What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and refines the nose to improve both appearance and function. Because the nose is a central feature of the face, even subtle changes can enhance overall facial harmony.
Many patients seek rhinoplasty to address concerns such as a bulbous tip, a bump on the bridge, wide nostrils, or a nose that lacks definition or strength. In addition to cosmetic improvements, rhinoplasty can also correct structural issues—like a deviated septum or collapsed cartilage—that may be affecting your breathing.
At Optum Medical Care, our surgeons take a personalized approach. We carefully evaluate your nose and listen to your goals to create a customized surgical plan. Using advanced techniques like preservation rhinoplasty and ultrasonic rhinoplasty, we aim to deliver natural-looking results with improved symmetry and long-term support.
What are the benefits of rhinoplasty?
After nose surgery, you can expect:
- Refined and balanced nose shape
- Improved facial harmony and symmetry
- Easier, more comfortable breathing
- Natural-looking, long-lasting results
Who is the ideal candidate for rhinoplasty?
Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty include individuals who:
- Are unhappy with the appearance of their nose
- Experience breathing difficulties due to nasal structure
- Are in good physical and emotional health
- Have realistic expectations about the outcome
- May be seeking revision surgery after a previous rhinoplasty
What can I expect from recovery?
Recovery varies by patient, but typically includes:
- A temporary splint and internal stents to support healing
- Mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days
- Detailed care instructions and pain management support
- Follow-up visits to monitor progress
- Final results becoming fully visible over the course of a year
Rhinoplasty procedures
The surgical techniques used to reshape the nose primarily differ by the location of the incisions.
Closed approach
The entire surgery is performed through incisions made inside the nose. This has several advantages including no external incisions, shorter surgeries and generally less swelling after surgery.
Open approach
An additional external incision creates more exposure and allows more precise correction of deformities. We perform many revision surgeries, using extra care to close the external incision so that it is often imperceptible.
Revision rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is performed to correct problems from a previous nose surgery, such as a crooked shape, low bridge, pinched or droopy tip, asymmetry, or breathing issues. It’s more complex than a first-time procedure due to scarring and limited cartilage. When needed, cartilage from the ear or rib can be used to rebuild and support the nose for better function and appearance.
Ethnic rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty refers to nose reshaping for patients of diverse backgrounds, including Hispanic, African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and others. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—each surgery is personalized to match the patient’s goals while respecting their unique features and cultural identity.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a procedure to straighten a deviated septum—the wall of cartilage and bone that separates the nasal passages. A crooked septum can make breathing difficult, increase mucus, and lead to sinus infections. This surgery is often combined with rhinoplasty to improve both function and appearance of the nose.
Septal perforation repair
A septal perforation is a hole in the wall that separates your two nasal passages. Small holes may not cause problems and can often be managed with simple saline rinses. Larger ones can lead to nosebleeds, crusting, whistling sounds, or trouble breathing. In these cases, surgery may be needed to improve comfort and restore normal airflow. The repair is done using your own nasal tissue through a gentle surgical approach, and cosmetic rhinoplasty can be performed at the same time if desired.
Saddle nose
A saddle nose occurs when the middle part of the nose collapses, creating a dip or “saddle” shape when viewed from the side. This can result from previous surgery, trauma, certain medical conditions, or drug use. Mild cases may only affect appearance, while more severe cases can cause the tip to droop, the nose to shorten, or breathing to become difficult. Since this condition is often caused by a loss of cartilage, repair typically involves using rib cartilage to rebuild and support the nose’s structure.
Cocaine nose
Repeated cocaine use can damage the blood vessels in the nose, leading to a hole in the septum. As the damage worsens, the nose may begin to collapse, creating a saddle-shaped dip in the bridge. This can make breathing more difficult and increase mucus production. Because there’s often not enough healthy cartilage left to repair the damage, rib cartilage is commonly used to rebuild and support the nose.
Cleft lip nasal deformity
A cleft lip is a common birth condition that often affects the shape and function of the nose. The nostril on the cleft side may appear wider and flatter, the tip may be uneven, and the septum can be off-center, making breathing more difficult. While early procedures may help shape the nose, most patients need a full rhinoplasty around age 15 or 16. Surgery often includes cartilage grafting to improve both appearance and breathing.
Vasculitis nasal deformity
Certain types of vasculitis, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, can inflame and damage the cartilage in the nose, sometimes leading to a saddle nose deformity. Before surgery, the underlying condition must be treated and in remission. Once stable, rhinoplasty can be performed using standard techniques, often with cartilage grafts from the ear or rib to rebuild and support the nose.
Nasal reconstruction
Nasal reconstruction may be required after the removal of malignant skin lesions on the nose. The method of reconstruction depends upon the size and location of the defect. Deeper defects may compromise the nasal airway if not properly supported, and septal or ear cartilage grafting may be required.
Frequently asked questions
What is involved in a rhinoplasty procedure?
Rhinoplasty is uniquely tailored to each individual patient. The surgery is usually performed through a small incision made on the skin between the nostrils and on the inside of the nose. During the procedure, cartilage and / or bone is carefully removed or reshaped to enhance the nasal contours.
What are the risks associated with rhinoplasty?
In addition to the general risks of cosmetic surgery, such as bleeding, infection, asymmetry and poor scarring, rhinoplasty has specific risks. These include undercorrection or overcorrection of nasal features, as well as prolonged swelling that can obscure the final results for several months to even a year.
What results should I expect from rhinoplasty?
You can expect enhanced nasal contours that are tailored to your unique desires, along with often improved breathing.
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