Choose an Expert Surgeon for Rhinoplasty

Also known as a nose reshaping surgery or a “nose job,” a rhinoplasty can improve facial proportions and the overall look of the nose and face. It can also correct defects that inhibit breathing. A rhinoplasty can change a variety of issues with the nose, such as widening or narrowing the bridge or nostrils, straightening a crooked nose, reshaping the tip, and smoothing bumps on the bridge. Incisions are typically hidden inside the nose or placed in inconspicuous areas to minimize scarring visibility. Dr. Metzinger will thoroughly examine your nose and face during an initial consultation and discuss your desired appearance.

Rhinoplasty requires a great deal of surgical skill, and you should choose your surgeon carefully.

Patients who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose are the most common candidates for rhinoplasty. Those who experience discomfort or trouble breathing due to structural problems or a previous injury may also be good candidates for rhinoplasty.

The most often performed rhinoplasty is reduction surgery. This procedure reduces or eliminates bumps across the bridge, shortens an elongated tip, or reduces excessively flared nostrils, by removing bone and cartilage from the nose. Another popular cosmetic nose surgery is augmentation rhinoplasty, which uses bone and tissue from other parts of the nose (such as the septum) to graft and builds up the nasal tip or bridge. If the patient does not have enough bone and cartilage in the nose, Dr. Metzinger may use cartilage from other areas of the body, such as the ribs, or he may use synthetic materials or other tissues.

Post-traumatic rhinoplasty is usually performed when a patient has broken their nose. It addresses both appearance and functionality by straightening the nose and correcting the position of the nasal septum. In some cases, a nose may need to be re-fractured and re-set. Reconstructive rhinoplasty, another type of nose surgery, is performed for patients who have lost some or all of their nose in an accident, or from skin cancer or another serious illness. This procedure rebuilds the nose through skin grafts and may require multiple surgeries over several months.

There are two techniques that may be used in rhinoplasty. The closed technique is preferred because the incisions are placed inside the nose, resulting in minimal scarring. The open technique allows Dr. Metzinger greater access to the cartilage and bone within the nose. The open technique requires an incision across the columella, or the underside of the cartilage between the two nostrils, leaving a nearly invisible scar. With his expertise, Dr. Metzinger can determine which type and technique should be used to give you the best results.

Though rare, risks of rhinoplasty may include infection, asymmetry, scarring, numbness, difficulty breathing, chronic nosebleeds, perforated septum, and the need for revision surgery. You may experience temporary side effects following your surgery including bruising, discomfort, swelling, sinusitis, and nosebleeds. You can reduce your surgery risks by choosing a board-certified surgeon with extensive experience in rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty offers many benefits such as improving facial symmetry and proportions, shape, smoother lines, and improved breathing ability. Many patients who were previously self-conscious about their appearance see a boost in confidence after they have healed.

Patients considering rhinoplasty should fully understand that performing this surgery properly takes years of specialized study. To schedule a rhinoplasty consultation with a true expert, please contact us for an appointment with Dr. Metzinger.