“I can finally breathe again.” “It’s something I’ve wanted since I was a kid.” “The best decision I’ve ever made. I wish I had done it sooner.” Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgeries – and for good reason. They are truly transformative physically and mentally.
According to RealSelf.com, Rhinoplasty has a 91% “Worth It” rating stemming from more than 20,000 reviews. You’ll find the surgery to be extremely rewarding particularly if it’s something you’ve been considering for a long time. Although it takes some time to see your final results, the everlasting positive effects on your confidence are worth it!
Externally, a rhinoplasty will balance your facial symmetry. Your nose will have a more proportionate size and shape that will match your natural facial structure. Your rhinoplasty will result in a beautiful nose that compliments your entire look.
More importantly, though, are the internal, mental, and emotional effects of rhinoplasty. The nose is the focal point of the face, so you may feel that nose size, crookedness, etc. distracts other people. After your rhinoplasty, you won’t have to worry about the appearance of your nose; rather, you can focus on showcasing your inner beauty.
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure in which a plastic surgeon reshapes the nose to improve contour, profile, size, proportion, and overall appearance. Patients commonly want their noses to be a little more straight, flat, thin, small, narrow, or proportionate. During this nose surgery, the surgeon may add or subtract tissue and use sutures to achieve these desired effects. Many individuals are shocked that a series of such small changes can make such a dramatic improvement.
It’s important to see a plastic surgeon for your Rhinoplasty even if your primary goal is to address structural issues. A plastic surgeon will develop a correctional plan that also prioritizes the appearance of the nose. Dr. Michelle Sieffert is known for creating natural results that “blend in” with the rest of the face. She will fix any structural issues inside the nose while always giving her patients and balanced and beautiful result.
Breast and body enhancements are possible, too. These combinations allow complex, multi-factorial goals to be achieved in a single operation.
Rhinoplasty may be a great option if you want to make cosmetic changes, structural fixes, or a combination of both to the nose. Across the board, candidates for Rhinoplasty are in general good health, have completed physical growth, and have established mental/emotional maturity. Candidates also must have realistic expectations. This age is typically around 16 or 17 depending on the patient. There is no upper age if you are in overall good health.
Rhinoplasty surgery changes lives for the better every day. The human body, though, will never be 100% symmetrical (this also may look unnatural). Ideal candidates for Rhinoplasty have realistic expectations for their results. Dr. Sieffert will account for your goals and individual anatomy when developing your plan. You will also view before-and-after photos of similar patients, so you have a realistic expectation of your future results.
You may not be a good candidate for Rhinoplasty if you suffer from certain health conditions. Dr. Sieffert will review your medical history during your consultation to determine whether further studies or referrals are necessary. You may need to stop taking certain medications before surgery as well.
While no surgery is pain-free, recovering from Rhinoplasty is relatively easy. Pain and headaches tend to resolve after the first few days, and Dr. Sieffert will prescribe pain medication to help ease the symptoms. Rest, head elevation, ice, and homeopathic remedies such as Arnicare will aid recovery, too.
You may have noticeable swelling and bruising, including bruising under your eyes and on your upper cheeks if the nasal bones are manipulated during surgery. Most of the swelling and bruising subsides progressively over one to two weeks, but it may take longer for the micro-swelling to go down. Dr. Sieffert will make further recommendations before surgery to help with post-operative bruising.
The most common side effect of Rhinoplasty is congestion. The swelling often causes difficulty in nasal airflow which can be inconvenient for patients. This should go away in the first week or two but may last longer. Everyone is different, and recovery time will depend on your body. However, most patients take about a week off before they resume normal activities. Your splint or cast will remain on for one week, depending on how your nose is healing. Many individuals feel up to going to work after a few days but prefer to wait until bruising and discoloration has subsided. You will have activity restrictions, including lifting and exercising, for about the first month after your surgery that will periodically be lifted.
Swelling will mask your final results for some time. Most of the swelling should be gone in the first few weeks, but it can take up to a month. The final result, however, is not established until a full year has passed and the underlying anatomy has adjusted to the surgical changes.
During your consultation, Dr. Sieffert will listen carefully to your goals and assess your expectations. Share all your aesthetic goals with Dr. Sieffert because she may be able to perform multiple procedures on the day of your operation to optimize your results.
Your consultation is an opportunity to learn as much as possible about the procedure, but also to get to know your surgeon and our team. Our friendly staff will be happy to walk you through the entire surgical and post-op process and answer any questions you may have about our practice. We can also go over cost and financing options for your convenience.
The cost of the Rhinoplasty is completely dependent on your goals and needs. Dr. Sieffert is experienced with performing several versions of the procedure, and some are much more involved than others. The cost can range from $7,000-$11,000 depending on the kind of procedure.
Once Dr. Sieffert understands your goals and you decide together on the right treatment plan for you, her surgical coordinator will provide you with an exact quote and discuss our financing options with you.
You should ask Dr. Sieffert any questions you may have about your current health or medications, your goals and expectations, the operative plan, the pre-operative preparations and post-operative management, your recovery, and possible complications. Feel free to ask questions about the surgeon’s experience, training, and credentials, as well as specifics about the surgical center, the anesthesia staff and the nursing team.
All surgeries come with risks, but those associated with Rhinoplasty are generally mild. Dr. Sieffert and our patient care team will discuss all risks with you prior to your surgery. The most common risk is nasal swelling, which can block your nasal passages and make your nose feel stuffed up. Swelling generally goes down within the first week or two, but it is not uncommon for swelling to persist. Make sure to address any concerns you have with Dr. Sieffert before the surgery. She and her team will be happy to go over all information that you need to know.
Make sure to ask Dr. Sieffert about possible outcomes, so you know exactly what to expect before you make any decisions. This will ensure that you and your surgeon are on the same page about what you want to be done and what can be done.
Before your procedure, you may have to stop taking certain medications. Dr. Sieffert will make this decision along with your current doctors. Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and supplements such as vitamin E and fish oil in the time leading up to surgery, as these medications can increase bleeding.
It is also crucial that patients quit smoking and using other tobacco products before surgery because nicotine greatly increases the chance of healing complications.
Before your surgery day, it’s best to prepare a recovery area within your home. Make sure to have plenty of juices and other liquids on hand, as hydration is important to the healing process. Have button-up or loose-necked shirts, as pulling clothing over your face may cause pain and disrupt bandages. You will also need to make plans for the day of surgery. You will need someone to drive you home after the surgery, and someone to stay with you for a night or two to help with everyday tasks.
Typically, the skin is lifted away from the underlying cartilage and bone. Many precise surgical maneuvers are then possible, depending upon the goals of the operation. If there is a bump on the bridge of the nose, then the cartilage and bone are filed down so it becomes straight and flat. If it is too wide, then the nasal bones are brought closer together. If the tip is too big and round, then fat and cartilage are often removed, and sutures are placed to help make it narrower. If the nose sticks out too far, then the cartilage is collapsed upon itself and sutured to set it back.
Depending upon your goals, Dr. Sieffert may perform a “closed” or “open” Rhinoplasty. During closed Rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostrils and the nasal bones, cartilage and soft tissues are often manipulated without direct vision. Open Rhinoplasty is the most popular approach in the United States. The addition of a 2–4 millimeter incision across the skin of the columella (strut between the nostrils) allows reshaping under direct vision. This subtle difference has improved predictability and reproducibility for most surgeons
Dr. Sieffert performs these procedures on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. The patient goes home with a small, skin-colored external cast or splint in place and there is no internal packing except in rare circumstances. The cast or splint is removed after one week, and discomfort is controlled with oral medication. External sutures are removed at one week as well, and internal sutures dissolve.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward rhinoplasty, call or email our office in Columbus, Ohio. A friendly staff member will be happy to answer your preliminary questions and set up a consultation with Dr. Sieffert’s surgical team. Your consultation provides the perfect opportunity for you to customize your procedure plan and learn about Dr. Sieffert and our office. We will be happy to share our practice philosophy and answer every one of your questions.
To start your journey or learn more about Rhinoplasty, we invite you to contact our office today and talk one-on-one with an expert!
