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Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty in Sarasota

The nose is a central and defining feature of the face. A slight alternation of this feature can dramatically change your appearance. Nasal surgery is an excellent complement to our other facial surgeries, including facelift or brow surgery. 

Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center is delighted to offer rhinoplasty to our patients throughout Florida. Our skilled surgeons expertly shape and contour the nose to create aesthetic enhancement and address breathing challenges and airway obstructions. 

If you’re considering nasal surgery, reach out to us to learn more or schedule a consultation.

Rhinoplasty in Sarasota, FL

Before and after rhinoplasty
Before and after rhinoplasty
Before and after rhinoplasty
Before and after rhinoplasty
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What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is nasal surgery. This procedure can serve a cosmetic or functional purpose, or often, a combination of both. Some people call rhinoplasty nasal reshaping or nose reshaping. 

 Rhinoplasty alters the nose’s structure by reshaping bone and cartilage, placing grafts or implants, and redraping skin and tissue. While this is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S., it can be highly challenging to achieve the best possible results. Working with a skilled and experienced nasal surgeon is essential. 

Common Reasons for Rhinoplasty Surgery

Unhappiness with the appearance

If you’re self-conscious about the size, shape, or symmetry of the nose you were born with, rhinoplasty can correct various issues. 

Age-related changes

The nose’s appearance can change with age. Rhinoplasty can rejuvenate the nose by addressing age-related changes, including wrinkles, skin laxity, and size.

Functional difficulties

Breathing problems and airway obstructions can negatively impact a patient’s quality of life. A skilled surgeon can combine a rhinoplasty with functional nasal surgery to repair a deviated septum (septoplasty) or enlarged nasal turbinates (turbinoplasty). Correcting functional issues of the nose can alleviate associated medical conditions like headaches or frequent nasal allergies. 

Trauma or injury to the nose

Nasal injuries are common in sports and other activities. These injuries can permanently alter the nose’s appearance. Rhinoplasty repairs damage to the nose from injury or trauma. 

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

Your surgeon will perform rhinoplasty using either an open or a closed technique, depending on which is more effective for your specific nasal concerns.

Closed Rhinoplasty

Closed rhinoplasty allows for a simple nasal transformation with no visible scarring. All incisions for this technique are inside the nostrils. Closed rhinoplasty only provides minimal access to the underlying nasal tissues and is typically a better choice for patients who desire a minor reshaping. 

Due to the limitations of a closed technique, surgeons perform closed rhinoplasty much less frequently than open rhinoplasty.

Open Rhinoplasty

For dramatic changes to the nose, open rhinoplasty is generally the preferred method. With open rhinoplasty, a surgeon places the incision on the nose’s exterior so they can lift the skin and expose the supportive underlying tissues. This technique provides the surgeon with superior access and an enhanced ability to visualize and control the alternation of nasal tissues. 

The incision for an open rhinoplasty is typically on the strip of tissue dividing the nostrils or along the base of the nose, along the natural crease just above the lip. 

How Do I Prepare for My Rhinoplasty at Sarasota Plastic Surgery?

Your Guide to Rhinoplasty

Preparation can improve the results of your rhinoplasty procedure. We’ll provide detailed instructions as you prepare for surgery. Our team is here to support each patient throughout the entire rhinoplasty process.

Stop taking specific medications

Make sure you tell your surgeon about any medications you’re currently using, including over-the-counter medications and any supplements. Patients should stop using aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, St. John’s wort, and vitamin E for at least one week before surgery. You should also stop smoking and drinking alcohol in excess. 

Be open and honest with your surgeon

We need to understand your lifestyle to create a surgical plan that works for you. Be fully open with your surgeon about anything relating to surgery or preparation. 

Arrange for help

You’ll need some support after surgery. Arrange for a ride home on surgery day and help with household responsibilities for the first few days of your recovery process.

Hydrate

Good hydration can speed healing. Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to a rhinoplasty procedure and while you heal.

Fill prescriptions

Fill all needed prescriptions before surgery day and have them within arm’s reach.

Have pillows handy

We recommend having lots of pillows or a bed wedge available.

Learn More About Sarasota Rhinoplasty

If you’re unhappy with your nose’s appearance or function of your nose, Sarasota Plastic Surgery Center can help you make a change. Contact our office to schedule a consultation or learn more about nasal reshaping in Florida.

FAQs About Sarasota, FL, Rhinoplasty

Is rhinoplasty dangerous?

All surgery has risks, but patients can significantly reduce these challenges by working with a board-certified plastic surgeon, like those at Sarasota Plastic Surgery. Choose a surgeon with plenty of experience operating on the nose, and make sure that you fully disclose your medical history and lifestyle to ensure the procedure is a safe option for your situation.

Will my surgeon need to break my nose during rhinoplasty?

Approximately half the time, rhinoplasty surgeons break nasal bones and cartilage to reshape the nose. Breaking the nose is typically necessary in instances of nasal asymmetry. After breaking the bone and cartilage, a surgeon will reshape and reattach these structures. During recovery, plastic external nasal splints supports the nose’s new shape.

Does my heritage impact the rhinoplasty procedure?

Experienced rhinoplasty surgeons perform this surgery on patients of all ethnicities with exceptional results. When the patient is non-Caucasian, some surgeons call this surgery “ethnic rhinoplasty.” Our surgeons may use nasal implants, grafts, and cartilage to build up the nasal tissues in patients of African, Asian, or Hispanic genetic heritage. To achieve good results from an ethnic rhinoplasty procedure, make sure you choose a surgeon who has worked with many other patients of your ethnicity.

Will I have scarring after rhinoplasty?

Scarring after rhinoplasty is minimal for most patients. With the closed technique, all incisions are inside the the nostrils. Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible scarring. The surgeon places a small incision between the nostrils in open rhinoplasty. This incision may be visible initially, but once it has fully healed, most patients find the small scar is unnoticeable.

How long until I see my final rhinoplasty result?

While patients can see improvement in the shape of their nose shortly after rhinoplasty, it may take up to a year for all swelling to resolve and the final appearance of the nose to become visible.

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