Matt Goldschmidt is a cosmetic surgeon in Ohio who has met with hundreds of patients. Insecurities about nose shape and positioning are among the most frequent reasons his patients say they don’t like their appearance.
There is a solution offered through rhinoplasty, which can change the nose size, profile, and width. The shape of nostrils can also be reconfigured through this surgery.
Before committing to cosmetic surgery, you should make absolutely sure that you are doing it to restore confidence in yourself, not to meet someone else’s expectations. Nose surgery should only occur in individuals who are fully developed.
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
As always with cosmetic surgery, do your research on what the work can do for you. It is essential that you don’t move forward with unrealistic expectations about what the operation will achieve. Patients will be under anesthesia for the entirety of the surgery. Incisions can either be made on the inside or outside of the nose depending on what is necessary for that particular surgery.
Tissues are then raised in order to reshape the nose. If extra tissue is needed, it is often taken from the septum. Once the incisions are closed, splints and tubes are utilized in order to stabilize the structure of the nose as it heals. These remain in place for approximately one week.
How Long Is My Rhinoplasty Recovery?
Typically, patients choose to take two weeks off work and their daily obligations to recover and heal. You could go back to work after just one week, in some cases, but you will have some visible bruising and swelling.
Because your nose and surrounding areas will be bruised and swollen, we suggest sleeping and resting with your head upright at all times.
When Will I See My Rhinoplasty Results?
It may be a year before the nose returns to normal function, as swelling may still occur months after surgery. After a year, swelling should go down for good, revealing the full results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
The right rhinoplasty candidate will:
- Be confident in their decision to undertake rhinoplasty
- Have a large or misshapen nose, or have breathing difficulties due to their nose
- Be a non-smoker or be willing to stop smoking before and after the procedure
- Be in good general health
- Have realistic expectations for the outcome of their nose surgery
Is rhinoplasty an outpatient procedure?
Yes, after your rhinoplasty procedure, you can go home. As the procedure uses anesthesia, it is required that patients have a ride home and someone to watch them for the first night.
Although not as common, some patients may require an overnight stay. You can ask your doctor in your consultation whether your case will require an overnight stay.
Is rhinoplasty a permanent procedure?
Yes, if you get the surgery when your nose is fully developed, the results should be permanent.
If you are unhappy with your results, you can consider rhinoplasty revision. Note that a rhinoplasty revision is much more difficult than an initial rhinoplasty because the doctor has to contend with scarring and new nasal structures. That is why it is so important to choose a skilled cosmetic surgeon initially.
Is rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Most people choose rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons. Therefore, it won’t be covered by health insurance. If you are getting your rhinoplasty due to breathing problems, you may be qualified for coverage.
It is best to reach out to your health insurance provider directly for more information.
Can rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, many patients choose to combine cosmetic procedures to save time and money. Some popular combinations with rhinoplasty include dermal fillers, facelift surgery, or an eyelid lift (blepharoplasty).
You will need to discuss with your doctor if combining facial procedures makes sense for your situation.
How long does a rhinoplasty procedure take to perform?
The surgery can range from 75 minutes to three hours.
What are the risks with rhinoplasty?
All surgeries pose some element of risk. With rhinoplasty, potential risks include:
- Anesthesia complications
- Discoloration of the nose
- Slight swelling of the nose
- Infection
- Scarring
- Redness
- Nasal septal perforation (although this can be treated)
Interested in Learning More About Rhinoplasty in Cleveland, OH?
For more information about Rhinoplasty / Nose Reshaping in Cleveland, OH or to schedule your Rhinoplasty / Nose Reshaping in Cleveland, OH consultation with Dr. Matt Goldschmidt, please call (216) 264-8100.