If you have always been bothered by the size and bulbous tip of your nose or simply wish to improve your facial harmony, rhinoplasty may be able to achieve the look you’ve always desired. Cosmetic nose surgery can enhance your entire facial appearance. Many patients pursue rhinoplasty to address long-held insecurities about their nose, but the procedure can also repair a broken nose.
This complete guide to Rhinoplasty Surgery covers everything you need to know about this procedure, including:
Rhinoplasty is a nose surgery performed to reshape the proportions of the nose in relation to the rest of the face. Commonly referred to as a “nose job,” the procedure is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world to achieve improved facial balance. Each person’s rhinoplasty is unique, but the procedure generally involves sculpting or removing the bones, soft tissues, and cartilage of the nose to create more facial harmony. The outcome depends on factors such as genetics, the thickness of your skin, your age, and the framework of your nose. Therefore, the results are similarly unique to each individual, but often life-changing.
Dr. Joe Gryskiewicz specializes in the SCARLESS RHINOPLASTY technique, which can reshape your nose with no visible scarring, a shorter recovery period than a traditional nose surgery, and results that last a lifetime. If desired, he can talk to you about whether your goals can be achieved with a scarless rhinoplasty during a consultation.
Rhinoplasty is an incredibly versatile and meticulous procedure where even subtle enhancements to the nasal structure often make a powerful difference. Whether you have a dominating or crooked nose, or would simply like to improve the angle of the nasal tip, Dr. Gryskiewicz can achieve many different goals, including:
Exploring our patient gallery of rhinoplasty before-and-after photos can also give you a better idea of how rhinoplasty can help you achieve greater facial balance before meeting with our plastic surgeon in a consultation.
Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty are typically those who are in relatively good health to withstand the surgery and post-operative recovery process. Prior to the procedure, the doctor will ask you to fill out a questionnaire, examine your facial structure and anatomical features, review your medical history, and ask you what you wish to accomplish with nose surgery by using drawings, computer images, a worksheet, and extensive notes. In this way, he can gain a comprehensive understanding of your desires to ensure the surgical outcome aligns with your expectations.
Candidates for rhinoplasty may also include patients who are interested in correcting a previous nose surgery that resulted in complications or dissatisfaction over the years. Our doctor can perform revision rhinoplasty for individuals who would like to address concerns from an initial rhinoplasty performed by another surgeon.
*Individual Results May Vary
Rhinoplasty can benefit both male and female patients who wish to achieve a more harmonious balance between their facial features. A question frequently asked is whether surgical techniques differ according to sex. While there is no significant difference between the way surgery is performed on men versus women, there is generally a distinction in the patient’s unique anatomy and desired cosmetic outcome. For example, women typically have a less prominent nasal bridge than men, and often desire a smaller nasal structure when compared to male patients. Although these characteristics are common patterns, there are no set “rules” governing male and female rhinoplasty techniques and each procedure is entirely customized according to the needs and preferences of each patient. Rhinoplasty is the perfect blend of science and art, offering many benefits to men and women alike.
Rhinoplasty is generally performed as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia. If you’re undergoing a scarless rhinoplasty, certain techniques may differ. Rest assured that Dr. Gryskiewicz will walk you through every stage of your treatment plan when you visit our practice. In general, rhinoplasty can take one to three hours to perform and incisions are made discreetly, sometimes on the inside of the nose to avoid external scarring completely. After our plastic surgeon gains access to the underlying nasal framework, the structures of the nose can be reshaped and improved.
The difference between open and closed rhinoplasty lies in where the incisions are placed. During open rhinoplasty, an incision is made along the natural crease of the columella, where the base of the nose meets the upper lip. This allows the highest degree of surgical control over the procedure and ensures scarring can remain inconspicuous and natural-looking. A closed rhinoplasty places incisions on the inside of the nose, so patients do not have any visible scarring. While each technique has its pros and cons, Dr. Gryskiewicz can help determine the most optimal approach for your goals.
Following rhinoplasty, a splint and/or gauze are placed to immobilize the nose, decrease swelling, and facilitate the healing process. Bruising, swelling, and tenderness are to be expected for the first few weeks, but should noticeably subside as your recovery progresses. Until these reactions dissipate, over-the-counter medications can manage discomfort in the meantime. The exact length of the recovery period depends on the details of your unique procedure. If you received a scarless rhinoplasty from Dr. Gryskiewicz, your recovery may be relatively brief. In either case, plenty of rest along with light ambulation (walking around the house, standing, etc.) can often accelerate your recovery. It’s very important to closely follow your plastic surgeon’s post-operative instructions, as this can decrease your risk of potential complications while you heal. Do not smoke for at least six weeks before and after your surgery, as smoking greatly increases the chances of poor wound healing and other complications.
One of the primary benefits of rhinoplasty is the lifetime results achieved after the procedure — the nasal framework is permanently enhanced and patients are able to enjoy greater facial harmony (or improved breathing) indefinitely. Following the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Gryskiewicz can often maximize the longevity of your results and ensure the nose heals optimally.
While scars after any surgical procedure are inevitable, the exact shape and size of your scars depend on the type of rhinoplasty performed. A closed or scarless rhinoplasty does not leave any external evidence of surgery since incisions are placed inside the nostrils. The exception involves cases where the nostrils are narrowed, which requires fine incisions at the base of the nose. With the open technique, a scar may appear within the natural crease where the septum meets the upper lip. This location can be very inconspicuous, and most patients report their scars fading over time once incisions are fully healed.
Given the personalized nature of the procedure, the cost of rhinoplasty is similarly customized according to each patient’s needs and aesthetic goals. There are many factors that can influence your overall nose surgery expenses, including:
These details can be determined once the doctor evaluates your concerns in a consultation, after which a member of our office will provide you with a personalized quote. Generally speaking, the cost of rhinoplasty in Minneapolis can range from $10,000 to $14,000 depending on your unique treatment plan. If you prefer to pay for your rhinoplasty over an extended period of time, our doctor works with highly reputable plastic surgery financing companies to make the cost of treatment more affordable. Offering a number of flexible payment plans with low monthly installments, financing through CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit can enable qualified applicants to receive the enhancement they desire while suiting any budgetary concerns. If you have any questions about the respective application processes, or our accepted modes of payment, please reach out to a member of our team.
While a surgical rhinoplasty is typically the most long-lasting and effective technique to improve the appearance of the nose, patients who prefer to avoid surgery can still achieve some degree of enhancement with a liquid rhinoplasty. This non-surgical alternative involves strategically combining certain dermal fillers and injectable treatments to recontour the nose according to your desired aesthetic. Using medical-grade fillers like Restylane®, the doctor can meticulously inject the solution to straighten bumps on the nasal bridge, fill in hollowed regions, or generally improve the dimensions of the nose. Although the results of a liquid rhinoplasty are less enduring than nose surgery, this treatment can be a convenient way to alter the nasal framework without the need for extensive downtime. We encourage you to explore our before-and-after photos to see the stunning outcomes achieved with this non-surgical approach, and don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions about a liquid rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty can be an excellent procedure to provide greater balance in your facial features, but this surgery may not be the best option for your individual goals. In some cases, chin augmentation can provide better results in enhancing your facial proportions when compared to rhinoplasty. Since a recessed chin tends to highlight a disproportionately large nose, strengthening the profile of the chin can help enhance the appearance of the nose. With chin augmentation, a custom-made chin implant can be placed to enhance projection in your lower face and improve a weak or recessed chin. An adjunctive effect of a chin implant includes the ability to offset a large or dominant nose.
If you’re unsure whether rhinoplasty or a chin implant is the best procedure to give you the facial harmony you desire, Dr. Gryskiewicz can examine your concerns and recommend an effective treatment plan to achieve your goals. In some situations, the best course of action may be to combine rhinoplasty with chin augmentation.
There are many facial rejuvenation procedures that can complement or accentuate the results achieved with nose surgery. Although rhinoplasty can provide beautiful results in balancing facial harmony, other procedures can help refresh the face and address signs of aging. A few options capable of improving the outcome of rhinoplasty may include:
A brow lift addresses the upper face, lifting drooping or aged brows while removing excess skin. If signs of aging in the upper face are conveying a look of stress, anger, or exhaustion, a brow lift can be an excellent option to regain a more youthful appearance.
A lip lift can also help improve facial proportions for individuals who notice the distance between their nose and upper lips have elongated. This is a common effect of aging, but the lip lift procedure can help increase lip show and provide a more balanced, symmetrical result.
Injectable fillers can be a simple and convenient method of enhancing fullness and improving the youthful contours of the face. Whether you’re interested in JUVÉDERM®, Restylane®, or our other injectable products, fillers simply involve a quick in-office treatment that can be completed in as little as 30 minutes.
After discussing the best procedure(s) to achieve your goals, Dr. Gryskiewicz can go over your treatment plan in detail so you understand what to expect during and after surgery. Some cosmetic treatment options can be performed simultaneously, while others may be completed in more than one surgery.
When researching the best plastic surgeon to perform your nose surgery, you should select a physician who makes you feel confident in their ability to achieve your goals. Pay attention to a surgeon’s certifications, educational background, training, and professional memberships to get an idea of their experience with aesthetic surgery. After you find a prospective surgeon you’re interested in, be sure to explore their gallery of rhinoplasty results. If you decide to schedule an initial consultation, don’t be afraid to ask how often they perform rhinoplasty and about their experience with the procedure. Most importantly, make sure your plastic surgeon answers all your questions thoroughly and patiently without urging you to go through with surgery.
There are many ways to decrease swelling after nose surgery, such as resting with your head slightly elevated, using cool compresses as instructed, and sticking to a healthy post-operative diet. Our plastic surgeon will use gauze and/or nasal splints to help encourage proper healing. It is important to note that although some swelling may last as long as one year after the procedure, the majority of inflammation should resolve within the first few months.
Given the delicate state of the nasal bones and cartilage after rhinoplasty, patients should avoid blowing their nose for at least two weeks. This timeframe may vary based on your procedure and unique rate of healing. Prematurely blowing the nose while the nasal framework is fragile can cause a number of complications, such as bleeding, increased swelling, and even an altered final outcome. Your plastic surgeon will let you know when it is safe to blow your nose again in your follow-up appointments.
If you must wear glasses after rhinoplasty, this is fine — our plastic surgeon simply advises taping your glasses to your forehead to decrease pressure on the nasal bridge. Ideally, those who wear glasses should switch to contacts, if possible, for at least four to eight weeks following their procedure. Both prescription glasses and sunglasses can place unnecessary pressure on the nose while it is healing, therefore it is best to avoid anything that may potentially strain the nasal bridge. Your plastic surgeon can give you a more accurate idea of when you can expect to resume wearing glasses at your consultation.
If you have congestion after surgery and you are not allowed to blow your nose, you can clean out your nasal passages by gently rinsing the nostrils with saline nasal spray.
For more information about rhinoplasty, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our practice in Burnsville or Edina today.