Many people are unhappy with their noses’ shape, size, or function. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is designed to help correct or restructure your nose. The result is a better-looking and functioning nose and a better facial profile. Here are a few types of nose jobs your doctor may suggest to achieve your desired nose.
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Different Types of Procedures
There are different approaches your doctor can take when operating on your nose. Finding the best rhinoplasty surgeon in Beverly Hills, CA, increases your chances of getting the desired results. Depending on your unique needs, there are typically four main approaches your plastic surgeon may adopt.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is suitable for patients looking to get high contrast and requires extensive work. The surgeon starts by making an incision in the area between the nostrils and underneath the nose. This allows the surgeon to manipulate a large portion of the cartilage and bone to access the nasal cavity.
Patients requiring extensive grafting often get this procedure and a splint put in place to help the nose heal. Your surgeon may suggest this procedure if you have collapsed valves or severe nasal deformities after severe trauma to the nose. For this procedure, it is also possible that your surgeon will harvest cartilage from your rib or ear lobe to create a new nose.
Closed Rhinoplasty
A closed rhinoplasty is the most common type in the United States. It is characterized by all the incisions and stitches being done and left inside the nose (nostrils).
One major upside of this type of rhinoplasty is that the patient will not have any visible scarring after the procedure. Part of the reason most plastic surgeons and patients go for this procedure is that the surgeon does not make any cuts on the columella.
Filler Rhinoplasty/Non-surgical Rhinoplasty
Less common compared to the other rhinoplasty procedures, the filler approach is non-surgical and is performed to correct minor imperfections in the nose. This procedure can be done by a dermatologist, plastic surgeon, and their assistants because it is not surgical. A needle injects filler in strategic locations to achieve the wanted look. The only downside is that it is not a permanent solution.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty happens when a patient has a primary nose job and is unhappy with the results. This procedure usually does not take long unless the first rhinoplasty did more damage than good. One of the most common reasons patients want a revision is breathing difficulty because their first rhinoplasty was over-ambitious.
Rhinoplasty FAQ
Will my insurance cover my rhinoplasty?
If your rhinoplasty is for cosmetic reasons only, then chances are your insurance provider will decline to cover the expenses. Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic procedures because they are deemed elective and not medically necessary. However, if your rhinoplasty is motivated by medical reasons, there is a chance your insurance provider will cover the costs or at least help to cover the costs. Always ensure you consult the insurance provider to get feedback on such procedures.
What are the risks associated with rhinoplasty?
The possible risks of rhinoplasty include difficulty breathing due to a collapsed nostril, numbness, and asymmetry. Other possible complications include bleeding, infection, and a reaction to the anaesthetic drug. These risks and complications can be avoided by following the doctor’s instructions and choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon to get the job done.
What can I achieve with a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty can be performed to reshape the nose, smooth and restructure the bridge, increase or decrease the overall size and modify the position or shape of the nostrils. Most patients that go in for a rhinoplasty also get sinus surgery or a septoplasty which helps them breathe better. If you’ve had a botched nose job before, you can also get a revision done to correct any damage.
Am I a good candidate for a rhinoplasty?
You make a good candidate for a nose job if your nose is fully developed, you have no pre-existing health issues, you are not pregnant, and you have healthy expectations from the surgery. It is also important for rhinoplasty patients not to smoke as this can affect the healing process.
How long does it take to heal from a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a relatively simple procedure that should have you in and out of the hospital on the same day. You should be able to return to work or school within the first 5 to 14 days. It will take 4 to 5 weeks for the nose to heal completely. During this time, you must not strain yourself.
