Everything You Need to Know About Rhinoplasty

Are you unhappy with the appearance of your nose? Do you struggle with breathing difficulties due to a deviated septum? Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world, helping thousands of patients improve the look of their nose and resolve breathing issues. This single plastic surgery can transform the face and enhance your overall appearance. Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery offers open and closed rhinoplasty procedures in Bethesda and surrounding cities, including Arlington. Read on to learn more about the benefits of rhinoplasty and who the ideal candidates for this procedure are.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure that aims to improve the nose's appearance by altering bone and cartilage. This common procedure can provide the following aesthetic benefits for patients who are unhappy with their nose:Remove an unwanted bump on the bridgeCreate a nose more proportional with other facial featuresNarrow a wide noseAmend a flat or drooping noseShrink large or flaring nostrilsCorrect injuries or congenital deformitiesOne of the benefits of rhinoplasty is that there are various procedural options, including open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty, and septoplasty.

Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty is a common method of rhinoplasty in which the skin is peeled back from the nose to give access to the underlying bone and cartilage. This procedure involves external incisions and is considered to be a more extensive version of rhinoplasty.

Closed Rhinoplasty

Also known as “scarless” rhinoplasty, a closed rhinoplasty is performed entirely inside the nasal passages. Incisions are made inside the nasal passages to allow our surgeons to access the bones and cartilage in the nose. This procedure involves no external incisions and no visible scarring. Closed rhinoplasties are ideal for patients with a bump on the bridge or an extended nasal tip.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty can be performed on its own or in addition to a rhinoplasty procedure. Septoplasty aims to correct a deviated septum, a common nasal issue. The septum is a piece of bone and cartilage that separates the two air passages within the nostrils. Injuries or genetics can shift the septum out of place and make it harder to breathe. A septoplasty aligns the septum properly and resolves breathing difficulties.

Who Is the Best Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty are patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their noses. There may be a large bump on the bridge of the nose, asymmetry, enlarged nostrils, or an elongated nasal tip. Rhinoplasty can also be ideal for patients who have sustained injuries to the nose or were born with deformities. Rhinoplasty with septoplasty is intended for patients with a deviated septum who struggle with breathing difficulties. The best way to determine whether a rhinoplasty procedure is right for you is by having a consultation with a cosmetic medicine provider. We can assess your nasal structure and discuss your desired outcome to decide whether rhinoplasty will meet your needs.

How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Before scheduling a rhinoplasty procedure, you should clearly understand what this surgery entails. Below is a guide to open and closed rhinoplasty.

Preparation

Prior to any rhinoplasty procedure, you will need to receive medical clearance from your general physician. Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, and medical clearance is needed to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Once you have received medical clearance, we can move forward with your surgery.You will be asked to abstain from eating or drinking the night before your procedure. This step is an anesthetic precaution. There are no other preparations necessary to take before your surgery.

Procedure

During an open rhinoplasty, a discreet incision is made on the skin between the nostrils. The skin is then peeled up off the nasal structure to reveal the underlying bone and cartilage. Depending on the patient's desired outcome, we may shave bone and remove or reposition cartilage to reshape the nose. Once we have made the necessary changes, we re-drape the nasal skin into place and use small sutures to close the incision.In a closed rhinoplasty, we’ll make incisions inside the nostrils and nasal passages to access the underlying bone and cartilage. Depending on the patient's desired outcome, we may remove or reposition bone along with cartilage to create a more flattering nasal structure. Once this is complete, we will use small sutures to close the incisions. This procedure is considered to be the far less invasive rhinoplasty method.If a septoplasty is needed during either rhinoplasty method, the septum will be correctly aligned and re-positioned while there is access to the nasal structure.

Recovery

Recovery time varies from patient to patient, depending on the type and extent of their rhinoplasty. We recommend allowing at least ten days to begin your recovery process, whether from open or closed rhinoplasty. Recovery from open rhinoplasty may be more extensive due to external incisions.Some patients must wear a nasal splint to protect the septum and other delicate nasal structures. Sutures will typically be removed after one week. It can take about four to six weeks to see the final result of your rhinoplasty, as the tissues will need time to settle into their new position.

Rhinoplasty at Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery

Do you want to transform the appearance of your face with a simple cosmetic procedure? Rhinoplasty is a common plastic surgery that alters the bone and cartilage in the nose to give it a more flattering appearance. Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgery in Bethesda offers open rhinoplasty and septoplasty to help patients improve the look of their nose and resolve breathing difficulties. Call us today to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.