Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Candidates for nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, include individuals seeking to change the appearance of their nose, improve breathing function or both. Ideal candidates are those dissatisfied with the size, shape or contours of their nose in relation to their overall facial symmetry.

This procedure is also suitable for individuals who have nasal deformities due to congenital conditions, trauma or previous surgeries. Prospective patients should be at age of facial skeletal maturity. Candidates should be in good general health, non-smokers, and have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery.

Rhinoplasty can be performed using either an open or closed approach, depending on the extent of the surgery and the specific goals of the patient. The closed technique involves incisions hidden inside the nostrils. The open technique involves an incision made across the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils, allowing for greater visibility and access to the underlying structure. Dr. Tieman, our board-certified plastic surgeon, will reshape your bone and cartilage framework to achieve your desired appearance. This may involve removing bone or cartilage, augmenting the nasal structure with grafts, reshaping the tip, and improving the nasal passages to enhance breathing.

Non-surgical techniques such as filler injections can also be used to restore facial symmetry and harmony in patients who are looking to avoid surgeries. While the possibilities are not as extensive or permanent as what we can achieve in the operating room, patients who use filler can find a result that can last for 6-18 months.

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.  Additional procedures, such as septoplasty, may be performed concurrently to correct a deviated septum and improve breathing. Once the reshaping is complete, the skin is redraped over the new structure of the nose and the incisions are closed. Nasal stents are placed to help ensure breathing is not affected by swelling. 

As you recover from nose surgery, you'll experience swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose, which will improve significantly within the first two weeks. As your nerves heal, you may experience numbness and discomfort at the incision site(s) including tightness and itching. Patients are advised to help protect and maintain the nose's new shape by wearing a nasal splint for the first week and avoiding strenuous activity for three to six weeks. Gradual improvement will continue as the swelling subsides over the following months. It can often take a full year to see the results that Dr. Tieman sees in the operating room on the day of your surgery!