Understanding Rhinoplasty: Enhancing Your Beauty & Function

Rhinoplasty, colloquially known as a ‘nose job’, is a surgical procedure designed to reshape or resize the nose. It can be performed for cosmetic reasons, to improve the aesthetic appearance of the nose, or for functional purposes, to enhance breathing. Here at Dr. Haley Carpenter's practice, we specialize in both, ensuring your nose not only complements your facial features but also functions optimally.

For cosmetic rhinoplasty, there are four major areas we address to bring your nose into harmony with your facial features:

• Upper Vault: This section of your nose consists of your nasal bones. To refine this area, these bones might be broken to allow for narrowing. If they protrude, they can be filed down to reduce the nose's profile, creating a smoother look.
• Mid Vault: Comprised of the upper lateral cartilage and the top of the nasal septal cartilage, this part often causes the nasal 'hump'. By trimming or reshaping these cartilages, we can achieve either a flat or a gentle slope to your nasal profile.
• Nasal Tip: Here, the lower lateral cartilage and the lower portion of the nasal septal cartilage come into play. To refine the tip, we might trim these cartilages or use cartilage grafts from your nasal septum or ear to enhance shape and definition.
• Alar Base: Although less common, if you wish to narrow the width of your nostrils, a weir incision can be made. This incision, hidden inside your nose and in the natural crease between your nose and upper lip, brings the alar bases closer to the midline, subtly refining your nose's base.

While cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on appearance, functional rhinoplasty addresses nasal airway obstruction. This includes:

• Straightening the nasal dorsum if your nose is externally crooked.
• Septoplasty to straighten the nasal septum inside your nose.
• Inferior turbinate reduction to manage enlarged turbinates that can obstruct airflow. Turbinates are bony structures lined with mucosa inside your nose that help warm, humidify, and filter the air you breathe.
• Spreader grafts to widen the airway.

Functional rhinoplasty can be combined with cosmetic rhinoplasty or performed independently if you're content with your nose's appearance but seek improved breathing. Some insurance companies will help cover the cost of functional rhinoplasty, call your insurance to see if functional procedures are a covered benefit for you. 

After your rhinoplasty, expect:

• A splint over your nose for about one week to aid in proper healing and to help control swelling.
• Silicone splints inside your nostrils, along with prescriptions for nasal saline spray to keep passages clear.
• Antibiotics while internal splints are in place to prevent infection.
• Sutures both external and internal, which will be removed at your one-week follow-up.
• Swelling will be most pronounced in the first few weeks, with final results developing over the course of a year.

At Vitruvian Surgical Institute of Coral Springs, we believe in a personal approach to each patient’s journey. Whether you're looking to enhance your facial harmony or improve your nasal function, Dr.  Carpenter is here to guide you through the process with warmth and expertise. 

We invite you to schedule a complimentary in-person consultation with Dr. Carpenter, where we can discuss your goals, explore your options, and tailor a plan that's just right for you for your rhinoplasty. Let's work together to bring out your natural beauty and ensure you breathe easier. Contact us today to start your transformation at 954-344-4344.