Rhinoplasty – more commonly known as a nose job – is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States. However, just because the procedure is not as extensive as an operation like open heart surgery, rhinoplasty is still a complex procedure.
Rhinoplasty is performed by a skilled plastic surgeon with ample knowledge, training, and experience performing this surgical procedure.
While the nose can enhance beauty and the overall look of a face, the nose is also an important structure for the human body. Procedures performed on the nose, nostrils, and any other part of this facial area, therefore require the hands of a highly specialized surgeon.
Even before you schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon, it is important to know some key information. This information can be discussed further during your consultation with your doctor. You can find our contact information from the “Contact Us” section of the website menu.
No two faces are the same. Even identical twins have subtle differences. This means that the techniques used in rhinoplasty surgery vary from patient-to-patient based on their medical needs as well as differences in the actual anatomical structure of their noses. The structure and shape of the patient’s face may also influence the techniques that are used in a nose job.
Plastic surgeons must have extensive training and experience in order to skillfully perform rhinoplasty. This can take years of learning and practice to achieve. It also requires that the surgeon has extensive working knowledge of ethnic differences in nose structure, shape, and appearance so that patients undergoing ethnic rhinoplasty achieve surgical results that do not compromise on their racial and cultural heritage. The surgeon must also understand subtle differences in, not only the shape and size of the entire nose, but of the nasal bridge, nasal tip, and nostrils as well.
The nose is a vital structure for the overall look of a person’s face. Even more importantly, the nose is a vital structure that facilitates breathing to supply the entire body with oxygenated blood. For these reasons, nose job surgery is only performed by highly specialized physicians.
Before you even book a consultation with a plastic surgeon for a nose job, you must do your research. This includes researching any prospective plastic surgeon to ensure they are qualified to perform the procedure. You also need to determine whether their surgical aesthetic aligns with your personal opinions of beauty.
During your research, it is vital that you view before and after pictures of past clients who had rhinoplasty performed by the plastic surgeon you are interested in working with. Look for individuals with similar structural features of the face and nose, who are similar in age, are the same sex, are the same ethnicity, and have the same skin type. This will help give you more accurate expectations of what a given plastic surgeon can realistically achieve for you.
You should also read reviews and, when possible, talk to at least one other person who has underwent rhinoplasty with the clinic and surgeon you are researching. Speaking to someone who actually went through the procedures can help give you more realistic expectations for the results and outcome that can be achieved with a nose job.
It is important that prospective nose job patients have a realistic understanding of the surgical outcomes rhinoplasty surgery can achieve and what they can expect post-procedure.
A nose job will not completely change your facial appearance to look like an entirely different person. While changing the size and shape of your nose can create more facial symmetry and a more cohesive aesthetic, you will still look like you following rhinoplasty surgery.
Furthermore, getting a nose job does not involve the surgeon giving you an entirely new nose. Instead, the plastic surgeon will work with your current nose’s anatomical structure and move, remove, or reshape the tissues and cartilage.
As discussed in the previous section, different techniques are used for different patients. For example, some patients may undergo open rhinoplasty. In this type of nose job, the incision is made under the nasal tip located between the two nostrils. In contrast, some patients may undergo closed rhinoplasty. In this type of nose job, the incisions are made inside the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty is more extensive than closed rhinoplasty and may affect treatment outcome.
The consultation is an important part of the treatment process. First, it helps the surgeon understand what techniques they should use for your surgery and whether you are a good candidate for a nose job. Second, the consultation provides the patient with an opportunity to ask questions and address concerns related to the surgery.
It is important that you feel comfortable working with your doctor and with the surgery itself. As such, you should ask any and all questions. Your surgeon wants you to feel comfortable with them and with having the surgery.
Be sure to discuss these additional topics during your consultation:
If you forgot to ask something during your appointment, don’t hesitate to contact your medical team to give you some peace of mind.
Face Miami’s very own Dr. Kallman specializes in Aesthetic Surgical procedures. These include Rhinoplasty, facial rejuvenation, eyelid and eyebrow lift surgeries, fat transfers and more. Watch the video to learn more!
Dr. Kallman is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He re-certified his Plastic Surgery Board Certification in April 2005 and 2015- one of the first doctors in South Florida with this recertification.
An active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and The Greater Miami Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, he’s in an elite class.
Because of this wealth of knowledge and passion for cosmetic surgery, he has lectured extensively around the world- particularly on the intricacies of primary, secondary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty.
An avid researcher, he continues to study innovations in lip augmentation, brow lifts, state of the art blepharoplasty, fat transfer surgery, breast surgery, nasal reconstruction, and anti-aging therapeutics.
Although this seems obvious, surgery has side effects. While not all side effects are severe, and many are quite rare, there will be some post-surgery symptoms during the recovery period. Since your nose is important for your health, you must also research potential symptoms and side effects associated with getting a nose job. As with all surgeries, rhinoplasty can be quite painful. With the help of your plastic surgeon, the pain can be managed effectively to maximize your comfort as you heal. This may also include things like wearing a splint for a short period after the procedure. Since incisions are made during rhinoplasty, you should also expect to have sutures. While most surgeons will opt to use dissolving sutures, some may use temporary ones that will require you to return to the clinic for removal. Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon about their surgical techniques and the materials they use during surgery so you know exactly what to expect post-surgery. Patients recovering from rhinoplasty surgery will experience pain, tenderness, redness, swelling, and bruising around the nose and facial area. However, your doctor and clinical team will provide you with medication to alleviate pain during your recovery as well as guidelines to help you in the healing process. This may include advice on the types of clothes you should wear following your nose job and other related advice.
Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty has some side effects. While these side effects are not serious, significant swelling and bruising of the surgical site are normal occurrences following rhinoplasty surgery. Try to avoid using the mirror too frequently following your procedure as it takes time to see the final results of your nose job.
It may take several weeks to months for all swelling and bruising to completely subside. Recipients of this plastic surgery procedure must be patient during the recovery process as these side effects may initially distort the surgical results.
Recovery time varies depending on individual skin type, medical history, and the surgical techniques used during the surgery. For some patients, results may be visible within weeks. Many patients will see results at three months. For others, it could take up to one year to really notice the structural differences and to visibly notice the final treatment outcome.
If swelling and bruising gets worse or does not subside, it may be a sign of something more serious. If you feel unsure, contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
It is extremely important that patients undergoing any surgery accurately follow recovery instructions. This means taking any medications as instructed, avoiding certain activities that are to be avoided, elevating your head during the day and night, and any other instructions or advice given to you to help in the healing process.
This may also include advice on how to set up your recovery area in your home. In addition, you may be given instructions on what clothes to wear to avoid disturbing your facial area.
Revision rhinoplasty is meant for patients in which the initial rhinoplasty surgery may have adversely affected the function of their nose or caused severe cosmetic changes to the appearance of their nose. A second surgery is therefore necessary to address any issues, especially if the first procedure causes breathing difficulties.
Minor flaws are not a suitable reason for undergoing a subsequent nose job. In fact, in these cases, having a second rhinoplasty could result in worse outcomes. Specifically, unnecessary revision rhinoplasty can cause severe cosmetic or functional issues with the nose.
During your consultation, ask your doctor about any other treatments you may be interested in, especially those involving the face, head, and neck. Depending on your clinic, there may be a discount for undergoing multiple procedures. It also eliminates the need for multiple operations and the time needed to heal.
Face Miami’s Dr. Brandon Kallman, MD. is Miami’s best rhinoplasty surgeon and revision rhinoplasty surgeon. He brings over 27 years of experience as an Aesthetic, Cosmetic, and Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to his prestigious practice. Miami men and women trust his extensive expertise in a diverse range of facial cosmetic procedures, and he’s renowned as a rhinoplasty specialist.
When choosing a board certified surgeon, it is important to select a doctor with skill and experience. Dr. Brandon Kallman is rated 5 stars on ratemd, healthgrade, vitals, and real self, can help you create a result that fits in with your other features and looks natural. He can also help you understand the benefits and limitations of your chosen procedure, so that you can make the decision that is right for you.