Rhinoplasty

Your nose is a central component of your face, and making any cosmetic changes to it requires a high level of skill so that you achieve the look you want while still looking and feeling like yourself. A matter of millimeters can make a big difference on how your nose looks after rhinoplasty.

Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about nose surgery, including pricing. Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery has helped men and women from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnetonka, St. Cloud, Wayzata and across Minnesota.

Please note that Dr. Jennifer Harrington does not perform this procedure, but can refer you to a trusted colleague for exceptional care.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nose Surgery?

If you feel self conscious about your nose or feel like your nose doesn’t “fit” your face, rhinoplasty can be an excellent option to consider. Some of the specific concerns this procedure corrects include:

  • A bump or hump on the bridge of the nose
  • A nasal tip that sags or droops when you smile
  • A thick or enlarged nasal tip
  • A nose that appears too large or too small for your face
  • A nose that is crooked or off-center

Nose Surgery Incisions

In general, there are 2 types of rhinoplasty techniques: open and closed. The open approach, much more common, requires an incision across the columella (the strip of skin between your nostrils) in addition to internal incisions and restructuring of the nasal structures. This technique is more commonly used so that the plastic surgeon has easy access to the complete anatomy of the nose.

In certain circumstances, a closed rhinoplasty may be performed, which does not require any incisions on the outside of the nose. In the closed technique, the surgeon has more limited access and visibility, and needs to complete all work through the nostrils only. Your surgeon can provide a surgical plan after evaluating your anatomy and your goals.

Your Rhinoplasty Procedure

A rhinoplasty is a same-day procedure that typically takes anywhere from 2 to 5 hours to perform based on the amount of complexity and surgical correction involved. During surgery, the plastic surgeon makes incisions based on the planned surgery technique and accesses the underlying cartilage. Based on the surgical goal, the surgeon can resculpt the bone and reshape the cartilage as needed before redraping the skin over the new nasal structure. All incisions are closed using sutures, and the nose is bandaged to protect it during the healing process.

Rhinoplasty Recovery

You will be sent home the day of your surgery to begin your recovery. You will have a follow up visit scheduled a few days after your surgery so that your surgeon can check on the progress of your healing and remove dressings. It is critical to follow all of your post-surgical instructions so that your incisions heal without complications and your nose remains undisturbed.

Expect some degree of bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes. You will probably feel ready to return to work and other activities after about 10 to 14 days, depending on how much swelling you have and how self-conscious you feel about it. Don’t rush your recovery, but also don’t worry too much about having to hide away for many weeks.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

How do I choose the best rhinoplasty plastic surgeon near me?

When searching for a nose surgeon in your area, asking local friends and family members for referrals is a great place to start. Beyond word-of-mouth referrals, you can also check online reviews, view before and after photos and check medical credentials online to narrow your search. Don’t be afraid to book a consultation with more than one plastic surgeon to help you make a final decision on the best fit for you.

What is the best age to have nose surgery?

Many people consider nose surgery in their late teens or early 20s. This procedure can’t be performed until the nose is finished developing as part of puberty. But even though the procedure is often associated with younger patients, plenty of people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond will have nose surgery, either on its own or as part of a more complete facial rejuvenation.

How painful is rhinoplasty?

You may experience mild to moderate discomfort in the first few days after your rhinoplasty, though many men and women are pleasantly surprised at how little discomfort they feel as they recover. Most symptoms can be easily managed with prescription or over-the-counter pain medication, as well as by applying cold packs and keeping your head elevated to reduce swelling.

When will I see my rhinoplasty results?

Initial nose surgery results may become visible in about a month as swelling and bruising subside. It may take 6 to 12 months or more for your final results to be seen, as swelling fully subsides. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see the dramatic outcome you’d expected right away.

How long does rhinoplasty last?

By and large, a rhinoplasty is a permanent change to your nasal appearance. The skin on your nose will of course naturally age over time, and some changes to the soft tissue of the nose are inevitable over time.

Next Steps

Rhinoplasty, when performed by a skilled plastic surgeon, can help you feel great about the reflection you see in the mirror. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to request your facial surgery consultation and learn more about how to enhance your natural appearance.