Rhinoplasty

Overview: Rhinoplasty Augmentation

For men, women, gender non-conforming people, and teens in Seattle, rhinoplasty with cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Craig Jonov, can change the look of the nose, creating a more unified facial appearance. During nose reshaping, Dr. Jonov surgically changes the size and shape of the nose and removes unwanted bumps, narrows or widens the bridge or nostrils, or alters the angle (distance) between the nose and upper lip. In some cases, rhinoplasty relieves breathing problems that are either present at birth or due to accidental injuries. Dr. Jonov will assess the nose during the consultation and create a tailored approach for each patient.

Surgical Technique

Open Rhinoplasty

Many surgeons prefer the open rhinoplasty approach during nose surgery because they can gain a better view and better access to the inside of the nose. Using this approach, a plastic surgeon makes an incision on the skin between the nostrils or under the nose near the nostrils. Once the incision is made, the skin is moved back to allow access to the internal structures. The incision lines, which heal nicely leaving scars barely visible, are fairly small and usually between 2-3 mm.

Closed Rhinoplasty

A doctor uses the closed rhinoplasty technique on noses that have easily correctable features. It is commonly used when the tip of the nose has good shape and is not too long, too wide, over or under projected. The incision during this approach is not visible after surgery because the doctor makes it on the inside of the nose.

Questions about Rhinoplasty Surgery

Are Surgery Fears Normal?

Yes, and this fear elevates when surgery involves the face. However, more than 350,000 people in the U.S. undergo rhinoplasty each year making it one of the most common cosmetic surgeries. One way to help calm your fears is to make sure you find a reputable and skilled surgeon that has extensive experience with nose surgery.

Will My Nose be Broken?

About half of rhinoplasty patients will benefit from a manual nasal fracture during surgery. This planned break allows access to perform certain functions during surgery such as narrowing the width of the nose or correcting an asymmetrical nose. This is a common practice and heals within just a few weeks following surgery.

What is a Nasal Pack?

Nasal packing is the insertion of gauze and/or cotton packs into the nasal chamber after surgery. These are used to control bleeding, but are not necessary 100% of the time. A doctor typically uses them if the surgery included the septum.

Is Surgery the Only Answer?

Noses that are too large or too wide, or have a specific deformity may only enhance through nose surgery. However, the look of some noses may be able to be enhanced using an injectable filler such as collagen, calcium hydroxyapatite, or fat taken from another part of the body, “injection rhinoplasty” may be an option before resorting to surgery. This is an in-office procedure that can help to soften and camouflage a bump, alter the tip of the nose, and smooth out irregularities.

During/After Rhinoplasty Augmentation Surgery

Dr. Jonov performs rhinoplasty under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility and typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete. It is considered an outpatient procedure. After surgery, patients will wear a nose splint and will experience bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes. Once the bandages and splint are removed, the nose will look normal, but it may take longer for the bruising to subside completely. It can take up to a full year for the nose to gain its final contour and softness.

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