Nose Procedure | Rhinoplasty

PROCEDURES

RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, often referred to as a “nose job,” nose reshaping or septorhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure that offers the promise of enhancing the shape and size of various areas of the nose. This surgery isn’t just about changing the nose; it’s about boosting your self-assurance and transforming the way you face the world.
Leading the way in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery in Walnut Creek, Dr. Christian Conderman of Conderman Facial Plastic Surgery specializes in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. His expertise lies in delivering results that are not just visually appealing but also tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient.

Is Rhinoplasty the Right Choice for You?

The allure of rhinoplasty is that it caters to a broad spectrum of individuals, both men and women, who find themselves dissatisfied with specific aspects of their nose’s size, shape, or width. It’s common for people to have particular concerns they’d like to address, such as a noticeable hump on the nasal bridge or the feeling that their nose is disproportionately large in relation to their other facial features.

However, rhinoplasty isn’t just about aesthetics. It can also serve a functional purpose. It’s performed to correct asymmetrical nostrils and structural issues resulting from accidents or birth anomalies.

One crucial aspect to consider is the stage of nose development. Rhinoplasty is most effective once the nose has fully matured, typically around the age of 16. This ensures the best possible results.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Power of Septoplasty and Nasal Valve Repair

A common reason for seeking out a specialist in nasal surgery is difficulty breathing through the nose. Structural defects in the nose or damage to the nasal passages can lead to breathing difficulties. In such cases, septoplasty comes into play. A septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct these issues, ensuring unobstructed nasal pathways and improved breathing. It can be performed on its own or combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty to address multiple concerns simultaneously.

In addition to a deviated septum, many patients suffer from nasal valve collapse/incompetence. The nasal valve is the narrowest portion of the nasal airway and may contribute to symptoms of nasal obstruction. Nasal valve problems can develop as a result of prior surgery, nasal trauma or may be due to a patient’s inherent anatomy (poor structural support of the nasal framework).

In many cases, septoplasty and nasal valve repair can be combined with a cosmetic rhinoplasty and the functional/breathing aspect of the surgery is typically covered by insurance and can help defray the overall cost of surgery.

The Possibilities of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a versatile procedure capable of addressing an array of concerns related to the nose’s appearance, including:

A hooked or upturned nasal tip
A bulbous nasal tip
A wide bridge
A crooked nasal bridge
Wide or large nostrils
A large nasal hump

Moreover, patients who’ve undergone previous rhinoplasty and are dissatisfied with the results can consider secondary rhinoplasty, also known as revision rhinoplasty, to correct any remaining issues.

Imaging Software / Renderings

As part of the consultation process, photos are an important part of goal and expectation setting. This involves modifying images to create a surgical plan. Dr. Conderman believes in the importance of a dialogue with his patients to create a realistic goal for surgery. These images are used at the time of surgery and act as a “roadmap” while the surgery is performed.

How Rhinoplasty Is Performed

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. There are two types of this surgery, closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is typically done under general anesthesia and can be categorized into two main types:

Closed (Endonasal) Rhinoplasty: In this approach, all incisions are discreetly hidden within the nostrils. This approach leaves the patient with no external scar and generally the swelling seen after surgery dissipates more quickly.
Open Rhinoplasty: This method involves a small incision, known as a transcolumellar incision, made on the soft tissue between the nostrils (anatomically known as the columella). This allows for the skin to be gently lifted, thereby enhancing surgical visibility and precision.

Both approaches have their unique advantages, and Dr. Conderman will discuss them with you during your consultation, guiding you toward the option that aligns best with your desired results.

The Rhinoplasty Recovery Journey

Expect some swelling and bruising following rhinoplasty. While most of the visible swelling subsides within 1-2 weeks, tissue swelling of the skin and soft tissue envelope can persist for up to a year. Over this period, you’ll notice your nose’s shape and contours evolving as the residual swelling gradually diminishes.

Recovery after rhinoplasty can be broken down into three stages:

The initial stage lasts for the first 10-14 days after surgery and patients typically need about a week off work to allow their bodies to heal and for the majority of bruising to fade. While minor swelling and bruising may still be evident after a week, patients can usually return to non-physically demanding work thereafter.
Weeks 2-6 see further reduction in the amount of swelling and most of the acute bruising and swelling will have subsided by this point. Nasal bones and structural grafting take a full 6 weeks to heal and the first 6 weeks are critical in the rhinoplasty recovery process.
Week 6 and beyond: While most of the swelling will have gone down by 6 weeks after surgery, it can take another 6-12 months for all of the swelling to resolve after surgery. This process can be longer in cases of revision rhinoplasty and in patients with thicker skin and the full and final results of a rhinoplasty are not expected until 12-18 months after the procedure.

The Investment in Confidence: Rhinoplasty Cost

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is usually not covered by insurance. However, cases involving nasal surgery for functional purposes or to correct damage from accidents may receive some insurance coverage. Dr. Conderman will issue a quote outlining the cost of surgery. In some cases, you may be advised to discuss the cost of outpatient surgery with your insurance provider as deductibles and out-of-pocket insurance costs can vary.

Begin Your Rhinoplasty Journey

If you’re considering rhinoplasty and are in search of a rhinoplasty expert, reach out to Conderman Facial Plastic Surgery. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Conderman, who will address your questions and concerns while guiding you towards the transformative results you desire.

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