Nose Surgery, Rhinoplasty, “Nose Job”

Rhinoplasty, nasal surgery, or “nose job” (plastic surgeons kind of cringe with this last term!) is designed to sculpt the shape of the nose while at the same time considering its function. It is one of the most technically challenging procedures performed in aesthetic surgery and one of the most personal. Have you been bothered by some aspect of your nose your entire life? Are you uncomfortable with the way you look in pictures? Is your nose the first thing you see every day in the mirror? Do you feel like you have your family’s nose that looks a lot better on your Dad’s face than on yours? These are the things that Dr. Corey’s patients seem to tell him when they are considering rhinoplasty or nose surgery. The great thing is all of those feelings can change in a two-hour procedure. After surgery, Dr. Corey's patients report feeling a level of confidence they had never known before, just by simply changing the shape of their nose. They feel that people are no longer "staring at my nose" during a conversation. Just a few hours of surgery can change a lifelong of feelings.

What Should You Expect From Rhinoplasty, Nasal Surgery or “Nose Job”?

Rhinoplasty requires taking into account many aesthetic and functional factors such as three- dimensional structures, the flow of air, the manipulation of different tissue types (skin, bone, cartilage and inner lining), ethnic appearance and facial proportion. These factors may limit your final result and determine exactly how much your natural nose can be changed. During your consultation, Scottsdale cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Corey will discuss all of these factors with you in great detail. It is very important that both you and Dr. Corey have a clear understanding of the desired goal and how this surgery should be individualized for you.

Rhinoplasty can improve several areas. The procedure can change the length of your nose, the top portion or hump, the width of the upper nasal bones, the shape and width of the nostrils, a bulbous or "boxy" tip, and the middle support to the nose or septum. Any or all of these can be performed during your surgery, again, depending on your individual needs and wishes. However, it does seem in recent years that there is a tendency by patients and surgeons to be steering away from the small, little button turned up noses that were popular in the 60’s.

How do I prepare for your nose or nasal surgery?

Pre-operatively, Dr. Corey will consult with you to discuss surgical techniques and determine your specific goals. You will be provided with instructions regarding diet, smoking and medications. You will also be given necessary prescriptions, and photos will be taken.

How is Rhinoplasty performed?

With Dr. Corey, nose surgery is almost always performed under general anesthesia (meaning you will be asleep throughout the procedure) in an outpatient facility with an anesthesiologist in attendance. Most procedures last from one to three hours with one hour spent recovering before discharge home. In general, there are two main techniques used in nose surgery. In the "closed" technique, all incisions are limited to the inside of the nose. In the "open" technique, a small part of the incision (2-3 mm) is located at the very underneath portion of the nose between the nostrils, and the remainder begins again on the inside rim. Dr. Corey utilizes the "open" technique in most cases because he feels it affords him better visualization and appreciation of symmetry. In most cases a non-essential piece of cartilage from your septum will be used for support as well, called a “Strut Graft”.  Dr. Corey also uses techniques that DO NOT require packing to be placed in the nose following surgery, in most cases. Talk to other people that have had Rhinoplasty and they usually say it is the packing in the nose and its removal which can be the most uncomfortable part of the entire experience! Depending on what is done, a small splint may be placed over the top of the nose or along the inside septum to keep it in place while healing.

What is Post-Operative Care like?

After rhinoplasty, there is almost always some bruising and swelling around the eyes, and you may experience the notorious "raccoon eyes" pattern. By applying ice packs and elevating the head, these effects usually subside over the next five to seven days although some discoloration may persist a little longer. The external splint, if you have one, comes off in about 5-7 days and once that is removed, your nose will look pretty normal. You could go out to dinner that night and people would not know you just had nasal surgery. Most of our rhinoplasty patients were ready to return to work after seven to ten days.  Since there is no packing in the nose, most patients do not describe this as a particularly painful or uncomfortable procedure. Swelling decreases in two stages, with the first stage happening in five to seven days and the second stage occurring months later. With rhinoplasty, the final softness and contour to the nose will probably not be seen for ten to twelve months. This does not mean that there will be a “noticeable” swelling for that long, but rather a gradual return to a normal feeling nose.

I want to consider Rhinoplasty, Nasal Surgery or “Nose Job”. What should I do next?

Click here to learn more about Choosing a Rhinoplasty Surgeon.

It really is a question of just being tired of how you look and feel in certain situations and deciding to find out more about nose surgery. If you are ready, contact Dr. Corey’s office in Scottsdale today to make a consultation appointment! At his Scottsdale office, Dr. Corey offers two types of rhinoplasty, nose surgery or “nose job” consultations: an individual consultation which costs $75 or, if you live out of the area, an online consultation which is free. Before your consultation, make a list of questions or concerns you have and make sure to bring it to your appointment. We look forward to seeing you…  Happily welcoming patients from Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe and Chandler, Arizona.

To see firsthand how rhinoplasty can change your appearance, click here to see nose surgery before and after photos.