Because of its location at the center of your face, the appearance of your nose can significantly affect your facial symmetry and profile. In addition, abnormally positioned nasal structures can lead to certain health problems, including difficulty breathing.

Rhinoplasty, also known as nasal reshaping or a "nose job," is a procedure that reshapes and refines a patient’s nose for improved breathing and more flattering facial aesthetics. If you are concerned about the appearance of your nose or would like to correct structural problems, highly trained plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Dustin Heringer can perform rhinoplasty surgery. To learn more about how you can benefit from rhinoplasty or one of our other facial cosmetic procedures, schedule a consultation at any of our three office locations in Scottsdale, AZ, Peoria, or Phoenix.

Rhinoplasty can enhance the shape of your nose to achieve harmony with your facial features.

The Popularity of Rhinoplasty 

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular procedures performed by surgeons nationwide. The Plastic Surgery Statistics Report released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that nearly 220,000 nose reshaping surgeries were performed in 2017 alone. Every year, approximately half a million patients speak to a cosmetic surgeon about this procedure. 

The popularity of rhinoplasty can likely be attributed to its relatively lower costcompared to other surgical procedures, its life-changing benefits, and the ease of recovery. Because the nose is a focal point on your face, the treatment can provide life-changing, dramatic results and even improve your breathing ability if you have structural issues. 

Candidates for Rhinoplasty 

Many patients seek rhinoplasty surgery to enhance their facial appearance and sense of self. The surgery can safely and permanently address a range of concerns, including:

• Noticeable bumps on the bridge of the nose, which detract from the facial profile
• Noses that are too wide or too large in proportion to other facial features
• Tips that droop down or are disproportionately thick or large
• Crooked or off-center noses (often a result of injury), which can create an unbalanced look
• Nostrils that are too large, misshapen, or different sizes

Certain medical conditions may also require nose surgery, particularly if the patient’s airway is obstructed. A deviated septum, or misaligned cartilage between the nostrils, is frequently treated with rhinoplasty.

As with any other candidates for surgery, rhinoplasty candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic and specific treatment goals, which Dr. Heringer can review with you during a one-on-one consultation.

Your Initial Consultation

One of the most important steps in your surgery is your consultation. During this one-on-one discussion, Dr. Heringer will review your concerns with you to get a better sense of your desired outcomes. He will explain whether the open or closed technique will better address your needs and give you an accurate illustration of your results. During this time, his team can also discuss the rhinoplasty cost with you. We strongly believe in educating our patients, and we encourage you to ask any questions about surgery during this time. 

The Plastic Surgery Statistics Report released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that nearly 220,000 nose reshaping surgeries were performed in 2017 alone. 

The Rhinoplasty Procedure 

Every nose is unique, so every rhinoplasty procedure is individually executed to meet our specific needs. After administering intravenous (IV) sedation or general anesthesia, Dr. Heringer will either make a small incision expertly camouflaged inside the nose for a closed procedure or across the columella, the thin tissue between the nostrils for an open procedure.  

During an open procedure, the skin and other soft tissues covering the nose are exposed and lifted to allow your surgeon easy access to reshape the nasal structure. During a closed procedure, surgery is performed without exposing the soft tissues. Using cartilage harvested from other parts of the body, such as the ear or rarely, the ribs, Dr. Heringer can augment and straighten abnormal nasal structures. He may also gently remove small amounts of bone or cartilage to achieve your desired results. 

Finally, he will close the incisions with sutures. Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can typically go home on the same day of your surgery. Immediately following the procedure, Dr. Heringer will monitor you, provide detailed post-operative instructions, and send you home with a friend or loved one. 

Aftercare and Healing Timeline 

Most patients will experience some bleeding and inflammation immediately after their procedure, but this should resolve within several days. In fact, a study by the American Academy of Otolaryngology found that after undergoing rhinoplasty, patients surveyed reported only minimal or moderate pain. Any discomfort after surgery is usually gone after three to four days, so rhinoplasty has a relatively quick recovery compared to other facial cosmetic procedures. 

For improved healing and contouring, a splint or internal packing may be placed in the nasal cavity. Prior to your procedure, you will be given specific postoperative care instructions and a date for when to come back for your follow-up examinations. Although rare, if bleeding or swelling persists, we recommend that you reach out to our practice immediately.

Because the nose is a major focal point of the face, many patients find that even slight surgical modifications can have dramatically life-changing results. 

Long-Lasting Results 

For most patients, the results are visible after swelling has subsided a few weeks later. However, it may take up to one year for your results to finalize. 

Because the nose is a major focal point of the face, many patients find that even slight surgical modifications can have dramatically life-changing results. Unlike non-surgical nasal reshaping with injectable fillers, which only last about one year, the results of your rhinoplasty should last for many years to come or even for life. 

Start Your Transformation Today 

If you are dissatisfied with the shape, size, or proportion of your nose, or have difficulty breathing, a rhinoplasty may be the ideal treatment option for you. Every surgery is customized to your unique needs, and Dr. Heringer uses advanced and gentle techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes. To find out if you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty, please call our Scottsdale office at (480) 949-5990 or request a consultation online.