Are you considering rhinoplasty because you want to change the shape and size of your nose? You are not alone. In 2020, over 350,000 people in the USA had rhinoplasty procedures, making it the most common facial plastic surgery procedure (we have no Canadian equivalent for this data). Rhinoplasty is usually performed as a cosmetic surgical procedure but it can also improve the function of your nose. If you are considering a nose job or rhinoplasty in Vancouver then we would like to address some of the most commonly asked questions (FAQs) about rhinoplasty in order to help you gain a better understanding of this procedure.
Some of the Most Important FAQs about Rhinoplasty in Vancouver
If this is the year you have decided to get a rhinoplasty or “nose job” then you should contact Dr. Denton. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in cosmetic rhinoplasty, he can address your concerns and help you achieve a natural appearance with your new nose being in balance with your other facial features.
1. What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that can correct, reconstruct, restore or improve your nose aesthetically. Facial plastic surgeons can change the size, angle, and shape of your nose to make it more balanced with the other facial features. The majority of rhinoplasty patients want to:
✔️ remove a hump on the bridge of their nose
✔️ narrow the nose
✔️ refine the tip of the nose
✔️ correct asymmetries
✔️ change the angle between the nose and the mouth
There are also those who seek to correct an injury to their nose, birth defects, or issues relating to breathing (e.g. deviated nasal septum).
2. What are the Main Rhinoplasty Techiques?
Rhinoplasty surgeries are divided into “open” and “closed” techniques. During a closed procedure, all incisions are made on the inside of the nose. During an open procedure, an incision is made in the skin between the nostrils providing unparalleled access to and visibility of the nasal structures.
Dr. Denton utilizes the open approach almost exclusively. By performing open rhinoplasty he is able to achieve superior precision, especially for challenging noses for which altering the nasal structures can be much more complex. This technique provides a higher degree of accuracy and the ability to reshape the nose in a manner that will help him achieve the desired outcome.
3. Who is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
This is also one of the most popular FAQs about rhinoplasty. The ideal candidates for rhinoplasty should be 18 years and older with good general health. Rhinoplasties can be performed on younger individuals but it is recommended that they are performed when you have stopped growing and your nose won’t be changing anymore. As for the upper age limit, if you have your rhinoplasty when your skin still maintains youthful elasticity, it will be easier to make changes, your recovery will also be faster, and you can also minimize the risk of complications. However, if you are overall health is good and you are a non-smoker then there is no real maximum age limit for a rhinoplasty.
4. Will My Nose Look Natural after Rhinoplasty?
Experienced facial plastic surgeons like Dr. Denton with extensive experience and expertise in rhinoplasty surgery will always ensure that the result of your nose job will be natural. Your nose is the most prominent feature of your face and can significantly affect your appearance. As a result, your rhinoplasty surgeon must pay attention to every detail in order to achieve the best results for you. The desired result is a natural appearance with the nose being in balance with the other facial features.
5. How Long Does It Take to Complete a Rhinoplasty Procedure?
Most rhinoplasty procedures usually take from 1 to 2 hours to complete. Dr. Denton performs the procedures at his fully accredited operating facility under twilight anesthesia. After surgery, patients are taken to a specially equipped recovery area. Once recovered all patients proceed home in the company of a responsible adult or to an aftercare facility.
6. How Long Does It Take To Recover from Rhinoplasty?
The nose is very delicate and intricate so patience is required during the healing process. The initial healing stage is about seven to ten days. During this stage, you need to follow aftercare instructions carefully and allow your nose to heal. Most patients are able to return to work 7 to 10 days following their surgery. About 80% of the swelling is usually gone after 8 weeks. However, it could take about a year for your nose to completely heal and take on its new permanent fully refined shape.
7. Is Asian Rhinoplasty Different from Caucasian Rhinoplasty?
Asian rhinoplasty usually involves raising and narrowing the bridge and adding definition to the tip with or without narrowing the nostrils. Dr. Denton advises his Asian rhinoplasty patients that the goal of this cosmetic facial procedure should not be to create for them a characteristically Caucasian nose. The aim of rhinoplasty should be to reshape the nose according to Asian characteristics that will fit the face well and result in a better balanced and more attractive appearance.
8. Can I Have My Nostrils Narrowed?
Yes, nostril narrowing or an alar base reduction procedure is performed to change the shape of the nose. This surgical procedure is performed to reduce the look of nasal flaring and create a more symmetrical look for the nose. If you are dissatisfied with the size, width, or shape of your nostrils, Dr. Denton can advise you about nostril reduction surgery.
Nostril reduction is often performed as a part of a rhinoplasty procedure but there are instances when it is done as a stand-alone procedure. It is performed using local anesthesia and lasts about an hour. The nostril narrowing scar is hidden in the crease of the nose. The result can make the nose appear smaller and narrower. To ensure that the result appears natural, the nostrils should be in proportion with your other facial features.
9. Can I Achieve Whatever Nose Shape I Want With Rhinoplasty?
This is not truly realistic. Your new nose will depend on your overall facial structure since it needs to be in harmony with the rest of your facial features. Dr. Denton always takes the time to listen to his patients and discuss with them what is realistically achievable. He takes time to consult with each patient and establish a customized treatment plan. This will reinforce your confidence, especially when computer imaging is used to reflect the anticipated changes.
10. Are “Non-Surgical” or “Liquid Rhinoplasty” Procedures Safe and Effective?
“Non-surgical rhinoplasty” is a procedure that involves injecting dermal fillers such as Hyaluronic acid into the nose to change its shape temporarily. However, aside from being a temporary procedure that must be repeated, it has several potential risks which you should be aware of.
One potential risk is inflammation. After repeated “liquid nose jobs” the trauma from injections can cause inflammation, and the filler itself can also cause an inflammatory reaction.
A second risk is skin necrosis (skin death). This can occur when the tiny blood vessels on the sides or tip of the nose become blocked with the dermal filler gel which prevents blood circulation.
Thirdly, there is the risk of blindness. Although rare, it can result if filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel that leads to the eyes.
11. How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
The average cost in Canada for rhinoplasty can range from $5,000 – $15,000. The cost will vary from patient to patient as each procedure is customized to fit the needs of each patient. After a consultation, Dr. Denton provides his patients with a quote that is guaranteed for one year. Dr. Denton’s quotes include all costs: pre-operative tests, anesthesia, facility charges, the services of our staff, and applicable taxes. You are encouraged to make cost comparisons. In comparing, be sure you determine the total of all costs related to the surgery.
Occasionally, provincial health care plans and insurance companies will pay for this procedure in cases where the nose is blocked or if the nose was injured during an accident. If this is a consideration, approval is required from these organizations prior to surgery.
Choosing the Most Qualified Rhinoplasty Surgeon in Vancouver
Your rhinoplasty surgery can affect how your nose will look not only in the immediate future but decades after your cosmetic surgical procedure. Therefore, it’s important to choose your rhinoplasty surgeon carefully. Consult with a leading board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon, like Dr. Denton, who is highly experienced in this procedure and has a clear understanding of the nasal structure and the surgical techniques required to perform it flawlessly and provide you with the desired results.
Since no rhinoplasty procedure is the same, it’s vital that the surgeon takes the time to consult with you and establish a customized treatment plan. This will reinforce your confidence, especially when computer imaging is used to reflect the anticipated changes. Dr. Denton’s philosophy is that the patient must be an equal member of the decision-making team so that he or she can make sound informed decisions and will be aware of the expected result.
Our private and comfortable offices are located in the heart of Vancouver’s medical corridor, just one block from Vancouver General Hospital. Our state-of-the-art on-site surgical suite allows all patient visits – from consultation through surgery and post-operative follow-up – to be scheduled at this location, adding simplicity, familiarity, and convenience to the patient experience.
Schedule your rhinoplasty consultation online or call 604-879-3223 and find out how Dr. Denton can help you achieve the result that will make you feel more confident about your appearance.