What is a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, refers to the surgical procedure to correct or reshape the nose. Rhinoplasty is categorized by whether it is performed to improve breathing (called a functional rhinoplasty), or whether to correct unpleasant aesthetic characteristics (called a cosmetic rhinoplasty).
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Nasal dorsal hump before (left) and after (right)
Do I need a rhinoplasty?
For those who have difficulty breathing due to distorted nasal anatomy, a functional rhinoplasty will provide a definitive, permanent fix. For others, imperfections to the appearance of their nose causes self-image issues and can greatly impact one’s confidence. Cosmetic rhinoplasty in this case can be life-changing. Either way, the goal of rhinoplasty is to produce natural results by creating the best version of your nose, while ensuring that your nasal breathing is optimized.
How is a rhinoplasty performed?
Rhinoplasties are often described as open or closed techniques. In a closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon will make all the incisions within the nose and work under the skin. The incisions are hidden, and typically the amount of swelling following the procedure is less than an open technique. However, closed rhinoplasty can impair visualization of all the tissues and thus typically performed for more limited modifications of nose.
An open rhinoplasty begins by making a small “gull wing” incision into the skin of the columella (the middle portion of your nose in between the nostrils). This incision allows the skin to be peeled off the nose, allowing for all the underlying anatomy to be visualized and manipulated to achieve the desired result. Once the surgical reshaping of the nose is complete, the skin is then redraped over the nose and the incision is closed in meticulous fashion. Although there is a small scar where the incision was made, it usually heals very well making it very difficult for anyone to see it without examining the nose up close.
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Dotted incision lines for a closed rhinoplasty (left) and open (right)
The decision to perform an open or closed rhinoplasty is determined by the surgeon’s preference, and the degree of transformation requested. Each technique is tailored to the individual and their anatomy.
What are osteotomies?
Osteotomies are performed in order to break the nasal bones that comprise the sidewalls of your nose. Typically, osteotomies are required as part of a rhinoplasty when a large nasal hump is flattened out in order to ensure that a nice triangular shape across the nose is achieved. If this is not performed in these cases, the shape of the nasal bridge can appeared broad and flattened out (called an open-roof deformity). Otherwise, osteotomies are utilized to narrow the profile of the nose. In patients who present with untreated nasal bone fractures, osteotomies will be required to re-fracture the nasal bones in order to place them back in their original anatomic position.
What is the post-operative recovery like?
After undergoing a rhinoplasty, you will have splints placed inside and outside the nose in order to stabilize your nose as it heals. If osteotomies were performed, you may experience some bruising near the eyes, which will resolve on its own. After about 1 week, the splints will be removed as you get the first glimpse of your new nose. During this time, your nose will still be very swollen and can take many months to a whole year before the nose heals into its final result. Most people tolerate the pain very well without any major issues.
What are the risks involved with rhinoplasty?
The risks of surgery include the possibility of infection, bleeding, and excessive swelling and pain. Of course, all precautions are taken to ensure your experience is free of these issues.
Does insurance cover my rhinoplasty?
If the rhinoplasty is purely for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not cover these costs. However, if you suffer from nasal congestion that is due to deviations of the nasal septum or turbinate hypertrophy, your insurance will often cover part of the costs of anesthesia and the operating room facility fees. For this reason, if you have an interest in improving the look of their nose, it is generally advantageous to get this done as an add-on procedure during a septoplasty.
Why should I trust Dr. Unsal with my rhinoplasty?
Dr. Unsal is double board certified in Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic Surgery. After completing residency, he completed an extra year of fellowship training in Rhinology with internationally recognized surgeons. During this period of time, his sole focus of surgical and clinical study was on the nose and sinuses. This specialized training has allowed Dr. Unsal to become a skilled surgeon capable of outstanding and naturally appearing results. Dr. Unsal is one of the few fellowship trained Rhinologists in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area.
