviate breathing difficulties, it is largely regarded as a cosmetic procedure. For this reason, rhinoplasty procedures are mostly performed by plastic surgeons at cosmetic surgical centers.

Who Is a Candidate for a Nose Job?

If you’re considering changing the size or shape of your nose, you may be a candidate for nose surgery. Most people who seek a rhinoplasty have one or more of the following concerns:

• Deviated septum
• Elongated nasal tip
• Shortened nasal tip
• Asymmetrical nostrils
• Prominent nasal bridge

The ideal rhinoplasty candidate will be in general good health and over the age of 18. 

If you want to find out whether you are eligible for a rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeons. We will assess your nose and go over your desired aesthetic goals to determine whether a nose job is the best course of action for you.

What Is the Difference Between Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty?

There are two types of rhinoplasty procedures: open and closed rhinoplasty. 

Open rhinoplasty is performed externally, outside of the nasal structure. Our surgeon makes incisions on the outside of your nose or just under the nostrils to access the bone and cartilage. This type of rhinoplasty can leave visible indications of your surgery if incisions do not heal properly. 

By contrast, closed rhinoplasty is performed entirely from the inside of your nasal structure. For this surgery, our surgeon makes incisions inside your nostrils to access the bones and cartilage. This type of rhinoplasty leaves no external evidence of your procedure.

Is a Rhinoplasty Performed Under Anesthesia?

Rhinoplasty surgery is done under general anesthesia. This means that you will be completely asleep throughout the procedure. 

Since your treatment will be performed with general anesthesia, you will need to receive medical clearance from a regular physician prior to your surgical date to ensure that you’re healthy enough to receive anesthesia.

What Happens During a Rhinoplasty?

During your rhinoplasty, our surgeon will make an incision externally on the skin of your nose or internally inside your nasal passage. We will determine whether you should have an open or closed rhinoplasty during your consultation. 

Once the incisions are done, our surgeon will manipulate the cartilage to create the aesthetic you desire. They may remove or shave down the bone to enhance the shape of your nose. 

When all of the necessary adjustments have been made, we’ll close the incisions with tiny sutures or surgical adhesive and you will go to an aftercare area to wake up.

How Long Does a Rhinoplasty Take?

The exact length of your rhinoplasty may vary according to your unique needs. On average, most rhinoplasty surgeries take from one to three hours to complete. If you are receiving any other treatments at the same time, your overall surgical time will be longer. We’ll discuss this in detail during your consultation.

When Can I Return Home After My Nose Job?

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, which means that you can return home shortly after you awaken from your surgery. In rare instances, you may be asked to remain in our aftercare center for longer, depending on the circumstances surrounding your treatment.

What Is Recovery Like After a Rhinoplasty?

Recovery from rhinoplasty takes about five to seven days. You will be sent home with nasal packing in place, which you can remove three days after your surgery. We will also place a nasal splint to provide extra support to the vulnerable tissues in your nose. You can remove this splint about one week after treatment.

For about one month after surgery, you should avoid contact sports, strenuous exercise, or anything that could result in a direct impact to your nose. Your surgeon will need to clear you before you can resume certain activities. 

Will My Nose Surgery Results Be Permanent?

The results of your nose job should be permanent unless you experience significant trauma to your nose. In some cases, cartilage may shift slightly and alter your appearance. These changes are usually minimal and rarely occur.

Where Can I Get a Rhinoplasty in Tampa, FL?

Are you interested in seeing your own nose job results? At Soler Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, we offer rhinoplasty procedures to patients in and around Tampa, FL. We also work with patients in surrounding cities like Clearwater and St. Petersburg. 

To find out whether you are eligible for a rhinoplasty, contact us to schedule a consultation with our plastic surgeon today.