5 Little-Known Facts About Rhinoplasty

Many people are familiar with the basics of rhinoplasty. It is performed for functional as well as cosmetic reasons, and it can be very satisfying for patients who are self-conscious about the appearance of their nose. Scars are virtually undetectable with either the open or closed technique, and recovery no longer requires painful packing. Aside from these bits of information, there are a few other little-known facts about rhinoplasty that are important for patients to know before they pursue the procedure.

1. Rhinoplasty Is a Popular Cosmetic Procedure

According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), rhinoplasty was the fourth most popular cosmetic procedure last year, with over 223,000 procedures performed. This average includes nose surgery for reconstructive, cosmetic, and revision purposes. Men, women, teenagers, and varying ethnicities often experience the increased confidence and improved quality of life that comes from improving their nose.

2. Revision Rhinoplasty Is One of the Most Common Revision Procedures

Before considering their primary rhinoplasty procedure, patients should know that revision surgery is commonly needed, even when the primary rhinoplasty is performed by expert surgical hands. Computer imaging and the ability of the surgeon to foresee possible complications are both very effective factors that can determine the end result, but neither factor can precisely predict how the tissue will heal. Patients are more likely to achieve their desired result when they have realistic expectations and when they choose a surgeon who has performed hundreds of rhinoplasty surgeries. Dr. Bonaldi has met such credentials, and his training in reconstructive and microsurgery further sets him apart from other surgeons in Reno and the surrounding areas.

3. Results May Take Up to a Year to Show

Because of the unique tissues and structure of the nose, it can take a substantial amount of time for the nose to completely heal after surgery. Patients will see a noticeable improvement and can appear in public comfortably after a couple of weeks, but some degree of swelling may be present for up to a year. For this reason, it is recommended that patients wait at least a year before considering revision surgery.

4. No Surgeon Can Duplicate Another Person’s Nose

Patients are encouraged to bring a picture of their desired nose shape to their consultation, but they should know that their nose may not look exactly like another person’s nose. Skin thickness and the ability of the nose to heal will impact the particular changes the surgeon can make. Once Dr. Bonaldi assesses your nasal anatomy and desired outcome, he will communicate any limitations and ensure that all your expectations are met.

5. Rhinoplasty Requires Balance

Techniques for rhinoplasty are different between men and women and among ethnicities. The surgeon must stay true to the essential characteristics of the nose that make the individual identifiable yet meet the patient’s desires for the procedure. The surgeon must also ensure that the function of the nose is not affected by any cosmetic enhancements. The final result should be a nose that complements the other facial features and does not detract from the features that others should notice first: the eyes and smile.
If you are interested in nose reshaping surgery by an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon, please schedule your consultation with Dr. Bonaldi by calling (775) 828-7400, or fill out our online contact form for more information.