Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is the medical term for a cosmetic surgery of the nose. Septoplasty is surgery performed specifically to correct a deviated septum (the bone and cartilage barrier separating the two sides of the nose). Our rhinoplasty and septoplasty are often combined in one procedure to address both functional and cosmetic problems.

Ethnic rhinoplasty is cosmetic nose surgery that addresses specific facial characteristics common among certain ethnic groups. For example, Asian rhinoplasty may involve narrowing the bridge of the nose, reducing nostril size, or remodeling the nose tip. In African-American rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities may narrow the nostrils, reshape the tip, and create a narrower nasal bridge. In an Asian ethnic rhinoplasty, the procedure subtly reshapes the nose structure to create a more aesthetic balance.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty may be recommended for some patients who are not ready to undergo surgery. This technique uses injectable fillers to improve the appearance of the nose and may also help correct breathing issues for some patients. Results of non-surgical rhinoplasty typically last up to 18 months.

For many of our rhinoplasty patients, recovery is better described as being uncomfortable rather than painful. Post-surgical pain can be controlled with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Patients are advised to sleep upright to help reduce swelling and may experience uncomfortable changes in their breathing during the initial recovery period.

Final results will become apparent when post-surgical swelling has subsided completely, which can take up to one year. However, approximately 90 percent of the swelling will have subsided within three months after surgery. Although there will still be some swelling and soreness, you can begin to see what your new nose will look like when the splint and dressings are removed in 10 to 14 days after the procedure.

Open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon greater access and visibility for delicate and complex alterations to the nasal structures. This technique involves an incision line on the outside of the nose; however, our skilled surgeons can place the incision so that the scar is barely visible when healed. Incision lines are not visible in closed rhinoplasty, as all incisions are made within the nostrils. This technique may also result in an easier, faster recovery. After an in-depth consultation and careful evaluation, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities will recommend the best surgical approach to rhinoplasty for you.

Incision lines are not visible in closed rhinoplasty, as all incisions are made within the nostrils. This technique may also result in an easier, faster recovery. After an in-depth consultation and careful evaluation, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will recommend the best surgical approach to rhinoplasty for you.