What Is A Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)?

Rhinoplasty is typically performed under anesthesia  so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. After surgery, it’s normal to experience discomfort, but these symptoms usually are well managed with around the clock acetaminophen and pain medications as needed.  Dr. Azizzadeh is all about making your recovery as easy as possible. He and his team will be available to help you get through your rhinoplasty journey in the best way possible.  He’ll also give you clear instructions on how to take care of yourself at home.  Regular follow-up appointments help keep your recovery on track. Dr. Azizzadeh will check in on your progress, adjust any pain management if needed, and make sure you’re healing comfortably.

Your recovery after rhinoplasty will unfold over several months, with different stages of healing along the way. During the first 7-10 days, which is the acute recovery phase, you’ll notice the most significant swelling and bruising, but most patients are ready to return to work or school after this period. Over the next few weeks, your swelling will gradually reduce, with most of it resolving by 6-12 weeks. You’ll likely be able to resume exercise after 3-4 weeks. By around the 6-week mark, your bones and cartilage will stabilize, though subtle swelling and refinements, especially in the nasal tip and midportion of the nose, might persist for many months. Your nose will continue to refine and settle into its final shape over the next 1 to 2 years, with full results usually visible around 2 to 3 years after surgery. While complete healing takes time, you’ll likely see significant improvements and return to most of your normal activities within the first 1-2 months. Keep in mind that your exact recovery timeline may vary based on the extent of your surgery, skin thickness, complexity of the procedure, your internal healing process, and how closely you follow post-operative care instructions.

Yes, you can have a virtual evaluation as an initial step to determine if you are a candidate for rhinoplasty. This option offers several advantages, including the convenience of discussing your concerns and goals from the comfort of your home, which can save you time and travel. It also makes the consultation process more accessible, particularly for those who live far from Beverly Hills (California), allowing you to receive an initial assessment without the need for immediate travel. Additionally, a virtual evaluation provides preliminary feedback on whether you might be a good candidate for the procedure, helping you make informed decisions before scheduling an in-person consultation.

However, there are some limitations to consider. A virtual evaluation cannot replace the importance of a physical examination, which is crucial for a comprehensive assessment of your nasal structure. Specifically, Dr. Azizzadeh cannot evaluate your internal nasal structures, such as a deviated septum or turbinates. These aspects of your anatomy will need to be thoroughly examined and finalized during the full in-office and preoperative evaluation. There is also the potential for miscommunication, as some nuances of your concerns or the surgeon’s recommendations may not be fully conveyed or understood in a virtual setting. Ultimately, while a virtual inquiry can be a helpful first step in preparation for an in-person consultation.

Rhinoplasty can help improve breathing, particularly when it addresses structural issues such as a deviated septum, nasal valve collapse (both internal and external), and enlarged turbinates. By correcting these structural problems, rhinoplasty can enhance airflow through the nasal passages, making breathing easier and more efficient. For example, a deviated septum can be straightened, nasal valves can be reconstructed to prevent collapse, and turbinate reduction can create more space within the nasal cavity.

However, it’s important to note that there are limitations to the improvements rhinoplasty can offer. The perception of breathing is often subjective, and factors such as how the brain interprets airflow can vary from person to person. Additionally, rhinoplasty may not address other underlying causes of breathing difficulties, such as allergies or chronic sinus issues, which are unrelated to the nasal structure. Therefore, while rhinoplasty can significantly enhance breathing by correcting specific anatomical issues, it may not resolve all aspects of breathing difficulties.

Rhinoplasty is generally considered a very safe procedure, especially when performed on healthy individuals who have undergone a thorough preoperative health clearance by their primary doctor. The safety of the procedure is further ensured by the involvement of a skilled anesthesiologist who plays a critical role in protecting the airway during general anesthesia, thereby minimizing the risks of complications such as aspiration and laryngospasm.

While rhinoplasty is safe, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, which are generally low but can include unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes, infection, irregularities in the nasal structure, persistent or worsening breathing issues, and in rare cases, septal perforation. Additionally, some patients may require revision surgery to address any issues that arise postoperatively. However, with proper planning, a qualified surgeon, and appropriate postoperative care, the likelihood of serious complications is minimal.

Dr. Azizzadeh takes every precaution to ensure that each rhinoplasty patient achieves the best possible results. He carefully evaluates the risks and benefits before proceeding with surgery and will not move forward if the risks outweigh the potential benefits. In such cases, Dr. Azizzadeh may recommend alternative treatment options better suited to the patient’s needs.

To ensure that patients are fully informed, Dr. Azizzadeh thoroughly explains the benefits and risks associated with rhinoplasty, detailing the surgical process and the recovery period. He is also committed to addressing any concerns or questions patients may have, ensuring they feel confident and well-prepared throughout their treatment journey.

Before undergoing a nose procedure, there are several important factors to consider to ensure you are fully prepared for both the surgery and the recovery process. One critical consideration is downtime. Recovery from a nose procedure typically requires patients to take time off from work, school, or other daily activities. Most patients should plan to avoid these activities for at least a few weeks, as the initial healing process can involve swelling, bruising, and discomfort. It’s essential to arrange your schedule accordingly and ensure you have the necessary support during your recovery period.

Another important factor is the risk associated with the procedure. While rhinoplasty is generally safe, it is still a surgical procedure, and there are potential risks that need to be carefully evaluated. These risks can include infection, irregularities in the nasal structure, breathing difficulties, and, in some cases, the need for revision surgery. Understanding these risks and discussing them with your surgeon is crucial for making an informed decision.

Beyond the physical aspects, the emotional readiness for surgery is equally important. Some patients may struggle with the emotional impact of undergoing surgery, particularly if they are highly sensitive to changes in their appearance. Others who are very detail-oriented may find it challenging to accept that even in the hands of the most skilled surgeons, rhinoplasty can have imperfections. There are also risks of unsatisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes regardless.  For individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) or those who are extremely fixated on perceived flaws, rhinoplasty may not be advisable, as it could exacerbate emotional distress and dissatisfaction.

Dr. Azizzadeh addresses all these factors in detail during the patient consultation process. He takes the time to thoroughly explain the procedure, respond to any concerns or questions, and provide the information necessary for patients to make an informed and confident decision about their treatment, considering both physical and emotional factors.

Rib cartilage may be necessary for your rhinoplasty procedure when there isn’t enough septal cartilage available to achieve the desired structural support or aesthetic result. This is often the case in revision rhinoplasty, where previous surgeries have depleted the available septal cartilage, or in primary rhinoplasty for individuals who require significant structural enhancement, such as building up the nasal bridge. This approach is sometimes particularly needed in rhinoplasty for individuals of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent, where the dorsum may need to be built up, and nasal structure may require additional support to achieve the desired outcome.

Using rib cartilage provides a robust and abundant source of cartilage, which is ideal for significant structural grafting. It allows Dr. Azizzadeh to create a strong and durable framework, particularly useful in cases where a substantial amount of cartilage is needed. However, harvesting rib cartilage involves a separate incision and can lead to a slightly longer recovery time. There’s also a risk of pneumothorax and discomfort at the donor site. Cadaveric rib cartilage (donor cartilage) is another option, offering the benefits of rib cartilage without the need for an additional surgical site. It can be advantageous in reducing patient discomfort and recovery time.  Dr. Azizzadeh will give you his recommendation on what source is better depending on your specific needs.

In contrast, ear cartilage is easier to harvest than rib. However, it is less robust and may not provide sufficient support for major structural work. Synthetic materials offer an alternative when natural cartilage is insufficient. These materials do not require harvesting from the patient’s body, avoiding additional surgical sites. However, synthetic implants carry a higher risk of infection, extrusion, and potential long-term complications compared to natural cartilage.

Ultimately, the choice of cartilage – whether rib, ear, or synthetic – depends on the specific needs of the surgery and your anatomy and goals. Dr. Azizzadeh carefully evaluates these factors and discusses the best approach with each patient to ensure optimal results.

Yes, you can have sinus surgery or septoplasty at the same time as rhinoplasty, and it is often beneficial to combine these procedures. Performing sinus surgery or septoplasty concurrently with rhinoplasty allows Dr. Azizzadeh to address both functional issues, such as breathing difficulties or chronic sinus problems, and aesthetic concerns in a single operation. This approach can reduce overall recovery time and the need for multiple surgeries. Additionally, because septal cartilage is often needed for rhinoplasty to provide structural support, it’s important not to have a septoplasty before rhinoplasty, as this could deplete the cartilage needed for the procedure and necessitate the use of rib grafting or other alternatives. A thorough consultation with your surgeon will help determine the best approach for your needs.  Although Dr. Azizzadeh is an expert in both septoplasty and rhinoplasty, he does not perform sinus surgery himself. However, he can collaborate seamlessly with an ENT surgeon to perform both procedures simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for patients.

Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, nerves, and blood vessels throughout the body. In rhinoplasty, some surgeons use fascia, often harvested from areas like the temporalis muscle (near the temple), to provide additional support, smooth out irregularities, or add subtle volume to the nasal structure. Fascia is particularly useful in creating a natural, seamless contour, and it integrates well with the body’s tissues, reducing the risk of complications. Its use can be especially beneficial in revision rhinoplasty or cases where more delicate adjustments are needed to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome.