Announcement
CASE OF THE MONTH
Seattle rhinoplasty surgeon Sam Naficy, MD performed this rhinoplasty procedure to help refine the tip and reduce the hump on the bridge of the nose. The patient also had a deviated septum which was corrected at the same time as the rhinoplasty.
See the before and after results here
Announcement
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SEEING WHAT YOUR NOSE COULD LOOK LIKE AFTER A RHINOPLASTY?
Seattle rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Sam Naficy can perform computer simulations to help you visualize the potential outcome of rhinoplasty. Check out this link for more details about rhinoplasty simulations. Also, if you are wondering whether you would be a good candidate for rhinoplasty, you may submit your photographs to us for a virtual consultation.
Announcement
DR. SAM NAFICY VOTED TOP SEATTLE PLASTIC SURGEON FOR THE FACE
Voted by his medical peers for his expertise in rhinoplasty and facial cosmetic surgery
Seattle Magazine
Rhinoplasty FAQs
Below you will find a list of some of the more common questions related to
rhinoplasty that our patients have asked over the years. If you have a question
for which you don't see an answer here, we welcome you to ask us.
Why is a nose job called rhinoplasty?
The word "rhino" means "nose" and the word "plasty" means "to shape or to
mold." So "rhinoplasty" literally means "to shape or mold the nose".
What features can be improved with rhinoplasty?
A number of changes to the shape of the nose can be made with rhinoplasty.
Noses can be made smaller or larger, narrower or wider, shorter or longer.
Bumps on the bridge can be corrected, and droopy noses can be lifted.
How is the surgery performed?
The surgery is performed by reshaping the cartilage and bone under the skin of
the nose. After these deep structures are reshaped appropriately, the skin
redrapes over the new framework.
Are there cuts outside the nose?
Most of the incisions (cuts) for rhinoplasty are made inside the nose. There are
situations that require small incisions to be made outside the nose. These are
typically placed in well-hidden areas.
Are there visible scars after the surgery?
Typically, most of the incisions are inside the nose and the small incisions that
may need to be placed outside tend to heal nicely. Thick or raised scars or
keloids are extremely rare after rhinoplasty.
Will everyone know that I have had a nose job?
The goal of rhinoplasty is to bring the nose in harmony with the rest of the face.
Typically, after rhinoplasty, people will comment on the fact that you look better,
but most may not notice that your nose is different. After rhinoplasty, people will
tend to notice other features of your face, previously masked by your nose, such
as your eyes and your lips.
How soon can I go back to work or school?
One week is typically enough time for returning to work or school. At that time
the dressing is removed from the nose and make-up may be worn on the face.
See the recovery section of this website for pictures
one week after rhinoplasty.
Will I get black eyes?
Not everyone will get bruising around the eyes after rhinoplasty. If black eyes do
appear, they typically resolve within 7-10 days after the procedure. Avoiding
certain medications or herbal supplements that may thin the blood will help reduce the risk of bruising after rhinoplasty.
Medications to avoid [16kb PDF]
Is there packing inside the nose?
Dr. Naficy uses modern techniques of nasal surgery that do not require any
packing in the nose. This makes the recovery of his patients much easier in
comparison to the older techniques that require packing.
Can I breathe through my nose after the surgery?
Typically, you can breathe though your nose after surgery. There will be some
swelling of the nose during the healing process, which will make you somewhat
congested, similar to having a cold.
Do you have to break the nose?
It is not always necessary to reshape or modify the nasal bones after rhinoplasty.
Many patients just need work done on the cartilages of the nose and the bone
may be left untouched. People with wide nasal bones, asymmetric nasal bones,
or large bony humps may require reshaping of the nasal bones.
What kind of dressing is used?
The dressing used after rhinoplasty is made up of tape over the bridge of the nose and a thin but rigid protective cover that is custom-fitted to match the shape of your nose. The nostril area is left open for breathing and the eyes are not covered.
Are there stitches in the nose?
There are small sutures (stitches) inside the nose and where outer incisions have
been made. These are all self-dissolving and do not need to be removed.
How bad is the pain?
The discomfort after rhinoplasty is typically minimal. Most of our patients may
need to take prescription pain medication on the first night after the procedure
but by the next day they no longer need to. Many patients only need to take
Tylenol for discomfort.
How long does the swelling last?
Most of the swelling resolves within a week. See the recovery section of this website for pictures one week after rhinoplasty.
By around 2-3 weeks, typically 80% of the swelling is gone. The remainder of
the swelling will gradually fade over the course of the next 6 to12 months.
How soon can I start to exercise?
Light aerobic exercise may be resumed at one week. Strenuous exercise or
weight lifting can be resumed at two weeks.
At what age are you old enough to have a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty can be performed on young men and woman after their facial growth
has been completed. This typically translates into age 15-16 for woman and 16-
17 for men.
At what age are you too old to have a rhinoplasty?
As long as the individual is in good health, there is no upper age limit for
rhinoplasty.
What is a deviated septum?
The septum is a partition that divides the nose into two compartments. It is made
up of both bone and cartilage, which are covered on both sides with the mucous
membrane of the nose. When the septum is not straight (deviated or crooked
septum), there is usually obstruction of the nasal passages that can involve one
or both sides.
What is septoplasty?
Septoplasty is the term used for surgical correction of a deviated septum. It
involves reshaping of the abnormally shaped septum into a straighter
configuration.
Does insurance ever pay for rhinoplasty surgery?
Your insurance carrier will not cover any costs associated with cosmetic enhancements made to improve the appearance of your nose. You are responsible for all fees associated with the cosmetic component of the procedure and this is the portion of the fee that is collected up-front. Your insurance carrier will typically cover the cost of reconstructive procedures performed to improve the function of breathing passages.
What are the risks of surgery?
Risks of rhinoplasty are typically minimal but may involve bleeding and nasal
obstruction. During your consultation and/or preoperative visit, a full disclosure
of the potential risks and complications will be made.
How long is the surgery?
The length of surgery depends on what needs to be performed but typically
ranges from 2 to 3 hours.
What type of anesthesia is used?
For maximal patient comfort and safety, Dr. Naficy uses a technique known as
twilight anesthesia.
How do I choose a surgeon?
There are a number of important considerations in choosing a good rhinoplasty
surgeon. We have outlined some of these key elements for you in the
consultation page of this
website.
What if I have had a rhinoplasty and I am unhappy with the result?
If the outcome form rhinoplasty is not completely desirable, a revision surgery
may be performed to further improve the nose. It is a good idea however to wait
at least one full year after the initial surgery because the nose continues to
develop its shape for up to one year after the rhinoplasty procedure.
If I have a rhinoplasty will it create problems with my nose or sinuses later
in life?
Rhinoplasty surgery typically does not create sinus problems. If rhinoplasty is
performed to make a nose considerably smaller, there is a potential of creating
breathing difficulty, particularly if there is a deviated septum present and if it is not addressed at the
same time.
Can I have a rhinoplasty if I have allergies or sinus problems?
If there are allergies or sinus infections present, rhinoplasty surgery can still be
performed. If there is an active sinus infection present, it is a good idea however
to get the condition under control before proceeding with a rhinoplasty procedure.
Many people suffering from allergies and sinus conditions may also have a
deviated septum.
Correction of the deviated septum at the same time as the rhinoplasty can often
help improve their breathing passages.
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