The Ultimate Rhinoplasty FAQ: Answering Your Top Questions

The nose is the centerpiece of the face—our noses anchor our facial harmony and symmetry. As American Society of Plastic Surgeons member Lara Devgan, MD, says, "The nose is a paradoxical feature that is at its best when it is utterly neutral, so often when I am thinking about the aesthetics of the nose, I am actually focusing on the overall global proportions of the face – the light reflex of the cheekbones, the shadow of the jawline and the balance of the chin. The nose bears on all of these in some way." For centuries, humans have been preoccupied with our noses; even in the medieval era, there is recorded evidence of people desiring to change the shape and size of their noses. Today, rhinoplasties, aka nose jobs, are a highly sought-after cosmetic procedure and one of the most popular surgeries in the world. Rhinoplasties allow patients to improve facial balance by rearranging or removing the nasal bone and cartilage. The procedure can also straighten deviated septums and correct impaired breathing. Dr. Barrett Plastic Surgery offers comprehensive rhinoplasties in Los Angeles for both cosmetic and functional purposes. Here is the ultimate rhinoplasty FAQ breakdown:

What is rhinoplasty? And who makes a good candidate?

In its simplest form, rhinoplasties surgically alter the size and shape of the nose based on the patient’s desires and facial proportions. Before modern technology advancements, nose jobs relied extensively on skin grafts or paraffin injection, leading to a slew of scarring and other side effects. Now, surgeons can perform the procedure with little to no scarring. 

Rhinoplasties are a great choice for patients seeking to:

• Smooth a nasal hump
• Raise a drooping or bulbous nose tip 
• Correct facial asymmetries
• Correct damage done from an injury
• Reverse a failed nose job
• Modify the shape and size of the nostrils
• Straighten a deviated septum (when the nasal septum is drastically displaced on one side, blocking airflow)
• Widen or narrow the nasal bridge

Good candidates are in relatively good health and have realistic expectations for their results. The patient’s nose should also be fully grown, meaning younger candidates who have not completed their facial maturity should hold off on the procedure. 

Are nose jobs only aesthetic surgery? Will it help me breathe better?

Although nose jobs are most associated with aesthetic or cosmetic desires, impaired breathing is just as valid a reason to undergo a rhinoplasty. Many patients hit two birds with one stone by correcting their breathing and reconstructing the appearance of their noses during the same surgery. Rhinoplasties can fix a host of breathing issues associated with nasal deformities, such as post-nasal drip, chronically inflamed sinuses from allergies, and nasal polyps. The surgery will straighten the nose, thus opening up the nasal passages and improving breathing and snoring. Some patients find reducing their nostril size helpful for breathing as well. At Dr. Barrett Plastic Surgery, the surgeons work closely with patients to address all functional and aesthetic concerns prior to the procedure. 

How does the surgeon perform a rhinoplasty? What is the difference between an open and closed rhinoplasty?

There are two main ways to access the internal structures of the nose to make aesthetic and functional changes:

Closed Rhinoplasty: The closed method is performed through the nostrils and does not leave a visible scar. Patients desiring small changes, such as hump removal and minor tip modification, are ideal candidates for this method. Closed rhinoplasties result in less swelling and increased efficiency during surgery. Visibility, however, is restricted. 

Open Rhinoplasty: The open method is performed by making an external incision between the nostrils and lifting the skin to expose the internal framework of the nose. This method allows for more precise changes and is particularly helpful for executing delicate tip-shaping maneuvers, adding cartilage grafts, or reconstructive purposes. This technique requires a longer recovery time and a small scar.

Both surgeries last roughly four hours under general anesthesia. 

Does the surgeon have to break my nose during a nose job?

Another common misconception about rhinoplasties is the fear that the surgeon will need to break the bone to perform the nose job. While in some cases, “breaking” (it’s a lot less intense than it sounds, involving the controlled cutting of the nasal bone in a procedure called an osteotomy) is needed to make the necessary alterations, it is not a universal step in the surgery. Usually, osteotomies are reserved for severely crooked noses, significant nasal hump size, or repair after an injury. If a patient does need an osteotomy, they will experience slightly more swelling and bruising but nothing that will severely impact the overall recovery period. 

How do I prepare for a rhinoplasty? What can I expect after the surgery?

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will provide extensive pre- and post-op instructions, learn about the patient's goals, answer any questions, and perform an examination to create a personalized surgical plan. Before the procedure, patients need to quit smoking, stop any medications that will exacerbate bleeding, plan time away from work and child/pet care, and find someone to assist them at home after the surgery. 

Will a rhinoplasty erase ethnic features?

Rhinoplasties work best when tailored to the patient’s specific facial features and symmetry, which means ethnicity is often a defining factor. As we move toward a more diverse future, many rhinoplasty patients desire to enhance their noses while preserving their ethnic features. Bella Hadid famously regrets her teenage nose job, stating that she wishes she had kept the noses of her ancestors. No plastic surgery is a one-size-fits-all solution; narrow, perfectly straight noses aren’t what everyone desires, which may cause fear in some ethnicities that rhinoplasties will be incongruous with their faces. Not only that, an ill-shaped nose can lead to breathing problems and an increased risk of revision surgery. However, finding a surgeon with a history of diverse patients and successful surgeries allows candidates to craft a surgical plan best suited for their natural features. 

What will recovery look like? How long will it take to see results?

After surgery, patients commonly experience some swelling and bruising, a nose ache or dull headache, and mild bleeding or nose stuffiness. About one week of downtime is typical, during which patients may need to wear a nasal splint or bandage. Most patients return to work within a week if strenuous activity can be avoided. Results become gradually apparent as swelling subsides and can take up to a year to achieve a final appearance. 

Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for optimal post-operative care, including scar management. It is important to remember that results depend on the patient’s nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness, and age. Nasal taping and massages are two ways to optimize healing. 

Are there risks to rhinoplasties?

Like all surgeries, there is the risk of blood clots, infection, and scarring. Finding a qualified, board-certified surgeon with a reputation for successful procedures significantly reduces the risk of complications. Other risks include:

• Revision surgery
• Minor asymmetry
• Shortness of breath
• Septal perforation
• Change in skin sensation
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia 

Are there non-invasive options?

A non-surgical nose job might be a better option for those interested in improving the appearance of their nose without surgery. Dr. Barrett Plastic Surgery offers injectable treatments using dermal filler to correct minor nasal asymmetry, add volume, or smooth out lumps. Based on the patient's goals, the injector will strategically use filler to reshape the nose. The procedure usually lasts around 45-min with results appearing immediately. The final results are temporary, with repeat sessions needed to maintain the shape. Non-surgical options are a great fit for patients looking to correct minor concerns, but rhinoplasties offer the most effective and long-lasting results. 

What are the next steps?

If you’re interested in rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, Dr. Barrett Plastic Surgery offers consultations to determine if the procedure is correct for you. To learn more about Barrett Plastic Surgery, subscribe to our blog and follow us on social media at TikTok, Instagram, Realself, and YouTube for updates. Are you interested in making a correction to your nose? Call us at (310) 398-2648 or fill out this virtual consultation form, and we will contact you as soon as possible. We’re excited for you to take this next step!  

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