The Most Frequently Asked Questions Before a Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is a cosmetic procedure performed by the talented surgeons at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Jacksonville, FL. It is for patients who want to improve the size or shape of their nose, as it’s one of the most predominant features on the face. The surgery is also used to enhance the airways for improved breathing. Our staff is highly experienced in rhinoplasties, and they work hard to achieve your aesthetic or functional goals.

Before considering rhinoplasty, we encourage you to schedule a consultation appointment at our Jacksonville office so you can decide if this surgery is right for you. Below, our staff has compiled some of the questions most commonly asked by patients so you can be fully prepared.

Am I a candidate for rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can be performed for several reasons. People get rhinoplasty if they are unhappy with their appearance, to correct a breathing issue, or to repair the nose after a physical injury or trauma. The nose plays a vital role in the aesthetics of the face, so living with a crooked or large nose can cause self-esteem issues that can affect your quality of life. Rhinoplasty can reduce the volume of the nose, straighten the profile, correct asymmetry, or improve the shape of the nostrils. If you have issues sleeping or frequently snore, rhinoplasty can make you feel more comfortable when you breathe.

During a custom consultation at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery, we will help you determine if you are the right candidate for rhinoplasty by thoroughly assessing your medical history, personal health, and any current medications and supplements you may be taking. Generally, patients should be at least 18 years of age, in good health, and have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery. For additional concerns about candidacy, reach out to our facility in Jacksonville, FL, to schedule an initial examination.

What’s an open or closed rhinoplasty?

Depending on your nose and aesthetic goals, our team will perform what is called an open or closed rhinoplasty. An open rhinoplasty means we make an incision inside the nose and under the nose, between the nostrils. A closed rhinoplasty involves incisions made inside the nose. If you undergo rhinoplasty due to physical injury or want a dramatic cosmetic change, an open rhinoplasty may be used. For minor changes, Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery may suggest a closed rhinoplasty. Regardless of which type of rhinoplasty is performed, our skilled staff will make sure that the incisions are barely visible or concealed to make the surgery as successful as possible.

What is recovery like?

Recovering from rhinoplasty is quite tolerable for most patients. As an outpatient procedure, you can return home right after the surgery. However, a responsible and trusted adult should drive you home from the facility and stay with you for at least 24 hours following the procedure for your own safety. You can expect some bruising and swelling in the early stages of your recovery. Any discomfort or pain you may feel can be controlled with prescription medication. While you can return to your daily activities within a week, we suggest that you avoid more demanding activities for several weeks while you wait for the area to heal completely. If you have a physical or strenuous job, you may want to wait a little longer before returning to work so you can avoid injury. The professionals at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery in Jacksonville can give you some guidance about the healing process if you have other questions or concerns.

What will my end results look like?

Once the initial swelling and bruising subside after a few weeks, it can take up to one year for the appearance of your new nose to fully refine. During this time, you may see small changes as the outcome becomes more permanent. If you choose to have surgery to correct your breathing, you will notice the changes a little sooner as the airways have been opened up.

As mentioned previously, it’s essential to have realistic goals for your rhinoplasty surgery. Generally, patients are happy with their results and the new shape and size of their noses. The exact results may vary, however, based on your face shape, bone and cartilage structure, skin thickness, and age. While most improvements should be permanent, it’s natural to have gradual changes to every part of your body, including your nose, as you age.

Moving forward, we recommend following a healthy lifestyle to extend the results of your rhinoplasty. This includes a proper diet and regular exercise along with wearing sun protection on your face to protect the skin on your nose. If you have concerns about your end results, connect with Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation in Jacksonville, FL. Our team is dedicated to helping you get the outcome you want through a range of cosmetic offerings.