Rhinoplasty FAQ's
Kyle S. Choe, MD Facial Plastic Surgeon, Virginia Beach, VA
Rhinoplasty (nose job) - Surgical & Non-Surgical Nasal Procedures … Can enhance your appearance, your self-confidence and your health.
Each year over one-half million people, of every skin color and culture, choose to have their noses reshaped, each for a different reason. Every individual has concerns – and goals. Along with their concerns, they come to us with many questions about Rhinoplasty. We’ve selected several of those to help educate you about this procedure.
Rhinoplasty Commonly Asked Rhinoplasty Questions:
What is Rhinoplasty surgery? It is the surgical or non-surgical procedure used to reshape a nose that is distorted or deformed from birth, trauma or disease. Rhinoplasty requires great skill, experience and an artistic ability to create a natural looking outcome along with balance and symmetry to the face.
Rhinoplasty may be desired for functional or cosmetic purposes.
What kind of problems can be addressed? Many – but here are the most common ones: a big nose, bump on the nose, too wide, crooked, tip is too large, tip is poorly defined, nostril rim is too thick, tip hangs down too low, looks like a “ski jump” or “saddle” or there are breathing problems possibly from a deviated septum or a fracture. Sometimes we do revision surgery to correct problems from previous surgeries. People of every age come to us for help with nose problems – there is no problem that Dr. Choe is not aware of.
Your personal consultation time with Dr. Choe is most important to discuss your concerns and options in detail. Computer imaging allows you to see yourself as you are before your procedure – but it also shows you the projected outcome! Dr. Choe uses “computer imaging.” You will be amazed!
What is the difference between surgical and non-surgical Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty surgery involves changing the shape and/or size of the nose using invasive surgical procedures. This involves sedation and sutures as well as a longer recovery time. The results are permanent. Non-surgical Rhinoplasty involves using one of today’s amazing injectable fillers such as Juvederm or Radiesse. It is injected, in measured doses, into targeted areas to create the desired results. Either way – the results can be fabulous.
The ultimate goal of Rhinoplasty is to achieve a more attractive appearance without losing one’s own unique ethnic characteristics.
How much will Rhinoplasty change my looks? A competent, skilled surgeon’s goal is always to achieve the most attractive appearance without losing your own unique ethnic characteristics. This requires great skill, much experience and use of the right techniques and technologies. Dr. Choe is competent and experienced to deal with any concern you bring to him – he is an expert and has specialized in all aspects of nasal problems.
Are there age limitations on nasal surgery? It normally should not be performed before 14 –15 years of age, especially for boys, to be sure the growth process is complete. However, circumstances may often require surgery at younger ages. There is no upper age limit for adults in good health. Dr. Choe is able to work with all ages – safely and effectively.
Is Rhinoplasty Surgery painful? Surgery always involves some discomfort – as our patients call it, but when Dr. Choe performs your surgery, any discomfort is easily managed with oral pain medication. If you choose our non-surgical, injectable treatment, the discomfort is very minimal and is managed the same way.
Is there much swelling and bruising involved with Rhinoplasty Surgery? You will experience swelling and bruising around the eyes and cheeks for a few days. The discoloration disappears within a week or so and can usually be hidden with camouflage, mineral makeup.
How soon are results visible after Rhinoplasty Surgery? Results are immediate either way, but with surgery it takes time to see them due to swelling and bruising. Once these diminish you will enjoy looking into the mirror. With non-surgical treatment you will see the results immediately even though you will experience some swelling and bruising.
Balancing the facial features is the ultimate goal for any facial procedure – this may require combining Rhinoplasty with Chin Augmentation – for example.
Why does Dr. Choe often recommend Chin Augmentation along with Rhinoplasty Surgery? Changing the size and shape of the nose, for whatever reason, may cause the chin to look too big or too small. The goal of any facial procedure is to enhance your appearance by bringing everything into “balance.” Chin Augmentation can create a natural looking balance. This ensures optimal results – results you will love.
How long before I will be able to return to work after Rhinoplasty surgery? You will be presentable to return to work within 7-10 days following surgery – and much less time after injectable treatment. You will need to avoid all strenuous activities for a while – such as straining, lifting and bending.
How permanent is Rhinoplasty surgery? It’s permanent except for possible changes that can occur with the normal aging process – such as the end of the nose becoming droopy, due to gravity. If you choose our non-surgical procedure, your results will not be permanent but you will enjoy long-lasting results.
Am I a good candidate for Rhinoplasty surgery? You are if you have a nose that does not look balanced on your face – or one that creates breathing problems for you. You should be able to set realistic goals and have reasonable expectations.
How can I determine which procedure I should have? Surgery is not right for everyone – just as injectable treatments are not suitable for everyone. During your personal consultation, Dr.Choe will design a treatment that is right for you. Since he is specialized and focused on the head and neck, he has breadth of experience that most surgeons lack when confronted with the complexities of ear, nose, throat and facial procedures. After consulting with Dr. Choe you will have the confidence and peace of mind knowing that you are entrusting your outcome to the hands of a true specialist.
Newer Techniques – mean “preserving” your own bone, cartilage and tissue…
Older techniques involved more cutting, trimming and suturing. This meant loss of your own cartilage and tissues. This often resulted in noses that appeared too small, upturned, pinched, piggy and twisted. Dr. Choe believes in preserving as much of you as possible and thus achieving results that look natural. This technique is referred to as Reduction Structured Rhinoplasty. Dr. Choe is among an special group of ENT surgeons who understand and can use this procedure – safely and effectively so that you retain your unique characteristics – no matter your skin color or ethnicity.
Certifications
Diplomat, American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Diplomat, American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery,
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
*Dr. Choe is also widely published
Certifications – what do they mean to you? When a surgeon is board certified you know that he/she has had years of expert training and experience in a specific area. A surgeon that is certified by more than one board is in a league set apart from all other surgeons and physicians. ENT (ear, nose & throat) is in itself a specialized field of medicine – requiring a much deeper and broader experience base. Dr. Choe is double board certified – which means his knowledge and expertise far surpasses that of most surgeons today.
We’re confident that as you peruse this Rhinoplasty site – you will see for yourself the difference. These patients are enjoying wonderful outcomes – because they placed their trust in a “specialist.” Then call us to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Choe.
The nose is commonly referred to as “the centerpiece” of the face because it is.
It’s important, then, that you like how it fits in with the rest of your facial features.
Does it create balance?
Dr. Choe is certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surge |
