As a central feature of the face, the nose can have a big impact on your appearance. A nose that is too large, wide, crooked or generally not in balance with your other features can be distracting. The nose is also an entrance to your respiratory system, helping air move into your lungs, filtering debris and moistening air. And lastly, it is a sense organ that enables you to perceive smells.
Changing the look of your nose can enhance your appearance and boost your self-image. Rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, aims to sculpt the nose to create better proportions that add balance and symmetry to the entire face. By elongating or shortening the nose, reducing a dorsal hump, raising or refining the tip, and straightening a bent nasal septum, rhinoplasty can significantly improve breathing and overall facial aesthetics.
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a “nose job,” is one of the most challenging and widely performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. Its goal is to change the shape of the nose by manipulating, sculpting or repositioning the bone and cartilage that make up its framework. This is done through carefully concealed incisions inside the nostrils or along the bottom of the nose.
It’s vital to choose a trusted and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Sharma when deciding to have an operation on such a central feature as the nose. This complex plastic surgery procedure requires both skill and an artistic eye to yield outstanding results.
Rhinoplasty is done for functional reasons, aesthetic reasons or both.
Nose deformities sometimes prevent a person from breathing normally, resulting in chronic sinus problems, chronic bad breath, recurrent headaches and a nasal voice, among other issues.
Things that can lead to such deformities include traumatic injuries to the nose, a deviated septum or an obstruction from enlarged nasal turbinates. These are all common examples of functional problems with the nose. When performed for functional reasons, rhinoplasty may be covered by insurance.
The most common reason people seek out rhinoplasty is to improve their appearance. Rhinoplasty is often the only way to achieve a more proportioned nose that fits your other features.
When performed for aesthetic reasons, rhinoplasty aims to:
The overall goal with cosmetic rhinoplasty is to effect change without an enduring “operated look.” This is especially true for ethnic noses that require particular attention to detail to not interfere with patient identity.
A good plastic surgeon will aim to optimize both the functional and cosmetic aspects of surgery. This is no different when we talk about rhinoplasty. Oftentimes, rhinoplasty performed to correct a misshapen nose also results in functional improvement. The same holds true for patients who have rhinoplasty purely for functional reasons — correcting functional deformities can improve the appearance of the nose as a bonus.
When talking about rhinoplasty, this is what most people have in mind. The goal of primary rhinoplasty is to improve the appearance or function of the nose.
Up to 20% of rhinoplasty patients need a “touch-up” procedure to refine their results, smoothing out irregularities or correcting subtle deformities. This procedure is known as revision rhinoplasty and aims to correct issues caused or not corrected adequately by prior rhinoplasties. This is not done for at least one year from the primary operation.
Careful preparation and good post-op care are essential in preventing complications and helping you have the most satisfying results. Rhinoplasty starts with a consultation where we will discuss your goals and expectations. Dr. Sharma will also evaluate your surgery options, your general health and whether rhinoplasty is right for you.
At Plastic Surgery Austin, nose surgery is done with the patient under general anesthesia. Out of an abundance of caution and patient safety, we always use general anesthesia, which allows for proper airway management and pain control.
Rhinoplasty is performed using either an open approach, where the incision is made beneath the nostrils on the thin strip of tissue known as the columella, or a closed approach, where incisions are made inside the nostrils. In either case, the incisions are hidden and inconspicuous so that a casual observer won’t notice any scarring.
Depending on the goal of your surgery, your surgeon will make one of the two incisions. Once your surgeon has gained access to the nasal framework, they will remove bone or cartilage or add grafts. In some cases, cartilage from the ear or rib cage may be used in reconstructive nose surgery. The incisions are then closed, and you are taken to the recovery room.
After surgery, your nose will be covered in bandages and dressings, and you may need to wear a nose splint for several weeks. The first dressing change is done one week post-op. Bruising and swelling can persist for two to three weeks, with gradual improvement seen in nose shape and outcome after six weeks. The final result is often not complete for 10 to 12 months or more, especially in the tip.
With realistic expectations and goals, patients see the desired nasal shape take form, ultimately enhancing their self-confidence and appearance.
To learn more about rhinoplasty and find out if this procedure is right for you, contact Dr. Sharma at Plastic Surgery Austin at 512-838-3658.
Yes, rhinoplasty can be safely performed on an outpatient basis. However, because most patients need to undergo general anesthesia for this procedure, they need to spend several hours in the recovery room and organize help at home.
Like all surgeries, rhinoplasty carries some risk of uncontrolled bleeding, infection and allergic reactions to anesthesia. Less common complications are problems with the appearance, function and sensation of the nose.
With closed rhinoplasty, there are no visible scars left after the procedure. With open rhinoplasty, scarring is minimal and blends in with the natural creases of your nose.
Yes! At Plastic Surgery Austin, we often pair rhinoplasties with chin implants and/or cheek implants, lip fillers and other facial procedures to help balance the patient’s features.
The ideal candidate for rhinoplasty is someone who has good general and mental health. To screen candidates, we assess psychological readiness, realistic expectations and the ability to undergo surgery and recover well. Patients with certain serious health conditions and unrealistic expectations are not suitable candidates.
Patients undergoing rhinoplasty for functional reasons can usually have their procedure covered by their private insurance provider or Medicare. Traumatic injuries to the nose, whether resulting in breathing problems or not, and reconstructive procedures are firm examples of nasal reshaping done for functional purposes, and many cases can be covered by insurance. On the other hand, cosmetic rhinoplasty is rarely covered by insurance since it isn’t deemed medically necessary.
I had a cut tendon that was not initially diagnosed (elsewhere). I was in surgery less than 24 hrs after seeing Dr. Sharma. The coordination with Dell Setton UT, covid precautions, and Dr. Sharma’s team was fast and smooth. The surgery went great and I am on the way to being able to use my thumb again! The follow up with Occupational Therapy is excellent. So many people helping me along is a humbling experience.
Dr Sharma and Sarah Ellis are both amazing and helpful. Dr Sharma cares as does his staff and he beyond does his homework. Love this medical group!
I felt like I was taken care of like their family. My specialty needs were met, and they are providing aftercare exactly the same way. My special care continues, and I am so happy to share my experiences with everyone!!
He explained everything about the steps that I need to do before the surgery, and my sister and I felt like he was very caring and compassionate to my needs and really wanting to help me out and get my questions answered about what I will be facing, and overall I felt like my dream and future will become a reality for me. And an answer to my prayers and having a hope for a better life and great outcome for my future.
Individual attention concerning my welfare was over and above my expectations. Best medical care you could ask for. Thank you DR. SHARMA AND YOUR TEAM!
Contact our office to schedule a private consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Sanjay K. Sharma, M.D., F.A.C.S.
