Rhinoplasty and Nasal Reshaping in Chicago
Surgical and non-surgical nasal contouring procedures. Also known as a nose job, primary rhinoplasty, rhino-septoplasty, septoplasty, repair of damaged nose and nasal contour enhancement with injection of fillers.
The Problem
The nose is the central feature of the face. When we look at someone’s face their appearance is judged by their nasal shape. The shape of someone’s nose determines whether we consider someone to be attractive or not.
Excess amount of nasal cartilage can produce a dorsal hump or a nose that is too long and has a low hanging tip. Abnormalities of the bony construction of the nose can produce excessive width of the nose or one that is not properly aligned.
The Solution
Through a single, safe procedure that reshapes the nose, can improve breathing and improve self esteem. A delicate and skilled surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the nose to a more aesthetically pleasing form. Most people nowadays are not looking for extreme changes of the nose but rather a subtle refinement such as the tip of the nose or the hump of the bridge of the nose improvement.
- Surgical removal of excess nasal cartilage to smooth the nasal dorsum or shorten an excessively low and hanging tip
- Surgical realignment of the bony nasal framework to produce a more desirable shape
The prefered and long lasting method is the surgical method outlined above. There are also a few non-surgical methods to improve the appearance of the nose, but these are more temporary and adjunctive “finishing touch” fixes, rather than the main rhinoplasty procedure.
Non-surgical Methods
- Botox© to relax the wrinkles adjacent to the nose
- Botox to lift the tip of droopy nose
- Filler precision injections to fill in defects in nasal contour or slope and to enhance areas that need more fullness. Precise amounts of Radiesse and Juvederm are used.
- Chemical peels, usually TCA acid (trichloroacetic acid), alpha hydroxy peels, such as glycolic acid peels, jessner peels or modified phenol peels to smooth nasal skin and improve nasal pores
- Lasers (Sciton©, Erbium) or Ultrapulse CO2 (carbon dioxide), which are used to tighten skin of of the nose and adjacent areas.
What are some of rhinoplasty benefits?
- Surgical removal of excess dorsal tissue, thereby reducing a nasal hump
- Surgical narrowing of the nose and nasal tip through bone realignment and cartilage
- trimming
- Surgical procedure, which will improve breathing by addressing septal deviations and re-alignment of bony abnormalities.
- Surgical procedure, which will reshape the tip of the nose to produce a more pleasing appearance
What can be achieved during rhinoplasty?
- Reduce an undesirable aspects of the nose such as a large dorsal hump
- Thinning a nose that is too wide
- Improving associated breathing difficulties
- Giving a patient new personal confidence and self esteem
Before Surgery
A thorough nasal examination will be performed externally and internally to gain knowledge of the anatomy of the area. Any associated medical problems such as diabetes and hypertension must be under control. All blood thinning medication such as aspirin, coumadin, Motrin, plavix, Xarelto (Rivaroxaban) should be stopped 10 days prior to the procedure. Also, patients should abstain from alcohol and tobacco before and after the procedure. These substances are known to retard post-surgical healing.
Where is rhinoplasty done in our practice?
In our private, safe and fully equipped surgery facilities at any of our four Chicago and Chicago and suburban offices. Our surgery facilities are equipped with the latest technological advanced instruments.
The Procedure
Before surgery several markings are placed on the skin of the nose to mark important landmarks for the procedure. Next, local anesthetic is injected internally and externally to fully anesthetize the area and reduce bleeding. Small, inconspicuous incisions are made, which allows the surgeon access to the discussed problem areas. Then the previously discussed changes are made, which usually include removing excess septal cartilage or adding to areas where additional fullness is needed. The bony framework may also be narrowed to produce a thinner, more contoured nose. Thin, dissolving sutures are used to close the incisions.
Which parts of the nose will be operated on?
The nose is composed of bones, cartilage, soft tissue and of course the skin. Depending what the surgery is aiming to accomplish, all these anatomical entities may be surgically altered and aesthetically refined.
Where are there incisions placed?
Incisions are generally placed inside the nose so that they are not seen or sometimes a very small incision is placed under the nose, which is inconspicuous when healed.
How much time does a rhinoplasty take?
Normally about one to two hours.
What type of anesthesia is used during a rhinoplasty?
Typically general anesthesia is used, but in some cases we can use a local anesthetic.
After Surgery
Rest, no exertion, sleep with head elevated for few days. Aspirin and smoking strongly discouraged. Keep the the nasal splint clean and dry and apply cold compresses to forehead and cheek area for 48 hours post-surgery. A light pad may need to be worn under the nose for one to two days after the procedure if there is slight .
When can I resume normal activities after a rhinoplasty?
Typically after a couple days. However, strenuous physical activities, especially those that allow for any type of contact, should be avoided for several weeks.
How much downtime should be expected after a rhinoplasty?
Normally, plan on two to three days for initial recovery. Then allow for about seven to 10 days for the bruising to clear. Makeup should not be worn until the bruising has completely disappeared. Glasses can be worn under bridge of the nose after few weeks. Residual swelling, especially at the tip of the nose, may linger for a while and depending on the quality of your soft tissue in your skin, the final results are usually seen after six to 12 months.
How long will the results of the rhinoplasty last?
Typically, results from surgical procedures will last a lifetime, barring significant changes to body type (ie severe weight loss or weight gain). Office procedures like fillers and skin care require periodic maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE IT AN ATTRACTIVE NOSE?
Yes, research shows that when the nose is centrally aligned and perfectly symmetrical, the entire face is perceived to be very attractive. A slightly crooked mouth or eyebrows are forgiven and may be because they move while the nose is stationary and any imperfection has nowhere to hide. It must have perfect slope, a perfect projection, with and perfect tip. Since the nose is front and center, it is not just a show piece but its nostrils have to function as well. It breaths, it smells. It is essential to a comfortable lifestyle.
WHAT DOES A RHINOPLASTY COST?
Expect to pay anywhere $2500-5000, depending on the scope of the procedure. Attractive financing options are offered.
A complimentary initial consultation is available at our four convenient locations in Chicago’s Gold Coast and suburban locations in Oak Brook, Naperville and Arlington Heights.
DO I NEED TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED FOR RHINOPLASTY?
Yes, in order to thoroughly follow up the the progress of your rhinoplasty, it is essential that we photograph your face and nose before and after the surgery.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A RHINOPLASTY?
Temporary bruising is most common. Prepare for swelling and mild discomfort for a couple weeks following the procedure as well.
WILL ONE RHINOPLASTY PROVIDE OPTIMAL, LASTING RESULTS?
Yes, typically surgical procedures, including rhinoplasty, are done only once. But in some cases a revision surgery may be required, although this is rare.
TYPES OF RHINOPLASTY
Septo-rhinoplasty – When the procedure is performed to improve nasal passages for breathing, as well as the appearance of the nose.
Nose-Tip Rhinoplasty – This is a procedure performed to correct the size and shape of the tip of the nose and specifically to reduce excess soft tissue, which contributes to the bulkiness of the large bulbous tip of the nose.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM RHINOPLASTY?
Those who are embarrassed of their nose for reasons that may include the following: too wide nose, crooked nose, big bulbous tip of nose, sky slope nose, uneven nostril sizes, internally blocked nose, correction of nasal shape problems, to improve breathing difficulties and increase self-esteem and feeling of well-being.