Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty, or nose job, is a surgical procedure done for cosmetic reasons, such as to improve the appearance, size, shape, and/or contour of the nose, while functional rhinoplasty is performed to open nasal airways or improve breathing problems. ⁽¹⁾ Because the nose is a central focal point of the face, a well-done rhinoplasty will leave the curves and contours of the entire face more integrated and attractive, thus greatly improving esteem and confidence.

If you would like to enhance the appearance or function of your nose, then do not hesitate to take the first steps toward your ideal body image with a rhinoplasty at Associates in Plastic Surgery.

Schedule a consultation today to begin planning your treatment. If you have any questions, please call one of our New Jersey offices and speak with one of our specialists.

Before and After Photos

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About Rhinoplasty

The nose plays a central role in both the appearance and beauty of the face. Rhinoplasties are outpatient cosmetic surgeries that improve the size, shape, functionality, and contour of the nose and are the most frequently performed plastic surgeries in the United States. ⁽²⁾ Cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures can reduce the size of the nose, straighten a crooked nasal septum, or eliminate a dorsal hump (a large mound on the bridge of the nose). Functional rhinoplasty procedures can correct nasal obstruction, deviated septum, birth defect, and a range of other nasal issues.

Dr. Andrew Miller and Dr. Elliot Heller have spent more than two decades performing rhinoplasty and refining their techniques to give patients exceptional results. Their results are naturally beautiful and integrated with the rest of one’s facial proportions, bringing balance and harmony to the facial features.

Benefits

Rhinoplasty procedures can help patients improve their nose’s function and appearance. The benefits of rhinoplasty include:

Candidates

Rhinoplasty is a great choice for patients who have reached physical maturity, are in good general health, and are unsatisfied with the size, shape, or contour of their nose. ⁽³⁾ The ideal patient does not use nicotine or is willing to quit. Rhinoplasty is available for minors, but our surgeons will make assessments and decide whether or not to proceed on a case-by-case basis. As bullying and physical and mental harassment can come to people who look different than their peers, oftentimes the benefits of doing a rhinoplasty on a young adult can outweigh the possible risks. ⁽³⁾

Personal Consultation

If you think you would benefit from a customized rhinoplasty procedure, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons to discuss your candidacy and treatment plan. Creating a tailored rhinoplasty plan means understanding the details and intricacies of your facial anatomy. Our rhinoplasty surgeons will analyze your nose and create an ideal plan for reshaping the nasal structure to achieve a beautiful and natural-looking outcome. This plan is enhanced with computer imaging to help you maintain realistic expectations.

At Associates in Plastic Surgery, we take pride in carefully listening to our patients and their desired outcomes. At your consultation, you will discuss what you like and dislike about the size, shape, structure, and function of your nose. We recommend taking some time before your appointment to create a list of questions and notes to discuss, as well as collecting photographs of noses that you would like to use as aesthetic references.

Preparation

You will receive preparation instructions that are specific to your case at your consultation and any preparatory appointments. Our surgeons will review your medical history while planning your procedure. Preparation may involve altering your normal routines and medications, ceasing consumption of certain medications or supplements, and making new ones. It is important to arrange transportation to and from your procedure and create arrangements for time off from work.

Procedure

Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex procedures in plastic surgery because it can take so many forms and relies on many different anatomical factors to ensure the most effective outcome.

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia, and during this procedure, a small incision is made at the base of the nostrils to lift the nasal skin. ⁽²⁾ Closed rhinoplasty can be performed under general or local anesthesia, and during this procedure, no external incision is made, and all surgical work is done through the nostrils. Aside from this, both styles of rhinoplasty are virtually identical.

Your surgeon will determine which method is better based on what is being accomplished in your procedure. If reconstruction is mostly focused on altering the bones, then a closed approach is employed. The open technique allows for better vision of and access to the nasal cartilage and allows precision adjustments to be made. The incision, done with meticulous care, disappears in time.

Rhinoplasty For Males vs. Females

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures requested for men as well as women. The male nose has several features that define a masculine appearance. The bridge is stronger, and the tip is set slightly lower, and from a profile view, the tip is straight in line with the rest of the nose. The female nose is central to a beautiful, feminine facial look. The bridge is softer, and the tip is set slightly higher. From a profile view, the tip extends a bit past the rest of the nose.

Observing, understanding, and acting on these differences is crucial, as feminizing a male or masculinizing a female nose will appear unnatural. Our rhinoplasty surgeons have the expertise and experience necessary to carefully craft these differences.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Just as rhinoplasty for men and women requires different approaches, nose jobs for different ethnic groups do as well. An Asian or African-American rhinoplasty patient will often have a flat nasal bridge which can be built up to create a more balanced nose, taking the emphasis off the tip. The tip or nostrils are often wide in the ethnic patient and can be sculpted or thinned to improve the shape while keeping the patient’s general ethnic appearance intact.

Rhinoplasty With Sinus Surgery or Septoplasty

Patients with nasal breathing difficulties or chronic sinus conditions that do not respond to other medical treatments will see considerable benefit from a septoplasty. A rhinoplasty can be done at the same time as sinus surgery is done to improve the outer appearance of the nose. Dr. Miller specializes in this surgery and performs it regularly. This joint procedure allows you to look better and breathe easier. Insurance may also cover some or all of the costs of this surgery.

Revision Rhinoplasty

If you have had a rhinoplasty before and are no longer satisfied with its outcome, our specialists can revise past procedures. Rhinoplasty is the most intricate cosmetic surgery, and its revisions are no less elaborate. Scar tissue forms after a rhinoplasty, and it can cause the cartilage, skin, and even bone to shift. The goal of a revision is to reverse these problems and create a natural, aesthetically pleasing outcome. Revision rhinoplasty often requires a longer recovery period, but, if done correctly with strong cartilage support constructed, the results are well worth the wait.

Recovery

Allow yourself 2 weeks off of work to recover from your rhinoplasty procedure. Patients are normally able to recover in less time than this, but we encourage all patients to give themselves more time than necessary. You can expect some swelling and pressure in your nose and around your cheeks for the first few days after your procedure. This can be easily mitigated with pain medications, cold compresses, and very light cardio exercises to encourage blood flow.

You will return to the office after 1 and 2 weeks to have your stitches removed and so we can monitor your healing. After the 2 weeks, you can slowly resume normal activities and exercise, but we do recommend avoiding any strenuous activity for at least another 2 weeks. Most importantly, do not touch your nose or the surrounding areas for at least 1 month.

Throughout recovery, we will be in touch frequently, and you will have a direct line to the office should anything unusual or unexpected occur. This is very rare, but please know that you will have direct contact with us whenever needed.

Results

The final results of a rhinoplasty may not be evident for several months, as residual swelling resolves. Success depends on multiple factors, including the surgical technique used and adherence to post-operative care instructions. Many patients express high satisfaction levels, enjoying a more balanced facial appearance and renewed self-confidence following rhinoplasty.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures

On its own, rhinoplasty can significantly improve the look of the face. However, because the nose is only one part of the facial anatomy, albeit a central one, the chin can also be augmented with a simple implant for better facial integration and a more attractive profile.

A chin implant can be placed at the same time as rhinoplasty to improve the side view of the face. A person with a large nose may also have a small chin, which produces a rounded appearance to the face. Reducing the nose and enlarging the chin can change that profile to a nice, straight one.

Cost of Rhinoplasty in New Jersey

Because rhinoplasties are such individualized procedures, the cost will vary. When you meet with your surgeon and discuss your goals, you will receive a price quote that reflects your goals and the steps necessary to achieve them. We also offer financing plans for our patients. If you have any questions, please call one of our New Jersey offices and speak with one of our specialists.

FAQ

References

1. Tasman AJ. Rhinoplasty – indications and techniques. GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2008;6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3199847/
2. Raggio BS, Asaria J. Open Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546628/
3. Fichman M, Piedra Buena IT. Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558970/