What is rhinoplasty surgery?

Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that addresses the symmetry, shape, size, and structure of your nose to achieve a more elegant, refined appearance. Rhinoplasty can help address lifelong insecurities about your facial appearance. For others, rhinoplasty provides relief from breathing problems and other concerns that inhibit the quality of life.

One of the most noticeable parts of your face is your nose. If you wish your nose looked different because you feel its size or shape isn’t in harmony with the rest of your facial features, or you would like its appearance to be more refined, you may have experienced feeling self-conscious or embarrassed. Rhinoplasty in Washington DC is performed to address the shape and size of your nose to achieve attractive facial balance and feel comfortable and confident.

Washington DC Rhinoplasty Before & After

Rhinoplasty Washington DC Before & After

Understanding Your Nose's Function

Your nose plays a vital role in your respiratory system. It serves as the primary organ for smelling and also helps filter and humidify the air you breathe. The olfactory receptors in your nose detect various scents, allowing you to enjoy the world of aromas and aiding in the detection of potential dangers, such as spoiled food or gas leaks. Additionally, the nasal passages warm and moisten the air before it reaches your lungs, optimizing the respiratory process.

Rhinoplasty, a surgical procedure to reshape the nose, can also enhance its function. In cases of breathing difficulties or structural issues, rhinoplasty can correct these problems, improving airflow and overall respiratory function. This procedure can address both aesthetic and functional concerns, ultimately leading to better breathing and a healthier nose.

What are the Benefits of a Rhinoplasty?

Some of the benefits of rhinoplasty include:

Improved nose appearance and symmetry
Enhanced facial proportion
Corrects bumps, humps, or crookedness
Eases breathing
Corrects structural issues
Boosts self-confidence
Improves sleep quality
Enhances facial aesthetic appeal
Corrects nasal asymmetry
Long-lasting results

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Top Reasons for a Rhinoplasty

Whether the appearance of your nose has always troubled you or if recent trauma or age-related changes are the concern, nose surgery can address these issues.

Cosmetic benefits:

Make a prominent or large nose smaller
Create a more aesthetic nasal shape
Straighten a crooked nose

Functional benefits:

Address breathing issues caused by trauma or genetics
Correct a deviated septum

Functional rhinoplasty can be performed alone or with cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty in Washington, DC?

Rhinoplasty is for people who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose and/or have functional concerns with their nose. During your consultation, you will be able to discuss your goals for your nose. Your surgeon will determine whether you’re an ideal candidate for rhinoplasty in Washington DC. Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty should meet the following criteria:

Are generally in good health
Do not smoke
The nasal skin is not too thick or thin
There is a strong framework of nasal cartilage
The nose is fully formed
Struggle with breathing problems
Snore excessively
Are unhappy with the appearance of their nose
Have realistic expectations for what can be achieved with rhinoplasty

Your Rhinoplasty Consultation at PSIW

At the Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, your consultation is thoughtful and detailed. You will have a chance to discuss your concerns about the appearance of your nose or its functionality. During your consultation, your surgeon will examine your nose and face and review your medical history. Your surgeon will create a surgical plan for your rhinoplasty that is customized precisely for you and will walk you through every step.

This is your chance to ask any questions you may have and understand your nose job procedure until you feel prepared and confident. Through these incisions, the excess bone (hump) is shaved down, excess cartilage trimmed, and the tip cartilages modified to define and/or reposition the tip. The nasal bones may also be altered to create a more defined, narrow nasal bridge.

What is the Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Your rhinoplasty in Washington DC will be performed with general anesthesia or while you are under mild sedation with local anesthesia. The anesthesia type and specific surgical procedure you’re having for your rhinoplasty will be decided before your surgery during your consultation with your surgeon.

Rhinoplasty is most commonly performed with one of two main surgical techniques. These techniques have variations, allowing them to be customized for your specific needs based on your aesthetic or functional goals and unique physical structure.

The two main types of rhinoplasty are open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty:

Open rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty is a surgical approach taken for patients who desire more extensive or complex nose alterations. During open rhinoplasty, small incisions are made in the columella, the line between the nostrils. Additional incisions are then made inside the nose. Once the incisions are made, the nasal skin is gently lifted, which exposes the underlying nasal structures. This allows the surgeon more access to achieve accurate and significant reshaping.

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Your Rhinoplasty Recovery

After your rhinoplasty is complete, you may return home with a friend or family member who can help you the following day. Your nose will be taped, and an external splint will be placed over it to help it heal in its new shape. There will be significant bruising and swelling, which will begin to fade after about a week. Around this time, your splint will be removed. To help with your recovery period, keep your head elevated and sleep with your head elevated using pillows or a recliner. Apply cold compresses around your nose and eyes to help reduce swelling.

After about two weeks, you will be able to continue sedentary, light work again. Over the following months, the final signs of swelling will slowly decrease. During this time, there may be some nasal distortion or asymmetry. This is a common part of the recovery process after rhinoplasty in Washington DC and is an expected, normal part of your recovery. It will take about one year for your nose to completely “settle” in its new shape.

What is a revision rhinoplasty?

If you’re disappointed with the results of a previous rhinoplasty surgery, a revision rhinoplasty is performed to address your past outcome. Your surgeon can address a rhinoplasty that went too far with the addition of cartilage or an implant. Rhinoplasty that didn’t achieve enough change can be revised with further sculpting. Revision rhinoplasty must be performed by a surgeon with excellent expertise and experience who specializes in facial cosmetic procedures.

Can a rhinoplasty be performed with other procedures?

Rhinoplasty is often performed with other procedures to achieve a more complete facial enhancement. Cheek or chin augmentation are complementary procedures that can be beautifully combined with rhinoplasty for a more dramatic, harmonious effect.

Rejuvenation surgeries such as a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), facelift or brow lift are additional complementary procedures that pair well with a rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty procedures are also paired with non-surgical treatments such as facial lasers and injectables (fillers and Botox).

Why choose PSIW for Rhinoplasty in Washington, DC?

At PSIW, your rhinoplasty in Washington DC will be performed by a top-rated, board-certified plastic surgeon – and that matters. Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult and delicate of all facial plastic surgeries, and even a millimeter of error can lead to problems. Under the care of our plastic surgery team, you can be confident that your precision surgery will be performed with advanced surgical techniques and meticulous attention to detail.Our board-certified providers are leading authorities in the field of aesthetic medicine who teach rhinoplasty surgical techniques on a national level.

To find out more about your rhinoplasty surgery at The Plastic Surgery Institute of Washington, please contact us today for a consultation.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

Is rhinoplasty safe?

Yes, rhinoplasty is generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. As with any surgery, there are risks, but they are minimized with proper care and expertise.

Can rhinoplasty help my breathing?

Yes, rhinoplasty can improve breathing if it's done to correct structural issues like a deviated septum. This procedure is known as functional rhinoplasty.

Will rhinoplasty last forever?

Rhinoplasty results are long-lasting, but the natural aging process can cause changes over time. Most people enjoy their results for many years.

Can a rhinoplasty improve my breathing?

If you have a deviated septum or a nasal blockage causing a functional concern, your cosmetic rhinoplasty can include functional rhinoplasty to specifically address these issues. If you do not need cosmetic rhinoplasty, a functional rhinoplasty can be performed alone.

What is the cost of a rhinoplasty?

The cost of a rhinoplasty procedure varies from patient to patient, depending on how complex the procedure is. Based on your specific needs and aesthetic goals, your surgical plan will be customized for you. The surgical plan will include the exact cost of your rhinoplasty.

What risks are involved with rhinoplasty?

Any surgery includes risks such as infection, bleeding, anesthesia risks, and poor outcome–however, these are significantly reduced if your surgeon is experienced and board-certified. Other risks include numbness, difficulty breathing, poor healing, and a hole in the nasal septum (very rare).

How old do you have to be to get a rhinoplasty?

Wait to have rhinoplasty until the nose has completely finished growing, which may happen at different ages. Girls should be 15 or 16 years old, while boys should be 17 or 18 years old before they have a rhinoplasty. Adults can have rhinoplasty at any age. Be sure you have at least two weeks of time during your recovery period after your surgery.