What is a Rhinoplasty?

“Rhino-” means nose and “-plasty” means to mold, graph, or form. Therefore, a rhinoplasty is a surgery on the nose done to change its shape or improve its function. Common desires include making a nose smaller, narrowing the nose, making changes to the nasal tip, lifting a droopy nose, or revising a previous rhinoplasty.

In many cases, Dr. Sufyan is able to utilize the endonasal approach, which allows the procedure to be minimally invasive.

Dr. Sufyan also utilizes Vectra 3D imaging for nasal reconstruction. This innovative technology allows both the patient and surgeon to preview the results of a plastic surgery procedure before surgery is performed. Vectra 3D imaging is also meaningful to surgeons for increased insight and understanding of the patient’s anatomy.

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Who is a Good Candidate?

  • Nose you were born with makes you self-conscious or unhappy
  • Displeased with how your nose has aged
  • Experience problems breathing related to the nose
  • Have disfigurement resulting from trauma/injury
  • Nonsmokers (no active smoking for 4 weeks prior to surgery or after surgery)
  • Reasonable expectations

Types of Rhinoplasty

Dr. Sufyan’s operative plan is based on a clear understanding of the patient’s desired goals paired with a careful and accurate diagnosis of the patient’s anatomy.

Functional

A functional rhinoplasty helps fix and open the nasal passageway to make breathing easier. Functional rhinoplasties focus primarily on physical abnormalities that obstruct breathing caused by either congenital defects or the effects of physical trauma. Common reasons patients may seek this procedure include nasal trauma after injury to the face, cancer removal, deviated septum, obstructed nasal passageways or nasal polyps.

Cosmetic

A cosmetic rhinoplasty is what most people think of when they hear the word “nose job.” It’s specifically for when the patient is looking to change the size or shape of their nose for aesthetic purposes.Common reasons for a cosmetic rhinoplasty are to change the size of the nose, nasal misalignment correction, nostril shape and size modification, dorsal hump correction, or drooping nasal tip enhancement.

Open

An open rhinoplasty in mid Michigan involves making a small incision across the small column of skin at the base of the nose between your nostrils. This technique allows advantageous exposure and direct visibility that is necessary in more difficult cases.

Closed

Endonasal— or closed—rhinoplasty, is a 45-minute minimally-invasive procedure that corrects the nasal framework for form and function. Patients typically have a recovery time of a few days. This is the new standard of care. Many patients are hesitant to undergo rhinoplasties because of open rhinoplasties’ reputation for pain, recovery times of up to a year, uncomfortable nasal packing and other issues. With endonasal rhinoplasty, patients avoid those issues.

Listen to Dr. Ahmed Sufyan explain nasal obstruction here!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you do a rhinoplasty?

There is no “standard” rhinoplasty in Michigan. Each operation is unique in that it must be personalized to the specific anatomic components involved and the desires of the patient. Dr. Sufyan will select the best incision, approach, and technique to achieve the desired surgical goal. Rhinoplasty is usually done as an outpatient procedure under either general or local anesthesia. The incisions are typically made within the nostrils but in more difficult cases, may be made across the base of the nose. The underlying bone and cartilage is reduced, augmented, or repositioned to create a newly shaped structure.

What is involved in the procedure?

Your rhinoplasty surgery will typically last anywhere between 45 minutes up to two hours. Depending on the patient, Dr. Sufyan will either make an incision across the bottom of your nose between your nostrils (open technique), or in the lining of your nostrils (closed technique). He will then either remove or rearrange cartilage, and in some cases break and reposition bone in order to reshape the nose.

What is the recovery after rhinoplasty surgery?

The first postoperative visit will typically be one week after surgery at which time Dr. Sufyan will evaluate how the nose is healing. All the sutures are usually dissolvable. You may have moderate swelling and bruising around your eyes that could last up to two weeks after your surgery. Prescription pain medication can help to manage any discomfort that patients experience. It is recommended to avoid strenuous activity for up to four weeks after your surgery; Dr. Sufyan will let you know when it’s safe for you to return to your daily lifestyle. The final shape of your nose will be noticeable after it has healed completely and swelling and bruising has subsided.

What are the risks and limitations of rhinoplasty in Mid Michigan?

Risks of rhinoplasty include infection, swelling, numbness, postoperative nose bleeds, possible collapse of the nose, external scarring, and holes inside the septal area of the nose. The risk of suffering a nosebleed, requiring further treatment and/or nasal infections are extremely small. Swelling in the skin at the time of surgery may hide underlying irregularities or asymmetries that can be seen later. Unpredictable healing may cause new irregularities or asymmetries that can appear weeks or months after surgery. Very rarely, slight reddening of the skin may occur. This typically only happens if you have had a previous rhinoplasty. The biggest limitation with rhinoplasty is thick skin, it is difficult to shrink and conform to the underlying framework of the procedure. These possible risks and limitations can be discussed further at your consultation with Dr. Sufyan.

Does a rhinoplasty require an overnight hospital stay?

Rarely. This procedure can be performed in the hospital or in an outpatient surgical center. You will most likely be able to go home a few hours after your rhinoplasty surgery.

Can my breathing be improved during rhinoplasty?

Nasal function should never be deliberately sacrificed for cosmetic enhancement. Although nasal obstruction is a potential risk of any nose job in mid Michigan, in competent hands, nasal breathing is rarely compromised. Certain cosmetic defects are responsible for breathing problems, because of this, rhinoplasty can improve both appearance and function.

How old must I be to undergo rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty should generally be delayed until after one has underwent their growth spurt. This is typically age 13 for girls, and 15 for boys. By this time, the nose is 90 percent of its adult size.

How long will I be out of work following rhinoplasty?

Rest and relaxation are strongly advised during the first week post-operative to speed up recovery and minimize bruising and swelling. Although some bruising is common upon bandage removal one week after surgery, patients with sedentary jobs may safely return back to work. However, those whose jobs require physical exertion may need an additional 2-3 weeks before returning to work.

In every case, it is recommended to avoid unnecessary exertion for at least one month after surgery to avoid prolonged swelling.

Will insurance cover a rhinoplasty?

It’s important to understand that cosmetic surgery, in this case a nose job in Michigan, is typically not covered under most insurance plans. However most insurance companies cover that which is medically necessary. Coverage will depend on your insurance carrier.

Are there any medications that need to be avoided before surgery?

It is important to avoid taking certain medications, vitamins and herbs two week prior to your surgery. This is because some medications may cause you to bleed more than normal.

When will I be able to see results?

Results will start to be visible after the swelling and bruising have subsided. Because all individuals are unique, this time period varies. Final results are able to be seen approximately 5-6 months post operatively.

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