Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Mesa, Tempe, Gilbert and Scottsdale, AZ

rhinoplasty procedure

Rhinoplasty is a surgery that improves the cosmetics and functioning of the nose and is one of the most commonly performed procedures today. In 2020, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that rhinoplasty ranked #1 as the most popular cosmetic surgery. (1) Patients undergoing the procedure can attain better facial harmony, feel more confident about their facial profile, and improve overall attractiveness. Surgeons often combine nose-reshaping techniques with those designed to resolve certain breathing problems, such as congestion caused by a deviated septum. Facial plastic surgeons can create dramatic improvements by modifying cartilage, nasal bone, and mucous membranes while leaving no visible scarring.

A rhinoplasty can be an amazing experience if you have always felt self-conscious about your nose or have continually dealt with airflow issues. To book a consultation appointment to discuss your concerns with a qualified professional, consider getting in touch with Scottsdale Plastics in Scottsdale. Our practice is led by our compassionate and experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Robert Bonillas, who takes pride in spending quality time with every patient. As a member of multiple surgical organizations, Dr. Bonillas aims to keep up with the latest studies to ensure he follows the most updated, safest practices today.

Request your consultation online or call Dr. Bonillas’ staff at (480) 245-6380 to learn more about this life-changing procedure.

What Can I Rhinoplasty Accomplish?

personal rhinoplasty consultation

With a rhinoplasty, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Dr. Bonillas will evaluate your facial proportions as a whole and get a clear idea of the specific goals you have in mind. The procedure can correct a range of perceived imperfections, including:

  • An upward or downward-pointing tip
  • Overly wide nostrils 
  • Overly wide bridge in relation to the face
  • Dorsal humps and depressions
  • Crookedness 
  • Difficulty breathing from uneven nasal valves or enlarged nasal turbinates 
  • Other nose positioning issues 

Depending on the specific changes you would like, Dr. Bonillas will manipulate various soft tissues and bony/cartilage frameworks to create the permanent improvements you seek. He is passionate about forming natural-looking results that complement your other features, taking into account age, gender, ethnicity, and personal desires. If you have difficulty breathing through your nose, he will properly diagnose your condition before formulating a surgical plan.

What is a Septoplasty?

A septoplasty is similar to rhinoplasty in that it involves surgical changes to the nose, but it is purely functional. The procedure involves intricately adjusting the septum (the separating tissue between the internal nostrils) to resolve asymmetry and open the airways. With minor modifications, patients can find relief from symptoms like chronic cough as well. Dr. Bonillas can combine these septoplasty techniques with rhinoplasty approaches to simultaneously make breathing easier and enhance the outward appearance of the nose. When methods from both procedures are carried out at the same time, it is called a septorhinoplasty.

Ideal Candidates

rhinoplasty procedure

The best candidates are those who are at least 17 years old (when the nasal bone fully develops) and in good overall health with no major conditions. The best candidates are non-smokers, but Dr. Bonillas will consider individuals who smoke if they commit to quitting for at least one month before their scheduled procedure appointment. These individuals should also continue to refrain from nicotine for at least one month during their recovery period. Finally, all prospective candidates should hold realistic expectations that Dr. Bonillas can safely achieve. Dr. Bonillas will help you determine if a nose job is the right choice for you in a personal consultation. Get started towards an aesthetically pleasing nose today by reaching out to our office!

Personal Consultation

During your private meeting with Dr. Bonillas, you will have the opportunity to learn about the different surgical techniques involved in rhinoplasty. Dr. Bonillas will examine your nose and ask about the changes you would like to see. This information combined with his in-depth knowledge of the facial structure will help him determine your best treatment plan.

This meeting also allows Dr. Bonillas to determine if you are a healthy candidate for a nose job. He will ask about your medical history, current lifestyle, and medications and supplements you take. This information will help him gauge your candidacy.

Your personal consultation ensures that a rhinoplasty is the right choice for your concerns. This private engagement also gives you the chance to learn about Dr. Bonillas and ask all of your questions. Patients should write down questions before their consultation and bring them to their meeting.

If you and Dr. Bonillas determine and agree that a nose job is an excellent solution for you, he will schedule your appointment and take you through the preparation steps of the procedure.

Your personalized consultation with Scottsdale Plastics is just a phone call away. Get in touch with us at (480) 245-6380 or fill out our contact form to get started today.

Preparation 

As with any surgery, preparation is crucial in securing a healthy procedure and recovery. Dr. Bonillas will inform you of what preparation steps are expected of you during your consultation. These steps include filling prescriptions, avoiding blood thinners, setting aside a recovery area in your home, arranging for care and rides, and asking for about a week off from work. There are other steps you will have to perform the closer you get to the surgery date, like fasting for 12 hours before the appointment. Dr. Bonillas will provide you with instructions so you can navigate this time period well. You are always welcome to call our office with any last-minute questions.

Rhinoplasty Procedure Options 

Before any rhinoplasty, Dr. Bonillas will order IV sedation or general anesthesia, so you will be comfortably asleep for the duration of the procedure.

Closed Rhinoplasty

You may be a candidate for a “closed” rhinoplasty in which Dr. Bonillas will make all necessary changes using an internal incision within each nasal valve. This technique results in a shorter recovery time and no external scarring. Dr. Bonillas may recommend this technique to make relatively minor changes to the nasal tip or to smooth out dorsal humps. He may also perform a closed rhinoplasty if you have nasal valve collapse that interferes with breathing. (2)

Open Rhinoplasty

“Open” Rhinoplasties require an incision along the septum, giving surgeons a full view of the nasal structures. Though the recovery is generally longer than those required for closed rhinoplasty, surgeons can create more comprehensive changes to nasal anatomy and accomplish them with greater precision. (3) For this technique, Dr. Bonillas may need to place a tiny cartilage graft, harvested from a portion of the septum within the nose. He will secure this new tissue to the existing cartilage structures using fine biocompatible sutures, holding the new cartilage permanently.

For both approaches to rhinoplasty, Dr. Bonillas will modify the outer nostril appearance as the last step of the procedure. On average, rhinoplasties take about 3 hours to complete, and Dr. Bonillas will monitor you closely as the anesthesia wears off.

Recovery and Results 

For some time after surgery, you may experience some of the following side effects: swelling, stuffiness, nose/headache, bruising, and slight bleeding. Keeping your head elevated and applying a cold compress will help reduce the initial swelling. Though the side effects will gradually improve over the next several weeks, you will be able to return to work within one week. Dr. Bonillas will provide you with a splint to keep the nose protected and straight as it heals. At a follow-up appointment after your procedure, he will remove them and provide you with more instructions regarding care for your nose. Though some residual, subtle swelling will remain over the next few months, you will notice immediate enhancements once Dr. Bonillas takes the splint off. You will be able to continue your usual workout routine about 4 to 6 weeks into your recovery. The results will be natural-looking, compliment your unique facial structure, and last permanently!

Corresponding Procedure

Liquid Rhinoplasty 

If surgery is not your preferred method of reshaping your nose, a non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty with injectables can give you similar results that last several months or years. By strategically injecting dermal fillers, Dr. Bonillas can volumize precise areas of the nose to eliminate the appearance of asymmetry and dorsal humps. Dermal fillers are administered to the dermis layer of the skin, where they either hydrate the area by attracting water molecules or stimulating new collagen production. Though it will not resolve airflow issues, it can provide the aesthetic benefits of a rhinoplasty. The most advanced fillers, like Bellafill, can maintain results for up to 5 years. (4)

Cost of a Rhinoplasty in Scottsdale 

The cost of your procedure will relate to the steps and techniques involved in reshaping your nose. Dr. Bonillas will go over the cost breakdown of your personalized surgery during your consultation. If you are interested in alternative payment options, Scottsdale Plastics has layaway specials and financing plans with CareCredit and PatientFi.

If you are bothered by the appearance and/or function of your nose, you can trust Dr. Bonillas to artfully sculpt your nose and achieve beautiful results.

Give us a call today at (480) 245-6380 to learn more or schedule a consultation today!

FAQ

Are there any risks to rhinoplasty?

If you carefully follow recovery instructions, you will likely never experience any complications. Complications are minor and include infection (which requires antibiotic treatment), bleeding, and negative reactions to anesthesia. 

Will my insurance cover rhinoplasty?

Your insurance may cover rhinoplasty if you have breathing difficulties from a nasal valve deformity or another anatomical issue. Rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons is not covered by insurance. 

What should you avoid doing during your rhinoplasty recovery?

Following instructions conducive to your healing is essential, but so is avoiding certain activities. After a rhinoplasty, you should refrain from blowing your nose, wearing glasses, touching the area, and any other activities that could subject you to injury. Your surgeon will let you know when you can safely resume these. 

What is a revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary rhinoplasty that surgeons can safely perform about 1 year after the first surgery. The procedure is often more complex since there is less cartilage to modify and there may be scarring/tightening of the tissues. These procedures often require a cartilage graft, but surgeons can resolve the same aesthetic and functional problems. 

References

  1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. 2020. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2020.pdf  
  2. Gupta R, John J, Ranganathan N, et al. Outcomes of Closed versus Open Rhinoplasty: A Systematic Review. Archives of Plastic Surgery. 2022;49(05):569-579. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1756315 
  3. Raggio BS, Asaria J. Open Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546628/   
  4. Guo, Jingzhong, et al. “Injectable Fillers: Current Status, Physicochemical Properties, Function Mechanism, and Perspectives.” RSC Advances, vol. 13, no. 34, 1 Jan. 2023, pp. 23841–23858, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10413051/, https://doi.org/10.1039/d3ra04321e.

Give us a call today at (480) 245-6380 to learn more or schedule a consultation today!