What is rhinoplasty?
If you feel like the nose you were born with is unattractive, you are not alone. Even slight cosmetic changes to the structure of your nose can make dramatic difference how your face is perceived. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. A nose job not only alters the physical characteristics of your nose, but the procedure can restore breathing function. Dr. Montilla has extensive experience producing elegant outcomes with nose reshaping surgery, enhancing your overall appearance – and your confidence in how you look.
How is rhinoplasty performed?
Through rhinoplasty, you can change both the look and function of your nose for the better. There are two methods of performing our rhinoplasty in Worcester:
- Open rhinoplasty is most frequently performed when major adjustments to the shape and size of your nose are needed. In this technique, a small incision is placed at the base of the columella, the thin strip of tissue separating your nostrils. This approach allows Dr. Montilla access to the entire nose structure to perform the alterations desired.
- Closed rhinoplasty is possible in cases where refinements are less involved. This technique does not involve any external incisions, and all alterations are made within the nose structure.
What are the benefits of rhinoplasty?
The nose is the central point of your face, and often the feature that others notice first. If you are unhappy with the size or shape of the nose you were born with, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A nose job can help to correct many imperfections, including:
- A hump on the bridge of the nose
- Refine an overly large tip
- Straighten a crooked nose
- Alter the size of nostrils which are too wide or narrow
- Correct breathing problems
- Enhance your self-esteem
Rhinoplasty in Greater Boston Area Before & After
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What can I expect during rhinoplasty?
Each rhinoplasty in the Greater Boston Area Dr. Montilla performs is tailored to the individual. Your surgery will take place in the privacy of our exclusive Worchester clinic under either local or general anesthesia. Dr. Montilla will carefully reshape your nose giving careful attention to creating harmony between all of your facial features. Rhinoplasty typically takes between two and three hours to perform. You can rest peacefully with the knowledge that when you awake, you will be steps closer to realizing the nose you have dreamed of having.
What is the recovery from rhinoplasty like?
You will need to have someone drive you home from your procedure and to stay with you for a day or two following your nose job surgery. You will experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and tenderness, and will have prescription pain medication to keep you comfortable in the early stages. You will need to plan to take at least one week off of school or work so you can rest and allow your body to heal. You should avoid strenuous exercise for two to three weeks after your rhinoplasty, and must avoid any activity that could lead to impact with your newly-reshaped nose. You will need to sleep on your back, with you head elevated during recovery. Most people are surprised at the ease of recovery.
Who is a candidate for rhinoplasty?
If you would like to modify the overall function or appearance of your nose and are in overall good health, you are likely a good candidate for rhinoplasty. You must have reached full maturity before undergoing rhinoplasty. The minimum age for rhinoplasty is usually 15 in girls and 16 in boys. It is also essential that patients are emotionally mature, understand the procedure and recovery, and can be active participants in ensuring recovery goes as it should.
Will my health insurance cover the expense of rhinoplasty?
Since rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, health insurance usually does not cover the expense. If, however, you need a nose job to correct a deviated septum your insurance may cover the cost. Our office staff is well versed in working with most health insurance companies and will be happy to assist you in filing the appropriate paperwork.
When will I be able to see the final results?
As the swelling from your surgical procedure subsides, you will begin to see the new shape of your nose appear. Healing happens gradually. The initial swelling will go down over approximately two to three weeks. Over the next nine to twelve months, you will see subtle, gradual changes until your results are fully visible. You will have long-lasting and arguably the best nose job Greater Boston Area and Worcester have to offer.
What is the cost for Rhinoplasty?
In the case of functional rhinoplasty in Greater Boston Area, many health insurance providers may cover some or all of the cost. However, when it comes strictly to cosmetic nasal surgery, no coverage will typically be provided. Generally, the price of rhinoplasty is dependent on the techniques required. Dr. Montilla will meet with you during your initial consultation and go over your surgical plan and many other factors which will determine the cost.
What is Revision Rhinoplasty?
While all patients hope to achieve their desired outcome in one procedure, it is sometimes the case that the initial treatment does not accomplish the patient’s goals. Whether the issue is correcting abnormalities of the nasal bridge, tip, or nostrils, it is totally possible that the initial surgery missed the mark.
Revision rhinoplasty will look different for everyone. For example, it may be the case that the initial procedure went too far, extracting too much cartilage, skin, or bone from the nose. For these patients, their revision rhinoplasty will involve some amount of augmentation (putting back cartilage, bone, and skin).
What is Ethnic Rhinoplasty?
Ethnic rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that is designed to address nasal issues in patients of ethnic descent. This type of rhinoplasty is considered to be significantly different from a traditional rhinoplasty which focuses on reducing the size of the patient’s nose (removing excess bone and cartilage), which is often performed on patients of European descent.
Ethnic rhinoplasty most often involves nose augmentation (incorporating new cartilage to build on the structure) to address issues such as an overly flat nose, wide nostrils, or other characteristics that the patient may be unhappy with. Ideal candidates for this surgical procedure may be of African American, East Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino), or Latin American descent.
Other forms of ethnic rhinoplasty are designed to treat patients of Middle Eastern (Turkish, Arab, Iranian) and South Asian (Pakistani, Indian, Bengali) descent. These treatments can address dorsal humps, nasal tip issues, and breathing problems.
Related Procedures
If you are planning to undergo rhinoplasty, you can undergo other procedures during the same surgical appointment. This approach can save you from the additional costs of surgery, including anesthesia and facility costs, with one recovery time. Many patients who come to Montilla Plastic Surgery in the greater Boston area take advantage of a scheduled rhinoplasty to enhance other facial areas with one of the following related facial procedures:
You can add a facelift to your surgical appointment for a comprehensive level of facial rejuvenation. A facelift will smooth away wrinkles, lines, sagging jowls, and a double chin, and when combined with a nose job, it can create the most beautiful outcome.
If you are undergoing rhinoplasty, why not consider eyelid surgery as well? If you are seeing sagging eyelids, excess skin, and always look tired no matter how much you rest, eyelid surgery can significantly enliven your overall facial appeal.
A heavy, drooping, deeply-creased brow adds years to your facial look. If you have scheduled a rhinoplasty and dream of restoring a smooth, unlined brow or resolving a heavy brow, a custom brow lift can leave you looking incredibly young and vital.
A custom neck lift surgery can remove double chin fat and refine your profile and overall facial appearance by removing sagging, creased neck skin and fat, and vertical neck bands leave you looking refreshed, youthful, and elegant.
Can rhinoplasty improve both appearance and breathing issues at the same time?
Rhinoplasty can address cosmetic concerns and functional issues such as breathing difficulties. This is often referred to as a "septorhinoplasty," where the surgeon reshapes the nose for aesthetic improvement while correcting a deviated septum or other structural issues affecting breathing.
How does the thickness of my skin affect rhinoplasty results?
Skin thickness plays a significant role in rhinoplasty outcomes. Thick skin may not reveal the finer details of nasal reshaping, while thin skin can make imperfections more noticeable. Your surgeon will consider this when planning your procedure to achieve the best possible result.
Will rhinoplasty change my voice?
While it's uncommon, some patients report subtle changes in their voice after rhinoplasty, mainly if the surgery involves significant alterations to the nasal passages. These changes are usually minor and may not be noticeable to others.
Can rhinoplasty be performed using cartilage from other parts of my body?
If additional cartilage is needed for structural support during rhinoplasty, surgeons often use cartilage from other areas of your body, such as the ear or ribs. This technique is typically used in complex cases, like revision rhinoplasty or significant reshaping.
How soon can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?
It's recommended to avoid wearing glasses directly on your nose for at least 4-6 weeks after rhinoplasty to prevent pressure on the healing nasal bones. If you need to wear glasses during this period, your surgeon may suggest alternatives, such as taping the glasses to your forehead or using special splints.
Why should I choose Montilla Plastic Surgery for rhinoplasty?
Dr. Richard Montilla is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a history of producing lovely, natural-looking results. He will carefully listen to your aesthetic vision in seeking nose reshaping surgery and advise you on how your nose could be altered to create more attractive facial balance, highlighting your other features. Dr. Montilla possesses a refined surgical technique and an eye for facial beauty that makes him uniquely qualified to perform your nose job. Our beautiful facilities were designed with your comfort, health, and safety in mind. Renowned for his talent and skill, Dr. Montilla is sought after by those who seek a custom rhinoplasty in Massachusetts and beyond.
