Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is used to either correct nose-related health problems such as a deviated septum or nasal fracture or to reshape the nose for cosmetic reasons. Our rhinoplasty in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach can reduce or increase the size of the nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.
Procedure at a Glance
Procedure Time
1-3 hours
Treatments
1
Results
Improved nasal shape and function, full results in 6-12 months
Recovery Time
1-2 weeksRhinoplasty Surgery with Sanctuary Plastic Surgery
An important aspect to consider about nose reshaping is that your nose should look as though it “fits” on your particular face. Choosing a nose shape based on a popular look or trend will be unsatisfactory in the end. Sanctuary Plastic Surgery will work with you to create the best possible shape for your nose, so that your nose is in the correct balance with the rest of your facial features.
Understanding Rhinoplasty
Finding Your Best Nose
Modern Rhinoplasty 101
Good Candidates for Nose Reshaping
If you're located in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, or the nearby areas, and you're physically healthy, psychologically stable, and have realistic expectations, you will be a good candidate. Age is a consideration, as our surgeons prefer to operate on teenagers only after they have completed their growth spurt. Most insurance policies don’t cover our rhinoplasty in Boca Raton & West Palm Beach unless it is performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct a breathing problem or a deformity.
View More Rhinoplasty Examples
Your Rhinoplasty Options
Your procedure will be performed as an open rhinoplasty or closed rhinoplasty. The decision about which type of rhinoplasty you have, either open or closed, is an important one. Your surgeon will take a number of factors into consideration before deciding on the best option to suit your unique needs and goals.
Open Rhinoplasty
An open rhinoplasty is performed if your needed alterations are more complex. If you want to make a significant change, the best procedure is an open rhinoplasty. During open rhinoplasty, small incisions are made on the outside of the nose. These are precisely done and designed to be hidden in the natural folds of your skin. The open rhinoplasty approach allows your surgeon to lift the nasal skin and expose the underlying nasal structures. This gives greater access and achieves more accurate results in a major reshaping of the nose.
Closed Rhinoplasty
A closed rhinoplasty technique uses smaller incisions within the nostrils to achieve the changes you desire. A closed rhinoplasty provides the benefit of leaving no visible scars on your skin. However, it cannot be used if you are looking for a more dramatic change. A closed rhinoplasty is designed for more finite, minor changes, instead of more significant restructuring.
What can nose surgery do for you?
Nose surgery helps patients who would like to change the appearance or functionality of their nose. The nose can be reshaped, made smaller or larger, wider or more narrow, and the tip and nostrils can be refined to achieve a more symmetrical, aesthetic effect. Benefits include the following:
- Improved breathing through the nose
- Enhanced facial balance, symmetry and harmony
- Increased nose size for a pinched or too-small nose
- Decreased nose size for a humped, bulbous, or too-large nose
- Refined nostrils
- Refined, lifted nasal tip to correct a hooked or drooping appearance
- Reduced or narrowed bridge of the nose
- Greatly improved confidence
How a Rhinoplasty is Performed
Rhinoplasty procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia in our Boca Raton accredited in-office surgery suite on an outpatient basis.
Depending upon the final goals and the extent of improvement required, your procedure may be done in either the open or closed method. This will be discussed during your consultation. During the procedure, the skin of the nose is separated from bone and cartilage which is then reshaped. Both permanent and temporary sutures are then placed and the nose is usually packed for a few days following the procedure. The length of the procedure ranges from one to two hours.
What to Expect During Recovery
For a closed rhinoplasty procedure, recovery time ranges from about 5 to 7 days and slightly longer for an open procedure. You will experience some swelling and bruising which may extend into the eyes, causing you to look as though you have black eyes. This can be relieved with pain medication and ice packs. Most patients are back to full activity within two weeks. You'll come back into the office within the first few days for your first postoperative visit at which time any non-absorbable sutures will be removed as well as the packing, depending on your rate of healing. It takes up to 6 months for the final results to be visible, so we advise our patients to exercise patience during this time as we wait for the final shape to appear. During that time, please avoid any contact sports that might injure the nose.
FAQs
What type of anesthesia is used during rhinoplasty?
General anesthesia is most often used to ensure comfort and safety throughout the procedure. In some less extensive cases, local anesthesia with sedation may be appropriate.
Can rhinoplasty correct congenital nasal deformities?
Yes. Rhinoplasty can address congenital concerns such as a cleft-related nasal deformity, asymmetry from birth, or other developmental irregularities.
Will my sense of smell be affected?
Temporary changes in the sense of smell are common during the healing phase, but normal function usually returns as swelling subsides.
How long should I wait before wearing glasses again?
Patients are generally advised to avoid resting glasses directly on the nose for several weeks. Your surgeon may provide special supports or alternative instructions during recovery.
Is there an ideal season for rhinoplasty?
Many patients prefer cooler months to recover more comfortably out of the sun, but the procedure can be performed safely at any time of year.
Can rhinoplasty be combined with other facial procedures?
Yes. Many patients choose to combine rhinoplasty with procedures such as a chin implant or facelift to achieve overall facial harmony.
Will there be visible scars after surgery?
In closed rhinoplasty there are no external scars. In open rhinoplasty, the small incision at the columella typically heals well and becomes minimally visible over time.
How soon can I resume exercise?
Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery, but strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks. Your surgeon will provide personalized guidelines for resuming fitness routines.
What is the best age to undergo rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is typically performed once nasal growth is complete—often in the mid to late teens for women and slightly later for men.
The Rhinoplasty Consultation at Sanctuary Plastic Surgery
If you think rhinoplasty might be the right procedure for you, we're excited to learn more about how we can help you enjoy the results of your dreams. We'll work closely with you to learn about your unique physical characteristics and individual cosmetic goals, crafting a bespoke treatment plan, tailored around the results you know you deserve. Reach out and set up your consultation today!
