RHINOPLASTY (NOSE SURGERY)

RHINOPLASTY IN OUR MIAMI OFFICE

Rhinoplasty, which comes from the Greek word to shape the nose, is a facial plastic surgery procedure often referred to as a “nose job” that aims to reshape the nose for cosmetic purposes or correct nasal deformities that are congenital or acquired.1 If you are interested in rhinoplasty, contact our Miami office and schedule a consultation with Dr. Tal Roudner, a specialist in rhinoplasty. Your rhinoplasty consultation will include a careful evaluation of your current physical health as well as your reasons for seeking rhinoplasty.

Dr. Roudner’s surgical goal is to restore the form and function of the nose in reconstructive rhinoplasty such as: after nasal trauma, secondary rhinoplasty, respiratory compromise, or congenital deformity. In cosmetic rhinoplasty cases, his goal is to correct the nasal deformity and aesthetically enhance the appearance of the nose according to the patient’s desire.

Dr. Roudner may perform either a closed rhinoplasty or open rhinoplasty to achieve the pre-operative goals. By separating the nasal skin and soft tissues from their underlying skeletal support and reshaping the bones and nasal cartilages Dr. Roudner can create a functional and facially proportionate nose.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM RHINOPLASTY

Prior to undergoing rhinoplasty procedure a consultation with Dr. Roudner will be scheduled. At the consultation, patients can expect a detailed review of their past and current medical history and a physical exam that will focus on the nose. A discussion with Dr. Roudner regarding the concerns, goals, and expectations of the rhinoplasty procedure will take place. At the time of the consultation, the Dr. will analyze your nose and will recommend the appropriate procedures to be performed to accomplish the goals desired as well as recommend other ancillary procedures that may enhance facial harmony, such as a chin implant or lip augmentation with dermal fillers.

The consultation will include a detailed discussion regarding the risks, benefits, and complications associated with the rhinoplasty procedure and will answer any questions regarding the procedure. The highlights of pre-and post-operative instructions will be reviewed to ensure proper preparation prior to the procedure and a safe and speedy recovery after the surgery. The practice coordinator will review information regarding medications and herbal supplements to avoid.

To learn more about rhinoplasty with Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Tal Roudner, call our office at 305-767-7719 to schedule your consultation.

REASONS FOR RHINOPLASTY

The common reasons to undergo nasal surgery (including septoplasty or nasal septal surgery) involve procedures aimed to correct nasal deformities that are congenital birth defects or acquired.

RECONSTRUCTIVE RHINOPLASTY

Reconstructive nasal surgery aims to restore the form and function of the nose after nasal trauma, secondary rhinoplasty, respiratory compromise such as nasal obstruction, or congenital deformity. The goal is to restore normal breathing that may be obstructed due to deviation of the nasal septum, narrow nasal bones, decreased angle of the internal or external nasal valve, saddle nose deformity, and more.2

COSMETIC RHINOPLASTY

In cosmetic rhinoplasty cases, the goal is to correct the nasal deformity and aesthetically enhance the appearance of the nose according to the patient’s desire to enhance facial aesthetics. Those goals are achieved by improving the shape, appearance, and proportions of the nose to the remaining facial structures. Depending on the nasal structures either reduction, augmentation, or a combination of both is used to reshape the nose. The root of the nose (radix) is adjusted as needed to correct nasal length, the dorsal convexity is either reduced or augmented to improve the nasal profile, alar cartilages are trimmed repositioned or sutured to improve nasal tip definition, projection, and position, repositioning nasal bones to correct nasal width, correction of nasal nostrils and more.

 

BENEFITS OF RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty may enhance your appearance by improving the aesthetics of your nose. This cosmetic procedure also has the following benefits:

  • Minimize the size of the nose
  • Improve the balance of facial features
  • Reduce the width of the base or bridge of the nose
  • Eliminate a dorsal hump
  • Correct concavities “depressions” of the nasal bridge
  • Improve the appearance of the tip of the nose (reduce the size, lift a drooping tip, or improve symmetry)
  • Reduce the size of the nostrils
  • Correct a deviated nasal septum
  • Open airways and improve nasal breathing
  • Reduce snoring

YOUR RHINOPLASTY CONSULTATION

Miami surgeon Dr. Roudner will review your history to determine your suitability for rhinoplasty. Because rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure, it has risks and contraindications, so it is important that you participate fully in this consultation with Dr. Roudner so that he is able to make a determination on whether rhinoplasty is the best cosmetic surgery option for you based on your medical history.

Other topics that will be discussed at your rhinoplasty consultation at our Miami office include the current functionality of your nose, your concerns about aesthetics, previous surgeries that have been performed, and any history of traumatic injury to your nose. Your goals and expectations for rhinoplasty are important, and Dr. Roudner will discuss these with you to make sure your expectations are in line with what rhinoplasty can actually do. Dr. Roudner may also recommend other facial balancing procedures that could enhance the results of your rhinoplasty such as a chin implant.

Risks, benefits, and potential complications about your rhinoplasty will be reviewed, and Dr. Roudner will make sure that any questions you have are answered during your visit to our Miami office. You will also be provided with instructions for both pre-and post-operative self-care, and Dr. Roudner will review these instructions with you to make sure you understand them completely. Following these instructions is extremely important as they ensure that your recovery following rhinoplasty will be smooth and fast with minimal complications.

At your rhinoplasty consultation appointment, you will also meet with the practice coordinator at our Miami office to discuss information such as pricing and scheduling. We will discuss your payment options with you and help you make the decision that is right for you. Prior to your next pre-op appointment at our Miami office, we recommend gathering photos that represent the desired results of your rhinoplasty.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR RHINOPLASTY?

Patients seeking to undergo cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty should have specific and realistic goals. They should be undergoing surgery for their own personal benefit to improve their own self-confidence and esteem and not be pressured into having the surgery by someone else. The patient should have reached the final stages of their facial growth at about 16 years of age and are physically and emotionally healthy. They should not be smoking or have stopped smoking 4 weeks prior to and 3 weeks after the surgery.3

RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE & TECHNIQUES

Incisions
Depending on the analysis of the nose and the corrections and changes needed during the nose surgery an open or closed rhinoplasty may be performed.

Closed rhinoplasty is commonly chosen for cases where major nasal tip work is not needed and complex techniques are not required. In closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are placed inside the nose and hidden.

Open rhinoplasty is performed in most nasal surgeries where major tip work and more extensive procedures are needed to correct the nasal deformities. In open rhinoplasty, the incisions are placed across the mid-columella between the nostrils.

Once either the closed or open incisions are made the skin and soft tissues are elevated carefully exposing the structures of the nose allowing better analysis and access to reshape the nasal structures.

Open and Closed Rhinoplasty illustration
Reshaping The Nose
Depending on the nasal structures either reduction, augmentation, or a combination of both is used to reshape the nose. Reduction may include trimming, removing, or repositioning nasal bones, cartilage soft tissues. Augmentation of nasal structures may be performed with rib or cartilage grafts from the nose (nasal septum, alar cartilage, etc.) or other areas in the body (ribs, ear, etc.). The nasal bones are repositioned as needed by performing osteotomies. The nasal ala may be repositioned to decrease the width of the alar base by incisions and trimming as needed.

Correction of a Deviated Septum
Many patients suffer from breathing problems due to obstruction of the airways. This obstruction is due to a deviation of the nasal septum which hinders or obstructs the nasal airway. The deviation may alter the nasal structure as well. When correcting the deviation by repositioning or removing part of the cartilaginous septum to straighten it, breathing may be improved and nasal shape corrected.

Incision Closure
At the completion of the procedure, and once the underlying skeleton of the nose is reshaped to the desired effect, the soft tissues and skin are re-draped and the incisions are closed. If additional incisions were made at the natural creases of the nostrils (ala) to alter their size they are meticulously closed.

FAQs About Rhinoplasty

What Anesthesia is Recommended for Rhinoplasty?

Nasal surgery is an outpatient procedure performed using general anesthesia or under twilight sedation with a local anesthesia.4 The decision on what method is used depends on the patient, surgeon, and extent of the surgery.

How Long Will I Need to Recover From Rhinoplasty?

The healing process after rhinoplasty varies depending on the extent of surgery performed, the technique used and the patient themselves. As a general rule, significant swelling and bruising are evident in the first two weeks after surgery. Most of the swelling has subsided by six weeks after surgery. Swelling may come and go and worsen in the morning during the first year following your nose surgery.5 The swelling is the most significant at the tip of the nose (especially in an open rhinoplasty procedure) and is the last to recover. The final results of the surgery are apparent one year after the surgery. Although the final results of rhinoplasty surgery are permanent, patients should expect that the nose shape and form will continue to change with the aging process.

Is the Recovery Process After Rhinoplasty Painful?

The recovery from rhinoplasty surgery may involve some pain and discomfort that is treatable and manageable with post-operative pain medication. The operation may involve pain and discomfort that is mild to moderate mostly when there is a need for fracturing nasal bones (osteotomies). The pain usually is temporary and may last a few weeks.

How Should I Prepare for Rhinoplasty in Miami?

Following your rhinoplasty consultation at our Miami office, you will return to our Miami office two weeks prior to your rhinoplasty for your preoperative appointment. At this appointment, we will perform any necessary blood work as well as other tests required in preparation for your rhinoplasty. Photographs will be taken for your medical records, and we will also obtain any medical clearances at this time. If you smoke, we do require that you quit smoking at least four weeks prior to your rhinoplasty and remain smoke- and nicotine-free until at least three weeks following your rhinoplasty.

At your pre-op appointment, we’ll ask that you provide our Miami office with a list of the names and dosages of medications, supplements, or herbal preparations you are taking. Since some medications can increase the risk of bleeding or other complications during your rhinoplasty, Miami surgeon Dr. Roudner will review your list and determine whether you should discontinue any of your medications prior to your rhinoplasty.

It’s important that in the weeks leading up to your rhinoplasty, you eat healthily and get plenty of exercise. For at least a few days prior to your rhinoplasty, avoid alcoholic beverages. Healthy people who are in good shape are likely to have a faster recovery. On the day before your rhinoplasty, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise.

On the night before your rhinoplasty at our Miami office, do not consume any foods or liquids, even water, after midnight. Take a shower before you go to bed and use antimicrobial soap to thoroughly clean your surgical site as directed by Miami surgeon Dr. Roudner. Do not apply anything to your skin following your shower including lotions, creams, or makeup. If you wear nail polish, remove the polish from at least one of your nails. This will make it easier for the anesthesiologist at our Miami office to use the pulse-oxy-meter, which monitors your blood circulation.

On the day of your rhinoplasty, before leaving for our Miami office, brush your teeth but be careful to swallow no more than a sip of water. If Miami surgeon Dr. Roudner has confirmed that you may take medication on that morning, take your medication with as little water as possible. Wear clothes that fit loosely and open in the front as well as comfortable, flat-heeled shoes. Prior to your rhinoplasty, make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive you to and from our Miami office. You should also have someone who can stay with you for at least 24 hours following your rhinoplasty. Any small children, pets, or other important responsibilities will require advance arrangements for care so you can focus on relaxation and recovery.

Following Your Rhinoplasty

Following your rhinoplasty, steri-strips, which control your swelling, will be applied to your nose followed by a splint, which will protect your nose. This splint should remain on your nose for at least one week following rhinoplasty. If your rhinoplasty requires the use of internal supports, you may have splints inside your nose as well. You will likely have at least a light gauze packing inside your nostrils. This packing needs to remain in place for about 24 to 48 hours following your rhinoplasty.

Immediately following your rhinoplasty, you will be transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit of our Miami surgical suite. Typically, patients are allowed to go home the very same day. You will be provided with medication to relieve pain and prevent infection as well as with instructions about caring for your incisions and nose.

About a week after your rhinoplasty, you will need to return to our Miami office for your first follow-up appointment. If you have any external sutures, Dr. Roudner will remove them at that time along with the splint and the steri-strips. Dr. Roudner will thoroughly examine your nose to make sure that everything is healing well. If necessary, fresh steri-strips may be applied.

Make arrangements to rest at home for at least a week following your rhinoplasty. At about three to four weeks following your rhinoplasty, you will be able to gradually resume physical activity. By six weeks you should be back up to normal activity; however, you should still avoid contact sports completely for at least three to six months. Continue to attend your follow-up appointments with Dr. Roudner at our Miami office.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Rhinoplasty?

When deciding to pursue rhinoplasty, you should always take into consideration all of the benefits, risks, and complications of the surgery and weigh them carefully, keeping in mind your goals and expectations for this surgery.

During your consultation appointment with Dr. Roudner at our Miami office, be sure to listen carefully as the risks and possible complications are explained. Read through the literature you are provided and ask any questions that you have. Also, read your consent forms before you sign them. We want you to be fully informed about your rhinoplasty.

As with any surgery, risks are always possible. Some of the risks that can occur with any surgery include bleeding, infection, scarring, pain, numbness, anesthesia risks, healing complications, and deep vein thrombosis.6

Rhinoplasty carries with it some specific risks including the possibility of difficulties with your nasal airway, nasal asymmetry, perforations of the septum, contour irregularities, and the need for future surgical revision.

Schedule Your Consultation For Rhinoplasty

To learn more about rhinoplasty, please call our Miami office at 305-767-7719 and schedule your consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Tal Roudner.


1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is rhinoplasty? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty. Accessed April 19, 2021.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What is rhinoplasty? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty. Accessed April 19, 2021.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty/candidates. Accessed April 19, 2021.
4 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What are the steps of a rhinoplasty procedure? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty/procedure. Accessed April 19, 2021.
5 American Society of Plastic Surgery. What should I expect during my rhinoplasty recovery? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty/recovery. Accessed April 19, 2021.
6 American Society of Plastic Surgery. What are the risks of rhinoplasty? Available at: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty/safety. Accessed April 19, 2021.

Request a Consultation

Call 305-767-7719 or Use the Form Below to Schedule Online!

Request A Consultation (Footer)
Sign up for News and Specials
I agree to the Terms of Use
*By submitting this form you consent to receive phone calls, text messages and emails from Tal T. Roudner, MD, FACS Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. It is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services. You can opt out at any time, message/data rates may apply, and opting-in includes acceptance of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Communications through this website or via email are not encrypted and are not necessarily secure. Use of the internet or email is for your convenience only, and by using them, you assume the risk of unauthorized use.
*Communications through our website or via email are not encrypted and are not necessarily secure. Use of the Internet or email is for your convenience only, and by using them, you assume the risk of unauthorized use.

Dr. Tal Roudner has either authored or reviewed and approved the content on this website.

Page Updated:

Tal Roudner Plastic Surgery