Rhinoplasty

Introduction to Rhinoplasty

Being the most central and prominent feature on the face, when the nose takes on a shape that we do not like such as a hump on the bridge of the nose (dorsal hump), asymmetry of the nasal bridge (crooked nose), or abnormalities of the nasal tip (asymmetric or bulbous), it can draw immediate attention to itself and detract focus on other aspects of the face, such as your eyes or smile. At Seattle Face & Skin, we believe that the goal of getting a rhinoplasty in Seattle to create a natural, symmetric nose that is in harmony with the rest of the face, all done without compromising breathing.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can achieve many different goals including the following: removing a dorsal hump, straightening a crooked nose, refining (narrowing) a nasal tip, elevating the nasal tip, increasing tip rotation, shortening a nose or even lengthening a nose if so desired. But overall the goal is to create a naturally appearing nose that fits your face and identity.

Since we are all individuals with a variety of backgrounds, personalities, and desires, no precise algorithm for the determination of the ideal nose exists, but there are a number of facial relationships which tend to create a more favorable appearance of a person’s nose. These facial measurements can assist in the determination of how to best shape the nose while producing harmony with the face as a whole. During the consultation, these relationships are considered in the context of your vision to help create your ideal nose.

What are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty in Seattle can be life-changing, both mentally and physically. Below, we’ve included some of the wonderful benefits that our Seattle cosmetic nose surgery patients have noticed:

• Better facial balance
• Boosts in self-confidence
• Gets rid of flared nostrils
• Improves breathing with functional rhinoplasty
• Reduces the size or alter the shape of the nose
• Removal of bumps on the nose

Who are the Best Candidates for Rhinoplasty?

If you would like to improve the appearance of your nose, you may be an ideal candidate for a Rhinoplasty. You should be in generally good health, be knowledgeable of the procedure, and maintain reasonable expectations for the results.

What is the First Step?

The initial consultation centers around your goals of nasal surgery, an examination of your nose in the context of an overall head and neck examination, and a discussion of how best to meet your vision.

During your consultation, a variety of techniques for rhinoplasty may be discussed. A method is chosen that results in the best cosmetic and functional outcome for you. Pre and post-operative examples of other similar rhinoplasties are often reviewed. The details of the procedure and post-operative care are explained, and any questions you may have are answered. If a plan is confirmed to move forward with surgery, you meet with our patient care coordinator to schedule a surgery date.

What to Expect on the Day of Rhinoplasty

Once in the pre-operative area, you will meet the nursing and anesthesiology staff who will take care of you during your procedure. Your surgeon will meet with you and your family before the procedure to review the procedure and discuss any last-minute questions you have.

You will first be administered some medication to make your surgery more comfortable, these options for sedation will most likely be either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, depending on what is discussed during your consultation.

If a closed (endonasal) procedure technique is utilized, the incisions will be hidden inside your nose, whereas an open procedure will require an incision to be made across the narrow strip of tissue that separates your nostrils, which is called the columella. When performing the open procedure, the skin that covers your nasal bones and cartilage will be gently raised to allow access to reshape your nose’s structure.

For patients who have larger noses, this appearance can be reduced by removing bone and cartilage, or even possibly adding cartilage grafts. If grafts are required, it is common to use cartilage from the nasal septum (the partition in the middle of your nose). In some situations, the cartilage from your ear or ribs may be used. If you suffer from a deviated septum, it can be straightened to improve breathing.

After the underlying structure of your nose has been sculpted to its desired shape, your nasal skin and tissue are redraped and the incision is closed. If required, additional incisions can be placed in your nostril’s natural creases to alter their size.

The surgery typically takes anywhere between two and five hours, depending on the extent of correction required.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

After the procedure is performed, you will be taken to the recovery room. You will have a nasal cast and likely intranasal splints in place that will be removed at your post-operative visit. All rhinoplasty procedures are performed as outpatient surgery, and you will be sent home with detailed post-operative instructions and pain medication. We will call you on the night of surgery to ensure that you are doing well and to answer any questions you may have.

Your immediate recovery will take between one and two weeks. Initially, patients can expect bruising and swelling, especially around the eyes and cheeks. Most visible swelling will fade over the first few weeks, although residual swelling and overall healing can last for 12 – 18 months. You may temporarily notice blocked nasal passages and congestion due to the swelling, but this will diminish on its own as the nose begins to heal. Dr. Bhrany will prescribe appropriate medications to keep the recovery period as comfortable as possible.

Patients are normally feeling well enough to return to work in approximately one week. More strenuous activities and exercise should be postponed for 2 weeks after the rhinoplasty and any contact sports 6-8 weeks after a Rhinoplasty. Your first post-operative visit will be approximately one week after surgery to remove your sutures, nasal cast, and any intranasal splints. You will then follow-up up one month after surgery and usually every three months for the first year after your surgery to ensure adequate healing.

How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Seattle?

The cost of Rhinoplasty in Seattle is based on multiple factors, including the extent of changes desired, history of any previous nasal surgery, or trauma that potentially may make the Rhinoplasty procedure more complicated. When you meet with Dr. Bhrany, he can examine your nose and create the ideal surgical plan for you, and our Patient Care Coordinator will then use that plan to provide you with a cost estimate for your experience.

Why Choose Us?

Seattle Face & Skin aims to partner with our patients and provide the best possible care for aesthetic facial rejuvenation and reconstruction. From the moment you contact our office, we focus on your needs to ensure you fully understand the possibilities, limitations, and opportunities available to produce the best outcome for you. Our end goal is to help you achieve a healthy, naturally appearing nose, leaving you feeling better and more confident inside. Our practice is led by Amit D. Bhrany, MD, a double board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon and Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat Surgery) who is an active member of the AAFPRS American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. He has obtained his Rhinoplasty expertise after being awarded fellowships in Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, and the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine, respectively. He is a faculty member in the UW Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery where he is the Director of the UW Facial Plastic Surgery Fellowship and trains other surgeons on how to perform Rhinoplasty surgery.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you are interested in changing your nasal appearance or having difficulty breathing through your nose, a Rhinoplasty in Seattle could be the answer for which you are looking. Contact Seattle Face & Skin by calling us at 206 599-3223 for a consultation with Dr. Bhrany, or use our website to request your appointment. We’re here to help answer your questions or to get you started with a consultation.