When something is not right with the look of your nose, it is practically impossible to ignore it. You are reminded every time you look in the mirror. The importance of a proportional nose is evident in the fact that nose surgery has been one of the most common plastic surgery procedures for decades.
At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg in Northern Virginia, our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Heppe, Dr. Bautista, and Dr. Aflaki specialize in rhinoplasty (also called a nose job) for patients who want to bring their nose into harmony with their other facial features.
What You Should Know about Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose in order to improve its appearance. Common reasons for nose surgery include:
- Reducing the size of the nose
- Correcting a prominent nose hump
- Refining the tip of the nose
- Decreasing the width of the nostrils
- Correcting nose asymmetry
We also perform rhinoplasty to correct damage caused by a nose injury or a previous nose surgery.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Some of our rhinoplasty patients come to us for revision rhinoplasty, which means that they have already undergone one or more nose surgeries with another surgeon. Revisions are typically more complex than a primary rhinoplasty because there is often scar tissue, compromised cartilage, and changes in skin thickness. Our facility is fully accredited and meets the highest of medical standards.
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Open Vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Our surgeons perform rhinoplasty using either an open or a closed approach, depending on the anatomy of your nose and the extent of the concerns to be addressed.
Open rhinoplasty utilizes tiny incisions made from the outside of the nose, while closed rhinoplasty does not require any external incisions. Although a closed rhinoplasty involves no visible scarring, the tiny scar from an open rhinoplasty is, in most cases, practically undetectable.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
Recovery from nose surgery is relatively straightforward. After the procedure, you can expect to wear a splint to protect the new shape of your nose. You will also experience some swelling and bruising for a short period of time.
Follow-up appointments and adhering to your doctor’s guidelines are essential, as your nose may continue to change in subtle ways for up to a year after surgery.
Rhinoplasty Before and After Photos
View nose job before and after pictures by visiting our photo gallery.
Rhinoplasty may be more affordable than you expect. Visit our fees and financing page for more information about rhinoplasty cost, including discounts and financing arrangements.
To find out how nose surgery can give you a new look, call Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg for a consultation at (540) 371-7730, or contact us online today.
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Rhinoplasty FAQs
What are the limitations and risks of rhinoplasty?
The most significant limitation with rhinoplasty is thick skin due to difficulty shrinking and conforming to the underlying framework of the operation. In addition, your surgeon can only do so much with a large nose if the skin won’t contract.
Risks include infection, numbness, postoperative nose bleeds, swelling, external scarring, the possible collapse of the nose, residual deformity, and holes inside the septal area of the nose.
How long will it take to see my full rhinoplasty results?
After initial swelling and bruising subside, you should notice an improvement. While residual post-rhinoplasty swelling is discreet and barely noticeable, it may take one year to subside entirely. In the meantime, your appearance will gradually improve. Your rhinoplasty results will be permanent, so you must choose your surgeon wisely.
When can I start exercising after rhinoplasty surgery?
If you have a fitness routine, you must modify it during your recovery. You can gradually increase your activity level over about six weeks. Here is a week-by-week assessment of what you can do.
- Week one: Limit exercise to light walking. It is vital not to raise your blood pressure, as it can trigger swelling and affect your results.
- Week two: Begin light weight training at about 25% of your standard weights and reps. Limit heart rate and head movement.
- Week three: Cardiovascular activity can resume with a 50% heart rate maintained. Avoid jogging and head movement.
- Week four: You can increase weights and reps to 50%. Monitor swelling. If there is an increase, stop exercising and resume the following week.
- Week five: Weightlifting may proceed to pre-surgery weights and reps. You can include yoga and resume cardiovascular activities at pre-surgery levels.
- Week six: At this point in your recovery process, ask your surgeon if you can go back to your full exercise regimen, minus contact sports. Monitor swelling and nosebleeds.
How much does rhinoplasty cost?
Rhinoplasty cost in Fredericksburg, VA, is a significant consideration for many patients. Your price will vary based on the specifics of your customized surgical plan. Please contact our office for more specific information about average surgical fees and applying for financing through CareCredit.
What are the surgical risks of rhinoplasty?
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best way to minimize your surgical risk, as these medical professionals pledge to uphold high patient safety standards and perform procedures in accredited facilities. However, you could still experience common post-surgical complications like bleeding, infection, blood clots, delayed healing, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. These issues can be severe enough to require a trip to the hospital. We will provide you with a detailed list of instructions to follow to ensure you know what to look for and when to call your surgeon with concerns.
You should also expect some difficulty breathing through your nose due to post-surgical swelling. This issue generally subsides after the swelling diminishes, but it can persist in some cases. Additionally, after the swelling settles, there is a small chance you won’t be 100% satisfied with your new look.
If you experience any respiratory or aesthetic issues following your original rhinoplasty, you may want to seek a revision rhinoplasty, but only after the swelling has subsided and your nose has fully healed. Most plastic surgeons advise waiting at least a year before a follow-up surgery.
Is rhinoplasty painful?
Most people don’t describe rhinoplasty as painful. Your PSSF facial plastic surgeon’s approach reduces unnecessary tissue trauma or swelling. Patients often describe a sense of pressure and congestion, which subsides after the first few days. We’ll send you home with a prescription for pain medication, which you may or may not need.
Will rhinoplasty improve my nose function?
Nose surgery can rectify breathing problems such as obstructed nasal passages or a deviated septum to reduce swelling, resolve issues like sleep apnea, and improve your overall health.