Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty: What’s the Difference?
Did you know there are multiple options for achieving your dream nose? When you visit us… Read On
Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery
1819 Lyndhurst Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (980) 949-6544
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Rhinoplasty
Your nose is one of the most prominent features on your face, and it has a powerful effect on the way you look overall. If your nose doesn’t quite feel like you, bring your ideal look to life with rhinoplasty (also called a “nose job”), available at our Charlotte, NC, facial plastic surgery practice.
Dual board-certified facial plastic surgeons Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Joshua Surowitz consider rhinoplasty an important, thought-out procedure a person can choose to elevate their facial appearance. Masterfully performed rhinoplasty brings harmony to all of your features without sacrificing the unique character of your nose. It lets our patients from the Lake Norman area such as Cornelius, Huntersville, and Davidson; Lake Wylie communities including Tega Cay and India Hook; Belmont; Indian Trail; and other nearby cities put their best face forward to the world with total confidence.
Rhinoplasty
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Rhinoplasty
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Case #49
This patient wished to improve the appearance of her nose. Drs. Garcia and Surowitz performed rhinoseptoplasty to create a refined, natural shape to the nose, lifting and narrowing her tip and creating a delicate feminine profile.
View Case DetailsRequest My ConsultationKeep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can improve both the form and function of the nose. While our surgeons customize each procedure, some of the most common components include:
- Lifting a drooping tip
- Narrowing or straightening the bridge
- Removing nasal humps or bumps
- Reshaping an enlarged or bulbous tip
- Correcting breathing issues
Because there is no “ideal nose,” our surgeons tailor each nose surgery to optimize the angles and proportions of the nose in relation to the forehead, ears, eyes, and mouth.
Who Is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
The ideal rhinoplasty candidate is someone who is in generally good health and has realistic expectations for their surgical outcome.
In addition to aesthetic concerns, our doctors are also trained to correct functional issues, such as breathing problems. People with a deviated septum may pursue nose surgery for this reason. In many cases, an internal problem with the septum may also have an impact on the visible shape of the nose.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Charlotte, NC?
The price of rhinoplasty at our Charlotte practice varies from person to person. We will provide a personalized pricing estimate at your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Affordable financing plans through CareCredit® make bringing your best nose to life even more attainable. Learn more on our resources page.
Meet Our Surgeons
Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery combines the expertise of two dual board-certified, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons for unparalleled patient care. Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz offer a unique collaborative approach to facial plastic surgery, working as a compassionate and highly trained duo to bring out the very best in you.
Credentials You Can Trust
Why Choose Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery for Your Rhinoplasty?
Dual board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeons Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz have dedicated their skills to performing cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, eyes, ears, neck, and nose. As specialists in rhinoplasty, our surgeons have comprehensive training in the subtle nuances of this complex procedure.
Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz work in partnership at Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery, employing a unique two-surgeon approach that delivers double the expertise, training, and experience. Along with their combined knowledge and mastery of practiced techniques, they offer a warm and inviting demeanor that puts visitors at ease from the very first appointment.
What our clients have to say
My results are amazing and all I could've hoped for.
Dr. Andrea Garcia and Dr. Josh Surowitz are so knowledgeable and I immediately felt like I had found the right team for rhinoplasty. Along with their outstanding staff (Holly and Sheila), they made the entire process so comfortable and easy.
5 star review
- M. Wall
What Is the Difference Between Open and Closed Rhinoplasty?
Your surgeon may recommend either an open or closed rhinoplasty, depending on your needs:
- Open rhinoplasty: This approach uses a small incision on the columella (the strip of tissue between your nostrils) to provide better access to your nose’s structures. This creates a very small, thin, and barely visible scar on the underside of your nose.
- Closed rhinoplasty: This “scarless” rhinoplasty uses incisions hidden inside the nostrils.
Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz will discuss the benefits of each approach with you and recommend the best option during your in-depth consultation.
What Is Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?
The recovery process after rhinoplasty surgery varies from patient to patient and depends on a number of factors. Generally, here is what you can expect after rhinoplasty:
- Immediately after surgery: You’ll feel a bit groggy when you wake up in the recovery room. You can expect some initial discomfort and swelling and bruising around the nose.
- First week: Persistent bruising and swelling peak during the first week. You’ll be uncomfortable, but most patients don’t experience significant pain. Your surgeon will remove sutures and dressings within the first 7 to 10 days. You may see some initial results, but the nose’s appearance will continue to improve as the swelling goes down. Plan to sleep propped up with several pillows or in a recliner.
- Second week: Most patients return to work by the end of the first week or the beginning of week 2, unless their jobs require strenuous activity. The swelling continues to diminish. Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by your surgeon.
- Weeks 4 to 6: Many people feel comfortable enough with the appearance of their noses that they go out to dinner or meet with friends after the second week of recovery. By week 6, the swelling has resolved enough to provide a good sense of the nose’s new shape and size. But residual swelling can last for 6 months or more. Strenuous exercise is okay for most people by Week 5 or 6, but you should gradually work up to your usual activity. Continue to avoid sports or other activities in which you risk injuring your nose.
- Third month: You’ll notice the results gradually improve as residual swelling continues to resolve. Taking photos periodically can provide a better idea of the changes that occur.
- 6 months to a year: You’ll see the final results emerge during this time frame.
Procedures Commonly Combined With Rhinoplasty
Some people combine rhinoplasty with other cosmetic procedures to create the overall appearance they desire. Chin augmentation is one of the procedures most commonly combined with a nose job, creating harmony between these facial features. Injectables, such as JUVÉDERM® and Restylane® fillers, may also be part of your rhinoplasty procedure.
Difference Between Rhinoplasty and Revision Rhinoplasty
People who aren’t happy with the outcomes of their initial rhinoplasty procedures with other plastic surgeons may want to undergo revision rhinoplasty. A revision procedure may be needed to improve either the appearance or function of the nose.
This procedure should be performed by facial plastic surgery specialists, such as our dual board-certified facial plastic surgeons, because it is more complicated than a primary rhinoplasty procedure. One challenge posed by revision rhinoplasty includes the presence of scar tissue from prior rhinoplasty, which can limit the final outcome since it may recur even after successful revision rhinoplasty. Also, revision rhinoplasty often requires the use of cartilage to replace damaged and/or deficient cartilage removed in the prior surgery.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
How old do you need to be to get a nose job?
Older adolescents whose noses have finished developing can get rhinoplasty. Girls generally need to be at least 15 or 16 to be good rhinoplasty candidates, while boys should be at least 17 or 18.
Are rhinoplasties painful?
Rhinoplasty surgery itself doesn’t hurt because it’s performed with general anesthesia. Even though there may be some initial pain during the recovery, most patients describe feeling uncomfortable rather than in pain. You can use prescription medication to manage your pain, although some patients only need over-the-counter pain relief.
Will my rhinoplasty results be permanent?
Other than natural age-related changes or nose injuries, the size and shape of the nose after rhinoplasty will remain the same.
What’s the difference between a surgical rhinoplasty and a liquid rhinoplasty?
“Liquid rhinoplasty” is a name used for nonsurgical rhinoplasty that uses dermal fillers to change the shape of the nose. However, it cannot reduce the size of the nose. The changes made during nonsurgical rhinoplasty only last until the body absorbs the fillers, usually about 9 to 12 months. Some people schedule liquid rhinoplasty to “test-drive” changes to the appearance of their noses before getting surgical rhinoplasty.
Will scars be notable after an open rhinoplasty?
When performing open rhinoplasty, surgeons make a horizontal incision across the small strip of skin between the nostrils, called the columella. The scar is barely perceptible and typically fades during the first year. Applying sunscreen to the scar helps prevent it from becoming more noticeable.
Will my nose be broken during surgery?
Even though many people believe the surgeon breaks the nose during rhinoplasty, that’s not technically true. Instead, the nose is carefully cut or sculpted, depending on the specific reasons for the procedure.
Schedule Your Consultation
Your first step is to discuss the possibilities with Dr. Garcia and Dr. Surowitz at a private consultation. If you would like to meet with our Charlotte rhinoplasty specialists, please request your consultation online or call (980) 949-6544.
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