What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, often called a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure that reshapes and refines the nose to improve facial balance and harmony. Because the nose sits at the center of the face, even subtle adjustments can create a more proportionate, natural-looking appearance.

Rhinoplasty can address cosmetic concerns such as a hump, wide bridge, drooping or bulbous tip, asymmetry, or oversized nostrils. It can also correct structural issues that interfere with breathing. Each procedure is customized to preserve your unique features while enhancing overall symmetry and confidence.

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Is Rhinoplasty Safe?

Rhinoplasty is a safe and exceedingly common surgical procedure to refine and reshape the nose so that it fits harmoniously with the rest of the facial features and bone structure. Nose surgery can improve the overall appearance while relieving bothersome structural issues that interfere with breathing. Our board-certified plastic surgeons here at PPSD strive to deliver the finest rhinoplasty Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman, Cornelius, and surrounding cities can offer you, always working to maintain the integrity of your face while enhancing its appearance.

A good candidate for rhinoplasty is a person who wishes to alter the shape of the nose to blend it with the face to enhance their features or address asymmetries.

Rather than achieving a cookie-cutter look that ignores cultural and ethnic idiosyncrasies, the goal is to promote a natural aesthetic that complements the patient’s uniqueness while promoting balance and symmetry.

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Understanding the Rhinoplasty Procedure

Your rhinoplasty procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia at a hospital or one of our state-of-the-art AAAASF-accredited surgical facilities. Rhinoplasty usually takes 2-3 hours, although the time varies depending on the complexity of the case. Prior to surgery, the doctor will have chosen either an open or closed rhinoplasty approach. An open procedure makes use of a trans-columellar incision between the nostrils, which affords the plastic surgeon greater leverage in accessing the internal nasal structure. A closed approach, on the other hand, provides more limited room to operate, yet has the advantage of concealing any scars within the nostrils. The choice of whether to perform an open or closed nose job is based on the degree of reshaping required. Once an incision is made, the surgeon will refine the bone and cartilage, redesign the tip, and apply any grafts that may be necessary. If the chin is contributing to an unsatisfactory profile, chin augmentation or reduction may be performed at this time.

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Why choose PPSD for Rhinoplasty in Charlotte, NC

We at PPSD have gathered among the best plastic surgeons in the field ready to serve all your cosmetic needs, no matter how unique. We provide exceptional, personalized patient care from your first call all the way to your post-surgical follow-up visits, ensuring that you will not only love your rhinoplasty results, but also enjoy the journey along the way.

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What's Recovery Like After a Rhinoplasty?

After surgery, your rhinoplasty surgeon in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities may apply a nasal splint and packing to help stabilize the new nose shape. While swelling, bleeding, bruising, numbness and stuffiness are to be expected along with headaches, these discomforts are addressed with cold compresses and pain medications prescribed by your doctor. Most symptoms will subside quickly. Minor swelling, however, can persist for up to a year. It’s therefore very important to have patience as you navigate the recovery process. Day by day, both your appearance and your self-confidence will improve tremendously.

Within 10-14 days, all packing, sutures and splints will be removed, revealing the beginnings of your beautiful results. We advise that you refrain from blowing your nose for the first week or two, and that you avoid strenuous exercise, physical labor and excess sunlight. Within 2-3 weeks you should be back to your normal routine. In addition to a detailed aftercare plan, your surgeon will provide a series of follow-up visits to ensure that you are on track toward optimum healing. Assistance is always just a phone call away, so do not hesitate to contact our office should anything seem amiss.

What Can I Expect At My Initial Rhinoplasty Consultation?

The consultation is one of the most important parts of the rhinoplasty procedure. During this time, you will get the chance to share your goals and expectations with your doctor in regards to how you would like your new nose to look. A discussion of before and after photos can help make sure both surgeon and patient are on the same page. Other factors your doctor will consider in formulating the best treatment plan include your age, medical history, previous surgeries, nasal structure, skin thickness, and the shape of your face.

With offices conveniently located in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman, Cornelius, and surrounding cities. We are proud to serve the entire North Carolina region and beyond. Call us today to schedule your confidential consultation.

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Rhinoplasty FAQ

Nose reshaping, or rhinoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the nation, with 223,000 procedures performed in a recent year. At Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology, our board-certified plastic surgeons perform rhinoplasty procedures with precision, skill, and artistry, and focus on creating balance and harmony to enhance your facial features. Read our answers to some frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty.

What is the difference between septoplasty and rhinoplasty?

What is ethnic rhinoplasty?

Is there a non-surgical alternative to rhinoplasty?

Is recovery from rhinoplasty painful?

How long will it take to see final results after rhinoplasty?

What are the pros and cons of open and closed rhinoplasty?

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

Will rhinoplasty change the way I breathe?

How long do rhinoplasty results last?

What is the difference between septoplasty and rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is the medical term for a cosmetic surgery of the nose. Septoplasty is surgery performed specifically to correct a deviated septum (the bone and cartilage barrier separating the two sides of the nose). Our rhinoplasty and septoplasty are often combined in one procedure to address both functional and cosmetic problems.

What is ethnic rhinoplasty?

Ethnic rhinoplasty is cosmetic nose surgery that addresses specific facial characteristics common among certain ethnic groups. For example, Asian rhinoplasty may involve narrowing the bridge of the nose, reducing nostril size, or remodeling the nose tip. In African-American rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities may narrow the nostrils, reshape the tip, and create a narrower nasal bridge. In an Asian ethnic rhinoplasty, the procedure subtly reshapes the nose structure to create a more aesthetic balance.

Is there a non-surgical alternative to rhinoplasty?

Non-surgical rhinoplasty may be recommended for some patients who are not ready to undergo surgery. This technique uses injectable fillers to improve the appearance of the nose and may also help correct breathing issues for some patients. Results of non-surgical rhinoplasty typically last up to 18 months.

Is recovery from rhinoplasty painful?

For many of our rhinoplasty patients, recovery is better described as being uncomfortable rather than painful. Post-surgical pain can be controlled with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Patients are advised to sleep upright to help reduce swelling and may experience uncomfortable changes in their breathing during the initial recovery period.

How long will it take to see final results after rhinoplasty?

Final results will become apparent when post-surgical swelling has subsided completely, which can take up to one year. However, approximately 90 percent of the swelling will have subsided within three months after surgery. Although there will still be some swelling and soreness, you can begin to see what your new nose will look like when the splint and dressings are removed in 10 to 14 days after the procedure.

What are the pros and cons of open and closed rhinoplasty?

Open rhinoplasty allows the surgeon greater access and visibility for delicate and complex alterations to the nasal structures. This technique involves an incision line on the outside of the nose; however, our skilled surgeons can place the incision so that the scar is barely visible when healed. Incision lines are not visible in closed rhinoplasty, as all incisions are made within the nostrils. This technique may also result in an easier, faster recovery. After an in-depth consultation and careful evaluation, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons in Charlotte, Gastonia, Shelby, Hickory, Lake Norman and surrounding cities will recommend the best surgical approach to rhinoplasty for you.

Incision lines are not visible in closed rhinoplasty, as all incisions are made within the nostrils. This technique may also result in an easier, faster recovery. After an in-depth consultation and careful evaluation, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will recommend the best surgical approach to rhinoplasty for you.

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

Good candidates for rhinoplasty are healthy individuals who are unhappy with the size, shape, or function of their nose. You may be an ideal candidate if you feel your nose is too large, wide, crooked, hooked, or disproportionate to your other facial features, or if you experience breathing difficulties due to structural concerns. Candidates should have realistic expectations and a fully developed nasal structure (typically age 15–16 for females and slightly older for males). During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your medical history, nasal anatomy, and aesthetic goals to determine whether rhinoplasty in Charlotte is right for you.

Will rhinoplasty change the way I breathe?

Rhinoplasty can improve breathing when structural issues such as a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves, or enlarged turbinates are present. In many cases, cosmetic rhinoplasty is combined with functional procedures to enhance both appearance and airflow. Temporary congestion and swelling are common during the initial recovery period, but once healing is complete, many patients experience noticeable improvement in breathing. Your surgeon will evaluate both cosmetic and functional concerns during your consultation.

How long do rhinoplasty results last?

Rhinoplasty results are considered permanent. Once the nasal bones and cartilage heal into their new shape, the structural changes are long-lasting. While the natural aging process will continue, your nose will maintain its refined contour for many years to come. Choosing a skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon in the Charlotte metropolitan area helps ensure balanced, natural-looking results that stand the test of time.

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