Rhinoplasty in Bellevue, WA
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What is a Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgeries. It reshapes the nose to improve both appearance and function. The goal is to refine the size and shape of the nose so that it looks balanced and proportional with the face, while also addressing breathing difficulties if present.
In cases where breathing is affected, surgeons may correct the nasal septum (a structure that divides the left and right sides of the nose). This procedure is called septoplasty. When septoplasty is combined with rhinoplasty, it is referred to as septorhinoplasty.
To support or reshape nasal structures, surgeons may use cartilage from the septum, ear, the patient’s own rib (autologous cartilage), or donor rib cartilage.
Who is a candidate?
Good candidates for rhinoplasty are:
- Individuals in good overall health
- Patients who have completed facial growth (typically age 16 or older)
- People with breathing difficulties or cosmetic concerns about the nose
- Those who have realistic expectations about the outcome
Smoking and medical conditions such as diabetes can interfere with healing. It’s important to discuss these factors with your surgeon
What are the common goals of a rhinoplasty?
A rhinoplasty may be performed to:
- Improve breathing
- Reduce a nasal hump
- Refine the nasal tip
- Adjust the angle of the tip (rotation)
- Change tip projection (height)
- Straighten a crooked nose
- Correct a saddle nose deformity
- Narrow wide nostrils
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty vs Functional Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can be performed for cosmetic reasons or functional. When considering rhinoplasty, it’s important to know what your goals are before undergoing the surgery. When rhinoplasty is performed for cosmetic reasons, Dr. Parikh’s goal is to make the nose more symmetrical with your facial profile. This will help improve your overall facial appearance.
When rhinoplasty is performed for functional reasons, it can help open up the obstructed airway to improve your breathing. It’s an excellent solution for those experiencing a deviated septum and other conditions related to the nose.
Types of Rhinoplasty
Dr. Parikh utilizes different rhinoplasty techniques to address the different needs of the patients he works with. The type of rhinoplasty procedure you have will depend on your goals and the degree of correction required to achieve them. Depending on your specific needs, an open rhinoplasty or secondary rhinoplasty will be performed.
Open Rhinoplasty
In this procedure, Dr. Parikh will create a small incision between your nostrils, around the tip of the nose, and under it. This way, he will have complete access to your entire nasal structure and will be able to reshape it accordingly. Through this technique, he has enough room for an extensive procedure and is able to make sure that possible scars remain out of plain sight.
Secondary Rhinoplasty
In some cases, the initial procedure doesn’t work as expected and Dr. Parikh might have to perform a revision procedure called secondary rhinoplasty. Depending on the new goal, this can be open or closed.
Approach to Rhinoplasty
In general, there are two main approaches to the procedure; open rhinoplasty which is making an incision on the columella or underneath and closed rhinoplasty which involves making an incision inside the nose where no scar is seen on the outside of the nose.
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Open and closed rhinoplasty refer to two different surgical approaches. In an open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision at the base of the nose, which allows for excellent visibility of the nasal structures and precise adjustments. While this method is often considered the gold standard, it typically requires longer surgical time, may involve more swelling during recovery, and can leave a very subtle scar that is usually well-hidden. In contrast, a closed rhinoplasty involves incisions made entirely inside the nose, leaving no external scars. This approach is best suited for patients needing minor changes, such as reducing a hump or refining the nasal tip, and often comes with a shorter recovery period. The choice between open and closed rhinoplasty ultimately depends on the patient’s anatomy and the surgeon’s professional judgment, as both methods can achieve excellent results.
| Feature | Open Rhinoplasty | Closed Rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | Inside and outside the nose | Inside the nose |
| Visibility | Full exposure of nasal structures, more precise for complex changes. | Limited visibility |
| Scarring | Small scar between the nostrils, usually barely visible | No external scar |
| Best For | Revision rhinoplasty, complex reshaping, crooked noses, functional structural changes | Minor reshaping, subtle refinements (eg. hump reduction or tip refinement) |
| Recovery | Longer swelling time | Quicker recovery |
| Complication | Same | Same |
Preparing for surgery
Rhinoplasty is an elective procedure, and patient safety is always our top priority at RP Plastic Surgery. During the consultation, your surgeon will review your medical history and discuss your goals for the procedure. It is important to inform your surgeon if you have any of the following:
- Breathing difficulties
- History of facial or nasal surgery, or facial trauma
- Bleeding disorders, autoimmune conditions, or connective tissue disorders
- Past adverse reactions to antibiotics or anesthesia
You should also avoid medications and supplements that can increase bleeding, such as NSAIDs (e.g., Advil, Motrin), blood thinners, and supplements like arnica, garlic, ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, and fish oil. Smoking and nicotine products should be stopped, as they negatively affect healing. Some medications, including GLP-1 agonists, may interfere with anesthesia and need to be stopped before surgery. Please discuss these with your surgeon.
Managing expectations is also an essential part of preparation. Factors such as skin thickness, cartilage strength, and natural facial asymmetry can all influence the final result. Having an open discussion with your surgeon about these aspects helps ensure realistic expectations.
Recovery Timeline
1–3 Days
After surgery, mild bleeding is common. A small piece of gauze taped under the nose can help manage drainage. If bleeding does not stop, contact your surgeon or go to the emergency room. To minimize swelling, keep your head elevated while sleeping and apply ice packs around the eyes and cheeks. Most patients can resume routine daily activities within 4 – 5 days, though exercise should be avoided. Rest and keeping the surgical site clean and moist with ointment will support healing.
7 Days
External and internal splints are usually removed within 1 – 2 weeks, depending on your surgeon’s preference. If sutures were placed, they may also be removed during this time.
4–6 Weeks
By this stage, the nose is typically more presentable as swelling and bruising continue to improve. Breathing through the nose often becomes easier as well. Depending on your surgeon’s recommendations, you may also receive guidance on nose taping, resuming strenuous physical activity, wearing glasses, bathing, and using makeup.
6 Months to 1 Year
Swelling continues to subside during this period, and the nose gradually takes on its final shape. Any scars will mature and fade over time. For revision surgeries, swelling may take longer to resolve.
It’s important to remember that healing varies from person to person, and each patient’s recovery timeline may differ.
Complications
While serious, life-threatening complications are rare, rhinoplasty may involve both functional and aesthetic risks. More common potential complications include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Abnormal scarring
- Septal perforation
- Persistent nasal obstruction
- The need for revision surgery
If grafts are used (autologous or alloplastic), they may have their own specific risks. Your surgeon will review these in detail with you.
Reviews
Dr. Rikesh Parikh is one of the best doctors in the NW! He did a Rhinoplasty for me about 2 weeks ago, and it looks TOO perfect. I recommend everybody to go to Dr. Parikh for facial and body surgery.
C.M.
Nose Aesthetics Male vs Female
The look of the nose in a man is different than in a woman. In men the nose generally has less angle between the upper lip and the bottom part of the nose called the columella around 90 to 95 degrees. Women can tolerate more tip rotation upwards. Also the dorsum or bridge of the nose in a male is usually straight down versus a female nose where it is straight or slightly sloped in. Female noses may also have a slight supratip break between the dorsum and the beginning of the tip. The skin over the nose is generally thicker than in a female. Thick skin can mask the underlying framework changes made during rhinoplasty as opposed to thin skin which can show the framework easily.
Candidates
Rhinoplasty candidates are in relatively good health. They have been thinking about a rhinoplasty procedure for sometime. They have clear goals and expectations of what they think their nose should look like. At times, rhinoplasty may involve the use of cartilage or bone from other areas of the body if necessary. The risks and benefits of the procedure should be very clear. It is very important that the surgeon and patient are on the same page in terms of expectations and results. Dr. Parikh performs an in depth tailored consultation for each patient planning to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure.
Book A Consultation
Are you ready to enhance your facial harmony through rhinoplasty? At RP Plastic Surgery, we specialize in this transformative facial procedure and focus on creating beautiful, natural results that meet your aesthetic aspirations. Our personalized approach ensures that all your concerns are addressed, helping you feel confident in your decision. Book a consultation with us today to discuss your vision for your nose and explore our surgical techniques. Contact us now to embark on your journey to a more balanced appearance!