Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, often referred to as nose surgery, is a surgical procedure that reshapes and refines the nose to improve facial harmony. Because the nose is a central feature, even subtle changes can significantly enhance the overall balance of the face. By reshaping bone and cartilage, rhinoplasty can create a more refined profile and even address structural issues that affect breathing.
Every patient’s goals and features are unique. Dr. Ryan Constantine will work closely with you to create a surgical plan that seamlessly blends cosmetic enhancement with authentic results. His goal is to achieve refined, balanced results that look natural—not surgically altered—so patients feel confident from every angle.
Who Is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty may be right for you if you:
- Feel your nose is out of proportion with the rest of your face
- Have a hump, bump, or irregularity along the nasal bridge
- Want to refine a wide, bulbous, or drooping nasal tip
- Have noticeable asymmetry or crookedness
- Experience difficulty breathing due to structural issues inside your nose
- Are in good overall health and have realistic expectations about surgery
Rhinoplasty can be performed for cosmetic enhancement, functional breathing correction, or to address both concerns.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty can:
- Improve facial balance: Restore a more natural-looking proportion between the nose and other facial features
- Refine the profile: Smooth dorsal humps or irregularities along the bridge of the nose
- Enhance tip definition: Adjust projection, rotation, or shape of the tip of the nose
- Correct asymmetry: Improve overall nasal symmetry (including straightening a crooked nose)
- Improve breathing: Address structural issues such as a deviated septum (when appropriate)
- Provide long-lasting results: Surgical refinements are permanent
About the Procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case. During the procedure, Dr. Constantine carefully reshapes nasal bone and cartilage to achieve the desired contour and structural improvement. After surgery, a splint is placed to support the nose during initial healing. Most patients return home the same day to recover.
Surgical Techniques
Rhinoplasty can be performed using different approaches based on the patient’s anatomy and surgical goals:
- Open Rhinoplasty: A small external incision is made discreetly along the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils). This allows full visibility of nasal structures and is often used for more complex reshaping.
- Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scar. This approach may be suitable for more limited refinements.
- Functional Rhinoplasty: This approach corrects structural abnormalities affecting breathing (such as a deviated septum) and is sometimes combined with cosmetic reshaping.
Dr. Constantine selects the technique that best aligns with your anatomy, desired changes, and long-term needs, ensuring results that look natural and balanced.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery from rhinoplasty typically progresses as follows:
- First week: Swelling, bruising around the eyes, and mild discomfort are common. The nasal splint is usually removed after about one week.
- Two to three weeks: Most visible bruising resolves, and patients feel comfortable returning to work and social activities.
- One to three months: Swelling continues to improve, and nasal contours become more refined.
- Six to twelve months: Final results become fully apparent as residual swelling resolves.
Dr. Constantine provides detailed post-operative instructions and close follow-up care to ensure proper healing and optimal outcomes.