With a rhinoplasty (or “nose job”) at our Charleston, SC, plastic surgery practice, you can make your dream nose a reality. Whether you are looking to correct cosmetic concerns, improve your breathing, or repair an injury, our board-certified plastic surgeons can refine your nose’s form and function to leave you feeling confident and breathing freely.
On this page, you’ll find answers to the most common rhinoplasty questions, from how much the procedure costs to what the recovery process is really like.
One of the more common plastic surgery procedures, rhinoplasty is performed to reshape, reduce or augment a person’s nose, often by:
Removing a hump
Narrow nostril or nasal bridge width
Changing the angle between the nose and the mouth
Refining a drooping or bulbous tip
Correcting injury, congenital conditions, or other problems that affect breathing
Results depend on your nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness, and age.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost in Charleston, SC?
At our plastic surgery practice, the cost of rhinoplasty varies from person to person depending on the complexity of the procedure, whether other procedures are included, and other factors. As part of the consultation process, we will provide you with a personalized pricing estimate.
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How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Nose Job?
You can have rhinoplasty done as soon as you are done growing and your features have finished developing. This usually happens during the teen years, often a bit earlier for girls than for boys.
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
Rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis while you are under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia. Our surgeons use one of two techniques:
Closed rhinoplasty: Incisions are either made only within the nose, thus hiding scars after surgery.
Open rhinoplasty: An additional incision is made across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. This scar is small and hidden on the underside of the nose.
In both procedures, the skin is lifted and the bone and cartilage are sculpted to the desired shape and form.
What Happens During A Consultation
Because we want to create your ideal surgical results, the consultation is a critical part of the process. Your surgeon will walk you through your options and help you make choices that align with your anatomy and goals. This time will also be used to conduct a thorough medical history and address all your concerns and questions.
You will have another preoperative appointment closer to the date of your surgery. At this time, you will sign the consent forms, have photos and measurements taken, and receive detailed instructions for before and after surgery. Please adhere to these instructions closely as they are instrumental in ensuring your safety and comfort.
Can I Combine My Rhinoplasty With Other Procedures?
Yes, you can have other procedures done within the same surgery as your rhinoplasty. One of the most popular procedures to include is chin augmentation, which strengthens the chin via an implant to balance the harmony between the nose and chin.
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At CC Plastic Surgery, we offer the state-of-the-art VECTRA® XT 3D imaging system to capture face, breast, and body images to help simulate your surgical outcomes during your consultation.
What Is Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?
For a short time after surgery, you may experience puffiness, nose ache, a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding, or stuffiness. Most people feel like themselves within 2 days and return to work in about a week. Contact lenses can be worn immediately, but glasses will have to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to 6 weeks.
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Most swelling subsides within the first couple of months. However, some minor residual swelling may persist for 6 months to a year.
Is Rhinoplasty Covered By Insurance?
Insurance may partially cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons. Procedures performed solely for cosmetic purposes typically do not qualify for insurance coverage. However, you can still finance your procedure to break your total cost up into affordable monthly payments.
Rhinoplasty FAQs
Does rhinoplasty improve breathing?
Rhinoplasty (Septoplasty) procedures can help improve the breathing of individuals with conditions like a deviated septum or previous trauma. Those desiring purely cosmetic rhinoplasty, without any pre-existing breathing problems, should not expect any differences in their breathing.
Can you tell if someone has had rhinoplasty?
When performed by a highly skilled surgeon, it will be hard to detect if someone has had a rhinoplasty. A natural-looking rhinoplasty is always the objective.
How much time should I take off from work for rhinoplasty?
Depending on how strenuous your job is, most patients are able to return to work after about 1-2 weeks.
What are the risks associated with rhinoplasty?
Some risks associated with rhinoplasty include bleeding, infection, blood clots, scarring, numbness, and temporary breathing troubles due to swelling.
What is the hardest day of recovery from a rhinoplasty?
The most uncomfortable days of recovery are going to occur during the first 72 hours. After those three days, you will begin to adjust to the post-surgical sensation.
How long does a rhinoplasty procedure take?
The duration of a rhinoplasty procedure varies depending on the complexity of your surgery, but it generally takes between one and three hours. Your surgeon can provide a more accurate time estimate during your consultation.
What should I expect during the recovery period?
After your procedure, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which typically subsides within a few weeks. Most people can return to work or school within one or two weeks, but the final results may take several months to fully emerge.
How long do the results of rhinoplasty last?
The results of rhinoplasty are permanent and will last a lifetime. However, the natural aging process and any subsequent injuries can affect the appearance and function of the nose over time.
When will I see the final results of my rhinoplasty?
While initial improvements can be seen once the swelling subsides, it can take up to a year or more for the final rhinoplasty results to be fully visible. This is because the nose continues to refine and settle into its new shape over time.
Will I have visible scars after rhinoplasty?
In most cases, rhinoplasty incisions are made inside the nostrils, resulting in no visible scars. If an open rhinoplasty approach is used, a small incision is made across the columella, which typically heals very well and becomes minimally noticeable over time.
How should I prepare for a rhinoplasty procedure?
Preparing for rhinoplasty involves several steps, including avoiding certain medications that can increase bleeding, stopping smoking to promote better healing, and arranging for someone to drive you home after surgery.
Is rhinoplasty painful?
Most patients report that rhinoplasty is not very painful, and discomfort can be effectively managed with prescribed pain medication. Some swelling, bruising, and congestion are common in the initial recovery period, but these symptoms typically subside within a few weeks.
Can rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Yes, rhinoplasty can be combined with other facial procedures. It is common for some patients to have surgeries such as chin augmentation, eyelid surgery, or a facelift in addition to rhinoplasty to achieve a more balanced and harmonious facial appearance.
Will insurance cover the cost of rhinoplasty?
Insurance coverage for rhinoplasty depends on whether the procedure is performed for functional or purely cosmetic reasons. If the surgery corrects a breathing issue or deformity, insurance may cover part or all of the cost. It's important to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
How do I choose the right surgeon for rhinoplasty?
Choosing the right surgeon is crucial for a successful rhinoplasty. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, review before-and-after photos of their work, and schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and assess your comfort level with the surgeon.
When can I return to exercise after rhinoplasty?
We typically recommend waiting about 6-8 weeks after your rhinoplasty before you start working out again.
How do I know if a closed or open rhinoplasty is right for me?
Based on your goals, your nasal structure, and the proportions of your face, your provider will help determine the right rhinoplasty option for you. They will recommend one over the other.
How long does a typical rhinoplasty take?
How long your rhinoplasty takes can depend on a variety of factors, including whether you have an open or closed rhinoplasty. Generally, the procedure takes 1.5-3 hours.
What can ruin rhinoplasty final results?
Trauma to the nose, improper post-op care, or not following instructions can affect the final outcome. Smoking and excessive sun exposure can also impact healing.
Does anyone regret rhinoplasty?
It’s always possible to regret going through with rhinoplasty, but the best way to feel satisfied with your results is by selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you manage expectations.
What happens if I sleep on my side after rhinoplasty?
Sleeping on your side too soon can cause asymmetry, swelling, or pressure on the nose, potentially affecting the healing process. Make sure to sleep on your back with your head elevated for several weeks.
