While rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) is a popular procedure, it is also the most challenging. For a cosmetic surgeon, there are many variables, such as ethnicity and skin type/thickness that can impact the surgery’s outcome. These factors must be considered when reviewing goals with potential surgical patients.
Essential Considerations Regarding Nose Reshaping
1. Rhinoplasty isn’t only about looks
Not everyone decides to reshape their nose solely for aesthetic purposes. For many patients, it can become a method to address breathing issues and to improve sleep,.
If this is your objective, it’s important to share your medical history and aesthetic goals with your surgeon during the consultation. You must ensure they have the technical expertise to enhance and preserve air passage through the nose while making it smaller or narrower.
Some people opt for rhinoplasty surgery for other health concerns. Those whose noses have been traumatized by collisions, sports, or other accidents may need reconstruction. For the best chances of success, this procedure should be done sooner rather than later. Situations that may make rhinoplasty necessary include:
- Sinus issues
- Correcting congenital abnormalities
- Fixing a deviated septum
- Restoring breathing after cancer treatments, disease, or burns
- Repairing a broken nose
2. Nose reshaping is a customized experience
If you are searching for the stereotypical perfect nose, then seeking rhinoplasty surgery may be concerning as “perfection” is not always attainable. There is however, an ideal nose—one that is best suited for your facial features. The best nose is one that looks symmetrical and natural. Furthermore, while you may have a specific size or shape in mind, it doesn’t always mean it will suit you.
Experienced surgeons will assist you in understanding surgical limitations and will tell you that the best nose for you should appear natural-looking and accentuate your beauty. It should naturally blend into the face—not be overtly noticeable or look operated on.
3. Dermal fillers aren’t always safer
Not all non-surgical methods are ideal for all patients. Dermal filler injections also known as injection rhinoplasty can help camouflage a dorsal hump or a crooked nasal bridge and add slight volume to the nasal tip making it appear “lifted”. This procedure doesn’t suit all noses however it is often a great option for those not yet ready for rhinoplasty and are looking for slight modifications.
Rhinoplasty has minimal to no scarring
Closed rhinoplasty surgery doesn’t leave external scarring. However, open rhinoplasty may leave a small invisible scar at the base of the columella, between the nostrils.
4. Final results may not be evident for one year
Recovery may take a few weeks when the swelling starts to disappear entirely. Yet, depending on the patient, some improvements may take one year to develop. We advise patients to wait to determine whether a revision is necessary or the results are unsatisfactory in rare instances where the surgery did not meet their expectations.
Your cosmetic surgeon can determine with you whether the results warrant a revision or not.
What is nose reshaping?
Rhinoplasty changes the nose’s size and shape. As mentioned, some individuals have the nose reshaping procedure to improve their looks, while others select functional rhinoplasty to improve airflow and nasal functioning.
The procedure is performed by a surgeon trained in facial or plastic surgery.
What does nose reshaping accomplish?
Nose reshaping:
- Opens blocked nose passages.
- Corrects noses that are upturned, bulbous, droopy, or hooded in appearance.
- Fixes a nostril that is too small, too wide, turned upward, or too large.
- Corrects deviated septums.
- Eliminates noticeable bumps or dips on the bridge of the nose.
- Generates facial balance.
Who is a good candidate?
The ideal candidate:
- Doesn’t smoke.
- Should be fully-grown and in excellent physical health.
- Comprehends nose surgery limitations and has reasonable expectations for the surgery.
- Desires to have the procedure for their benefit—not to please someone else.
The Nose Reshaping Procedure
Surgical Approaches
Rhinoplasty is done using two methods:
- Closed: Closed nose reshaping procedures are less invasive. Incisions are made within the nose, separating the skin from the cartilage and bone for reshaping.
- Open: This is a slightly more invasive reshaping procedure. Your cosmetic surgeon makes incisions that completely separate the skin of your nose from the cartilage and bone, allowing them to view the underlying nose anatomy more clearly.
Other types also include:
- Nonsurgical (Filler) Rhinoplasty: Incorporates dermal fillers to fill nose irregularities and dips. It is also used to correct small bumps or lift droopy nasal tips.
- Cosmetic: Improves the look of your face and nose.
- Functional Rhinoplasty: Restores the nasal passages (function and form) after traumatic injury, cancer treatments, or disease. It is a reconstructive surgery that can additionally be used to correct deviated septums or congenital defects.
- Secondary Rhinoplasty: Corrects/revises issues after a patient’s initial surgery. Issues can be minor, but are more complex for the cosmetic surgeon to fix.
The Procedure
Nose reshaping procedures are conducted as an outpatient treatment. This means patients can return home after the work is completed. However, you must have someone drive you home and remain overnight to ensure your safety. Patients often receive general (asleep) or local (numbing) anesthesia, or intravenous sedation (patients are relaxed, but not fully asleep).
During the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will do the following:
- Create an incision (closed rhinoplasty) on the inside of the nostrils, or across the base of the nose with open rhinoplasty.
- Your surgeon will raise the skin, covering the nasal cartilage and bones.
- The surgeon will add, reduce, or rearrange underlying cartilage and bone to form a new shape or to correct a deviated septum.
- The surgeon will replace the skin covering.
- Tiny stitches secure the skin in place.
The surgery takes one to three hours to complete.
After the procedure, a small plastic stent may be in place to decrease swelling and maintain the nose’s shape while healing. It is worn for one to two weeks. Cotton gauze goes inside the nose and is removed according to your cosmetic surgeon’s instructions (generally, 24–28 hours after the procedure).
You may have bruising and swelling around the eyes and nose, which will resolve after several weeks. Mild facial swelling in the morning for one year after your surgery is routine.
Contact Solomon Facial Plastic to Book Your Consultation
Nose reshaping is a permanent modification to your facial features, with results lasting a lifetime. Therefore, you should choose an experienced cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Solomon, for your procedure. Dr. Solomon is one of Toronto’s top cosmetic surgeons with 20 years of experience. He is highly specialized and is committed to giving patients the best results.
You can Solomon Facial Plastic at 855-519-2799 (Thornhill Clinic) or 416-864-6100 (Davenport Clinic), or complete our online form.
Mar 04th 2025
