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Nasal Surgery (Rhinoplasty)

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The goal of Rhinoplasty is to improve the functionality and/or shape of the nose while bringing symmetry and balance to the face.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. It can be performed to improve one’s appearance, but also for reconstructive purposes, which includes correcting birth defects or breathing problems. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip, remove a hump on the bridge, straighten the nose, improve breathing, narrow the span of the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and upper lip. Much can be done to improve your nasal appearance.

A nose job can improve your appearance, and possibly boost your self-esteem, even with the slightest alteration. Our office is located just 2 miles away from North Bethesda and 5 miles away from Potomac & Rockville.

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Reasons To Get a Rhinoplasty Procedure

People may want to get nasal surgery for a number of reasons, but these concerns typically fall under two categories: functional concerns or cosmetic desires. In some cases, people experience both functional and cosmetic nasal issues in which case both can be improved with one surgery.

Functional Rhinoplasty

A very common functional nasal problems are difficulty breathing. This can be caused by enlarged turbinates, deviated septum, or issues deep in the nasal airway. The aforementioned conditions can be present from birth or from conditions that appear later in life, such as injury or cancer or the nasal skin. Previous nasal surgeries that were botched could also cause disrupted breathing. Trimming an excessive amount of cartilage can “pinch” the nose.

There are a number of factors that cause irregular breathing, but your surgeon will take extra special care while performing an examination during your consultation in order to determine the best personalized functional Rhinoplasty procedure. Not only will it leave you with a beautiful nose, but one that you can breathe with ease from.

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic deformities of the nose can hinder your lifestyle as sometimes they can be embarrassing. These misshaping can appear as a wide base of the nose, drooping tip, a dorsal bump, as well as varying post-traumatic deformities. Cartilage or bone can be shaved from a large nose to give it even in slope. In opposition, if you feel that your nose is too small, cartilage can be harvested from a donor location (ear or rib graft) and used to add stature of your liking to your nose. Prior nasal surgeries can leave you with less than desirable results, in which case one of our Rhinoplasty specialists will listen to your every last nasal concern during your consultation to ensure that this time you receive your aesthetic wishes.

Candidates

Men and women who are seeking a Rhinoplasty procedure have an issue with either functionality or cosmetic concern. Candidates for Rhinoplasty typically seek to:

  • Reduce or increase the size of the nose
  • Changes size and shape of the nasal tip
  • Remove humps on the bridge
  • Straighten the nose
  • Improve breathing
  • Narrow in the span of the nostrils
  • Change the angle between the nose and upper lip

It is important that facial growth is complete before considering nasal surgery, which is customarily post-teen years. These patients much are non-smokers and in good health.

Keeping true to your ethnic identity is sometimes a concern, in which case an Ethnic Rhinoplasty can be performed. This is where the functionality and/or cosmetic look of your nose is enhanced while your uniqueness is maintained. The goal of Rhinoplasty is not to change the look of your features but enhance their beauty.

Consultation

When considering Rhinoplasty, there are some things that your doctor will want to go over with you. This will include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, and your age. Although a lot of teenagers may request information about nose surgery, most plastic surgeons prefer to wait until their growth spurt has ended.

One of our board-certified surgeons will perform a thorough examination of your nose, and with your concerns in mind, determine the best-personalized procedure plan to give you optimal results. You will be shown before and after photos of patients with similar cases to give you a general idea of possible results; it is important to remember results do vary. Bringing a picture of your desired results is very helpful.

You will be asked about medical history and any past surgeries you have undergone. Your surgeon may ask you to adjust or discontinue routine medications. Any remaining questions, including pricing inquiries, can be addressed at this time.

At Cosmetic Surgery Associates, we understand that choosing to undergo cosmetic surgery is not an easy decision; therefore, we try to make the process as easy as possible. One of our plastic surgeons will assist you through the entire procedure, from the pre-operative consultation to the recovery process.

Preparation

Rhinoplasty requires several preliminary tasks to be completed prior to your surgery.

Your surgeon will ask you to completed specific medical examinations and tests. You will need to pick up prescriptions for antibiotics and/or pain medications ahead of time so you have them readily available following your procedure. Avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements for a few weeks is important as they increase bleeding. You will also need to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home as you will not be able to drive yourself. Further individual instructions may be given to ensure you receive the best results possible.

Types of Rhinoplasty

Primary

Primary Rhinoplasty is a term used for surgery that is performed on a nose for the very first time; no prior surgeries. The main objective of Primary Rhinoplasty is to amend all functional and cosmetic dislikes with just one procedure. The open or closed method can be used for Primary Rhinoplasty; your surgeon will be able to determine the optimal technique for you during your consultation.

Secondary

Secondary Rhinoplasty is a term used for surgery that is performed on the nose of a patient who has already had one or several prior nasal surgeries. Sometimes referred to as Revision Rhinoplasty, this surgery is meant to further alter the shape of the nose for cosmetics, functionality, or both since the patient was displeased with their initial results.

How is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Rhinoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.
There are two incision options; the one used will be decided during your consultation. Each has its merits, so your surgeon will choose the method he believes will work best to achieve your specific desired results.

Open Procedure

The incision for the open procedure is made in between the nostrils through the tissue. Nasal cartilage can be accessed with ease since this incision allows skin and soft tissue to be lifted. Cartilage can then be appropriately trimmed into the desired contour. If additional cartilage or structure is needed it can be harvested from an ear or rib graft. Skin and soft tissue are then redraped and the incisions are sutured closed. Any resulting scarring is extremely small and will diminish over time.

Closed Procedure

The incision for the closed procedure is made inside the nose as opposed to externally. The same steps are followed as the open procedure except the skin is not lifted. Scars are not visible, there is less swelling, no damage to the tip of the nose, and the procedure length is shorter.


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Recovery

This procedure usually takes one to two hours, depending on the amount of the surgery being performed. After your procedure is over, your surgeon will apply a nasal splint which will stay on for roughly a week. It is best to take a bath as opposed to showering while you wear the splint to avoid water getting on it. Any discomfort can easily be controlled with prescribed pain medication.

Refrain from making over-the-top facial expressions during your recovery period. Do not blow your nose until your surgeon tells you otherwise; this can mess up your results and you can potentially hurt yourself. Contacts are recommended over glasses during this time, but if you must wear glasses you might consider taping them to your forehead so you avoid resting them on your nose.

You are usually able to return to work or school after 5-7 days. Bruising and swelling underneath the eyes can last up to 10 days, but this is normal and will subside on its own or with the help of gentle ice application. Steer clear of strenuous activities for about a month. You are able to see nasal improvement once the splint comes off, but the best results can be seen in 6 months. Improved breathing can be noticed almost immediately.

Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation

We encourage all patients interested in rhinoplasty surgery to set up a one on one personalized rhinoplasty consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Our office is located just 2 miles away from North Bethesda and 5 miles away from Potomac & Rockville. During the consultation, our surgeons will go over the procedure in more detail, answer any questions you have and determine if rhinoplasty is the best option to get the results you are looking for. Get in touch today to set up your consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a nose job make your nose smaller?

Yes, a rhinoplasty can be used to make all kinds of changes to the shape and side of the nose.

Can I sleep on my side after rhinoplasty?

It is not recommended for you to put pressure on your nose, especially during sleep, so our plastic surgeons recommend you find pillows to encourage you to sleep elevated and on your back for the first week or more after rhinoplasty.

Can nasal polyps change shape of nose?

No, nasal polyps occur deep in the nose near the sinuses and do not grow large enough to change the appearance of your nose.

Can rhinoplasty help sinus problems?

Rhinoplasty is medically used to correct a deviated septum, access deep parts of the nasal canal and sinuses to enhance breathing ability in people suffering from a variety of conditions.

Can you die from rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is not an extensive surgery, although it does come with some risks. In the hands of our board-certified plastic surgeons, rhinoplasty is a very safe procedure that has very few complications.

Do nose jobs last forever?

Typically, nose jobs are very long-lasting, as the nose does not change much with age, although the loss of facial volume and cartilage integrity can cause it to droop slightly later in life.

Do spreader grafts widen the nose?

One of the tools at our doctors disposal is spreader grafts, which can add tissue to the bridge of the nose when needed.

Does deviated septum surgery change your nose?

If the only change desired for rhinoplasty is to enhance breathing ability thats constricted by a deviated septum, then no, it should not change the shape of your nose.

Does your voice change after rhinoplasty?

If the sound of your voice changes at all, it will most likely be a perceived change due to the change in resonance throughout your sinuses and internal head cavities.

How bad is nose job recovery?

Most people can return to work after a week or so of recovery following a rhinoplasty. Pain is usually well-tolerated and patients are allowed to get up and move around as needed.

How do I prepare for a nose job?

Your plastic surgeon will give you specific instructions for how to prepare for your specific surgical plan, which usually includes avoiding blood-thinning medications and fasting for several hours before surgery.

How long are you swollen after rhinoplasty?

The residual swelling from rhinoplasty is significantly improved by about two weeks after surgery, although it may be present to some degree for up to a year.

How long do splints stay in after septoplasty?

If your surgeon uses splints to help your nasal structure after rhinoplasty, they will come out after a few days to a week.

How long does a nose job take to perform?

Rhinoplasties typically take two to three hours, depending on the extent of change needed.

How long is recovery from rhinoplasty?

Most rhinoplasty patients can return to work after a week as they feel strong enough to complete their daily jobs.

How should I sleep after nose surgery?

Your plastic surgeon will tell you how long you should sleep with your head elevated and avoiding putting pressure on your nose after rhinoplasty.

Is nose job permanent?

Rhinoplasties are very long-lasting, essentially being permanent procedures as the shape of the nose does not change much once its fully developed.

What are the side effects of rhinoplasty?

The main side effects from rhinoplasty are bleeding, swelling, pain, bruising, and fatigue.

What is closed rhinoplasty?

Closed rhinoplasty is a nose surgery performed without making an incision in the columella, or the piece of tissue between the nostrils.

What types of nose jobs are there?

The two main types of rhinoplasties are open and closed rhinoplasty. With open rhinoplasty, the nose can be lifted open to have greater visibility and access to the nasal tissues, whereas with closed, there are no external incisions.

Why do nose jobs collapse?

Rhinoplasties that dont provide enough support to the tissues most vulnerable to sagging with time can droop.

Will the tip of my nose get smaller after rhinoplasty?

Your nose will change in shape according to the surgical plan you and your plastic surgeon agree on, potentially including shrinking the tip of your nose.

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Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers