What is Nasal Surgery?
Nasal surgery, often referred to as a “nose job”, is a procedure that repairs the nose.
Two of the most common nasal surgeries are rhinoplasty and septoplasty. While the two can and are often performed together, in actuality, they are two quite distinctly different procedures. A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that mainly focuses on repairing the inside structure of the nose, specifically the nasal septum. A septoplasty is a surgical procedure that mainly focuses on repairing the outer portion, the aesthetic appearance of the nose.
Nasal surgery can improve the aesthetics of the nose, but also can correct breathing problems and issues with smell.
The American Society of Plastic Surgery website has a video that discusses, What is Rhinoplasty? Check it out.
Overall, plastic surgery has gained increasing popularity over recent years. This is partly due to huge advances in plastic surgery, including nasal surgery. According to the 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report, over 213,000 rhinoplasties were performed in the US in 2018. These nasal advances have provided surgeons with the ability to refine the nasal shape to create a more natural-appearing nose and also improve nasal functions such as breathing. In addition, the types of nasal surgeries have changed. Patients are now looking for a different type of “nose job” then they were years ago.
The New Nasal Surgery
The AEDIT article discussed the shift in nasal surgery to the “Modern Nose Jobs”. The article points out that on both the patient’s and the surgeon’s end, nasal surgery has evolved.
- Surgeons: Surgeons have innovative technology allowing patients more options for surgery.
- Patients: Patients are hearing about these innovations, and seeking a more customized nasal surgery. Social media and television are informing the public about different types of nasal procedures available. Scrolling through social media will easily lead you to people posting before and after photos, proudly displaying their new nose. Today’s people are much more informed and know what they want. One caution is to try to not always believe what you read or see on social media television. While it is great to be informed, there may be things that the show or social media didn’t tell you about the procedure. This is one reason why it is super important to carefully choose a plastic surgeon that you are comfortable asking any question too.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty offers several benefits. Some things that can be corrected with rhinoplasty include:
- Decrease the appearance of facial asymmetry
- Decrease the width of the nose at the nasal bridge
- Decrease the size of the nostrils
- Repair depressions or sunken areas of the nose
- Decrease an enlarged nasal tip
- Improve overall facial balance
The Modern Rhinoplasty
Today’s rhinoplasty has changed from the rhinoplasty known in the past. The modern rhinoplasty has become more of a structural approach, versus simply making the nose smaller. In the past, reductive nose reshaping is what was typically performed when patients asked for a nose job. There are some key differences between reductive nose reshaping and structural rhinoplasty.
Reductive nose reshaping
- Removes tissue to decrease the size of the nose and address proportions
- Too much tissue may be removed
- Scar tissue may form and possible lead to breathing issues
- Resulting saddle nose and “pinched” nasal tip may result
Structural rhinoplasty
- Focus on rearranging and sculpting the nasal bone and cartilage framework
- Improved aesthetics
- Less likely to require revision surgery
Nasal packing
Nasal packing, placing packing inside the nasal cavity/cavities, was once a standard procedure for rhinoplasty and septoplasty. Nasal packings are uncomfortable for patients, and patients frequently complain about having them in. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Routine nasal packing is not used unless increased oozing of blood occurs or a more complex procedure is performed. If you do require nasal packing, it is used for a short period of time.
Most of Dr. Applebaum’s patients do not require nasal packing. Only 15 % of his cases required nasal packing. Learn more about nasal surgery performed by Dr. Applebaum and read some of his patient’s testimonies: https://www.applebaummd.com/procedures/nose/
Improved breathing after surgery
Every patient is different and therefore heals differently. During your consultation, Dr. Applebaum will discuss the amount of improved breathing you may achieve with the proposed surgery. Some of Dr. Applebaum’s patients have experienced an 80% improvement with breathing. On average a septoplasty is expected to improve breathing by up to 60%.
Recovery time
Everyone’s body heals differently, but on average, Dr. Applebaum’s patients take approximately one week to recover after nasal surgery. His patients can return to work after seven days. Some people may want to wait up to 10 days before returning to work if they are still experiencing swelling post-operatively. The swelling will continue and may take as long as 6-8 weeks, but it is expected to continue to decrease each week as you progress after surgery. Dr. Applebaum’s patients also typically achieve excellent pain management with minimal pain medication.
The “non-surgical” nose job
You may have heard about the non-surgical nose job and may be wondering, is that truly a thing? Well, sort-of. A non-surgical nose job typically refers to reshaping the nose with dermal fillers. This is a procedure that offers temporary results, typically lasting approximately 1 year. It provides a non-surgical option for patients who are possibly hesitant to undergo surgery. It also may be a good way to “try out” the desired nasal surgery.
Also, take a look at some before and after photos of nasal surgeries performed by Dr. Robert Applebaum: https://www.applebaummd.com/photogallery/nose-surgery/#category_id_62
Cost
Another aspect to consider is the cost. Applebaum MD will help you determine if your insurance will cover all or any part of the nasal procedure. Typically insurances will cover procedures that are considered medically necessary. Insurance plans vary, and each individual case varies. It is recommended that you check with your insurance to determine if your specific procedure will be covered.
The Applebaum MD Experience
Dr. Robert Applebaum has years of experience in nasal surgery. His most important goal for any procedure is to achieve in providing his patients with the most natural-appearing results possible and also to exceed each patient’s expectations.
Dr. Applebaum combines art and science together to create a very customized procedure just for you. Dr. Applebaum also puts safety first. He thoroughly evaluates his patients to determine whether or not they are good surgical candidates. Dr. Applebau is meticulous in his work so that you can provide his patients with the aesthetic and functional improvements that they have always wanted.
Dr. Applebaum practices at his office conveniently located in the center of Beverly Hills, California. During your consultation, you will notice that Dr. Applebaum is informative and thorough, answering all your questions. His exceptional staff helps create a comforting environment where you feel comfortable asking questions. Schedule a complimentary consultation today, you will not be disappointed.
Choosing the right plastic surgeon can help ease your fears about undergoing the surgery. You will know if you choose the right plastic surgeon because you will have a sense of comfort and build a trusting doctor-patient relationship. Call Applebaum MD today.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Robert Applebaum
Dr. Robert Applebaum is a world renowned and highly respected Plastic Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In his nearly 30 years as a practicing physician, Dr. Applebaum has become known as an innovator in the field of laser technology techniques for plastic surgery procedures. He has published numerous articles and scientific papers about the use of laser technology and educates physicians worldwide on the applications of laser technology for plastic surgery. Dr. Applebaum primarily practices out of his private outpatient surgery center, Four Thirty Six Aesthetic Surgery Center, which is located in Beverly Hills.
Sources:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty
https://aedit.com/aedition/reinventing-rhinoplasty-whats-different-about-modern-nose-jobs