Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty FAQ

Is rhinoplasty surgery painful?

Patients are often surprised that rhinoplasty surgery is not as painful as they would expect. Dr. Novis uses meticulous techniques to avoid placing packing inside of the nose, which greatly improves postoperative pain and speeds recovery. Having a dull headache, facial soreness, and a stuffy nose is expected the first week after surgery and resolves in 1-2 weeks. Patients rarely require medication for more than a couple of days.

Am I a candidate for nonsurgical rhinoplasty or liquid rhinoplasty?

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty or liquid rhinoplasty is the use of fillers in the nose to address cosmetic nasal issues. As part of nonsurgical or liquid rhinoplasty, filler can be used to camouflage small bumps or create a better tip definition. Dr. Novis performs liquid rhinoplasty or nonsurgical rhinoplasty in the appropriate patient, which can be determined during consultation.

Will Rhinoplasty surgery improve my breathing?

Addressing the structure of the nose often also improves the function. Dr. Novis uses cartilage from the septum to strengthen and support deficient areas of the nose. Current Facial Plastic Surgery does not perform surgery for insurance or septoplasty alone, but often patients will notice a functional improvement in their breathing after structural issues are addressed during rhinoplasty.

Is there male rhinoplasty?

Current Facial Plastic Surgery is a destination for both female and male rhinoplasty patients. Dr. Novis commonly performs male rhinoplasty and is skilled at creating natural results. “My goals for male rhinoplasty are to create an aesthetically pleasing nose that is masculine and balanced with the other facial features. Classical rhinoplasty techniques can result in over-resection and feminization of the male nose. I take great care to address the issues that a patient has with their nose while also maintaining the structure and character of the nose,” says Dr. Novis.

Can it fix my bulbous tip?

The nasal tip is a complex framework of underlying cartilage with a soft tissue envelope. Structural and skin issues can lead to a wide-appearing nasal tip with poor definition. Dr. Novis addresses all structural components of the nasal tip to create a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.

Can it fix my wide nose?

The “wide nose” often has issues with both a poorly defined tip as well as a wide nasal base. Many surgeons will address the tip but will fail to correct a wide nasal base, as it is technically difficult and time-consuming. Dr. Novis frequently performs alar base reductions and nasal base excisions as part of rhinoplasty for the wide nose. Meticulous incision placement and suturing optimize scar healing to give a natural result.

Will it fix my hump (dorsal hump)?

A common complaint among patients seeking rhinoplasty is a “bump” or dorsal “hump”. This often occurs where the nasal bone and cartilage meet. This area is commonly mismanaged, as it would seem that the hump can simply be removed or cut off and the rest of the nose can be left as is. “A hump reduction is like cutting off the top of a mountain,” says Dr. Novis. “Simply removing the top will lead to a flat, wide area. No one wants a flat, wide nose. It requires a lot of skill and experience to deal with bony work to create a thin, straight nose with a desirable profile”. Dr. Novis is an expert at reconstructing the nose in a way that will compliment your features, leading to a natural look.

Why does food taste different/bland right after surgery?

The sense of taste is largely mediated by the sense of smell. After surgery, the inflammation and crusts in your nasal cavity prevent air movement through your nose that would usually carry smells to your olfactory bulb. As the inflammation decreases and there is better air flow through the nose, you will notice that the sense of taste starts to return, usually over the first week or two.

When will I be able to breathe through my nose?

Immediately after surgery you have swelling both inside and outside of your nose that prevents movement of air. This will improve significantly over the first few weeks.

Why are my upper teeth painful or numb?

The nerves to your upper teeth run through the nasal septum, and manipulation or fracturing of the nasal septum can cause pain in this area and temporary numbness. The pain will decrease over the first week and the sensation will return over a period of weeks to months, but you will notice it much less in the first week or two.

Why is my nose numb?

In order to access the structures of the nose, the skin envelope has to be elevated off the cartilage. This involves the division of some of the tiny nerves that supply sensation to the skin. These nerves will slowly re-grow over a period of weeks to months, and during this time it is normal to notice some strange sensations including tingling and itching.

Why do I feel worse 2 days after surgery than I did right afterward?

The body’s inflammatory response peaks at 24-48 hours after surgery, so you may notice that pain and bruising are worse during this time. After about 48 hours you will notice the pain will start to improve.