Rhinoplasty is the medical term for a plastic surgery procedure commonly known as a “nose job.” This treatment can reshape and recontour nasal features to meet an individual’s aesthetic goals, or it can be performed to correct functional nasal concerns that are causing problems with breathing. Our skilled rhinoplasty surgeon, Christopher Godek, MD, has advanced training and extensive experience performing both primary rhinoplasty (which refers to an initial nose surgery procedure) and revision rhinoplasty. Whether you are considering rhinoplasty to enhance the appearance of your nose with results that look natural or you are looking for effective procedures that can improve nasal function, Dr. Godek can develop a customized rhinoplasty treatment plan utilizing state-of-the-art techniques designed to help you meet your unique needs.
“Dr. Godek and his entire staff are extremely professional, friendly and caring. My surgery was a complete success,…I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend Doctor Godek”
-Jeff
Rhinoplasty can have a significantly positive effect on overall facial aesthetics and has helped many individuals feel more confident about their appearance. Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty surgery are typically individuals who are in reasonably good general health and are seeking cosmetic enhancement or functional correction of concerns relating to the nose. In most cases, it is best for patients to be a minimum of 16 years of age before undergoing this procedure.
When considering Rhinoplasty New Jersey patients often find it to be a suitable treatment option if they have one or more of the following goals:
During your initial consultation with Dr. Godek, he will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your nose, taking into account its aesthetic balance among other facial features and any functional problems you may be experiencing. If rhinoplasty is right for your needs, Dr. Godek will create your personalized treatment plan and go over it with you in detail.
Open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty are the two basic types of surgical rhinoplasty techniques. An open rhinoplasty usually involves an incision created in the columella, which is the small strip of tissue between the nostrils. This technique allows Dr. Godek to access inner nasal structures via a very small incision that typically results in a barely noticeable scar. The closed rhinoplasty technique utilizes incisions made through the nostrils, thereby resulting in no visible scarring at all. Dr. Godek will recommend either open or closed rhinoplasty once he has examined you during the initial consultation and talked with you about your needs and goals. With this in mind, it is important to note that, while rhinoplasty is one of the more complex plastic surgery procedures available, the incisions necessary for the treatment are typically very minimal and residual scarring is often virtually unnoticeable.
Nasal surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, but an overnight hospital stay is usually not required. Based on your customized treatment plan, Dr. Godek will utilize either the open or closed rhinoplasty approach to delicately reshape soft nasal tissues, bone, and cartilage to provide the desired results. Dr. Godek is committed to performing “limited-touch” or “preservation” rhinoplasty techniques in order to reduce trauma to nasal tissues and to minimize swelling and bruising after surgery. Depending on each patient’s needs, a bone or cartilage graft from another area of the body may be required for rhinoplasty surgery; however, this is not the case for every patient. Rhinoplasty surgery can often be completed in one to three hours. Patients should plan for someone to drive to and from surgery and take care of them overnight as the effects of the general anesthesia wear off.
A post-surgical nasal splint will be placed for about one week to support the nose while it heals. Swelling and bruising can be expected during recovery; however, the majority of these effects should dissipate over the next few weeks. While strenuous activity and lifting heavy objects should be avoided for several weeks after rhinoplasty, most individuals are able to resume regular daily routines about one week following the procedure.
One of the many benefits offered by rhinoplasty is that, regardless of the technique utilized, this procedure is known to produce scars that are either barely noticeable or completely invisible to others. A closed rhinoplasty approach (described above) is performed by creating incisions inside the nostrils, which produces no visible scarring whatsoever. While the open rhinoplasty approach requires an incision in the columella, this particular area of skin generally ends at a natural crease in the skin, typically making the resulting small scar blend in so naturally that it is virtually undetectable. It is completely understandable for patients considering major surgery of any kind to be concerned about the appearance of scars after the procedure. Fortunately, at our practice in New Jersey rhinoplasty is a surgery that is performed in such a way that resulting scars can be practically invisible, even upon close inspection.
Since rhinoplasty involves the surgical modification of nasal structures, the results can last a lifetime. The final results can take a while to appear due to residual swelling after the procedure; however, once the optimal outcome is apparent it will likely be permanent.
Rhinoplasty alone can have a beautiful effect on one’s overall facial aesthetic. With that in mind, there are other treatment options that can be performed as part of a rhinoplasty treatment plan to provide even more comprehensive facial rejuvenation. For patients who are also concerned about signs of age, sagging skin, and/or lack of contour and fullness in certain facial features, Dr. Godek offers numerous cosmetic enhancement options that can be performed in addition to rhinoplasty to address those conditions. Facelift, eyelid surgery, brow lift, Xact™ facial rejuvenation, or other cosmetic surgery options can be ideal complements to rhinoplasty, depending on your needs and goals. An array of non-surgical procedures available at our practice, including cosmetic injectables, CoolMini™ treatment to reduce signs of a double-chin, and laser skin resurfacing can also provide additional enhancement opportunities for patients who would like to explore other options to include in their rhinoplasty treatment plan. Dr. Godek will talk with you about all of your aesthetic concerns during the initial consultation and advise you on specific treatments that can help you meet your expectations.
The total cost of rhinoplasty is significantly variable among patients due to the customized nature of this procedure. A number of factors will be taken into account for the overall price of rhinoplasty, including the particular surgical technique that is being utilized, the complexity of the treatment, the surgeon’s fee, costs associated with anesthesia and use of the surgical facility, and other components. Rest assured that you will be provided with an estimate of the total cost before you undergo the rhinoplasty procedure. Once Dr. Godek has developed your treatment plan during the initial consultation, a member of our team will produce a cost estimate that includes all associated expenses and present it to you for review. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the many convenient payment methods we accept, which include financing options through PatientFi™. This reputable plastic surgery financing company offers a range of helpful payment plans to qualified applicants who are interested in paying for their rhinoplasty procedure over time.
For most patients, the majority of healing from rhinoplasty is accomplished within the first few weeks. In fact, many individuals are well enough to resume most of their normal daily routines after the first week. It is important to remember that, while most of the swelling from rhinoplasty typically dissipates within the first several weeks, some degree of swelling will likely be present for up to one year following the procedure (although it is usually so mild that it is barely noticeable after the initial healing stages). It is also important to remember to refrain from engaging in strenuous activities and exercises, as well as routines that may place the nose in harm’s way, for several weeks to avoid causing any unnecessary pressure, discomfort, or damage to your nose.
A common method to reduce and control swelling from rhinoplasty treatment is to utilize cold compresses/ice packs, if recommended by Dr. Godek. Making sure to keep your head elevated as much as possible (even while you sleep) during the recovery process, as well as getting lots of rest can also help control residual swelling. Minimizing intake of salt (which can exacerbate inflammation) and incorporating more vegetables, fruits, and foods that are rich in vitamins into your diet can also have positive effects. While swelling is a perfectly normal and expected effect following rhinoplasty, a few small changes to your daily routine can go a long way toward reducing swelling at a faster rate and allowing you to enjoy your final rhinoplasty results as soon as possible.
On average, patients who receive rhinoplasty treatment should avoid blowing their nose for a minimum of two to four weeks after surgery; however, Dr. Godek may advise you of a different timeframe upon evaluation. This aspect of recovery can be a bit challenging for some patients because the nose will likely feel quite stuffy following rhinoplasty surgery, but it is essential to avoid blowing your nose until our team advises you that it is safe to do so. Blowing your nose too soon during the rhinoplasty recovery period can place a significant amount of pressure on nasal cartilage and bones as those structures heal, which can ultimately cause bleeding and may even compromise your results. Dr. Godek will recommend alternatives to blowing your nose that can help when you feel congested.
As light as many of today’s glasses and frames are, even the slightest amount of pressure on the nose during the healing process after rhinoplasty can be problematic. While recommendations vary among patients due to the extent of surgery and other factors, it is usually best to avoid wearing glasses for a minimum of four weeks after rhinoplasty.
It is often recommended that patients who have undergone rhinoplasty treatment use a saline-based cleaning product to cleanse their nose. Saline solution, a product frequently available at the local drugstore or pharmacy, and a cotton swab can be effective for cleaning the nose following surgery and keeping the lining of the nose from getting too dry. When cleaning your nose, you should avoid applying pressure and very gently wash the area without too much force—the bones and cartilage are in a delicate stage of healing and it is important to exercise great care when cleaning the area.
Although the term “rhinoplasty” is sometimes used to refer to many different types of nose surgery, it is typically associated with procedures that focus on cosmetic alterations of the nose. Septoplasty is a procedure that focuses on improving a functional concern caused by a deviated or otherwise misaligned septum. Those types of conditions can cause problems with breathing through the nose, and a septoplasty may be the ideal procedure to address them. If a patient is concerned about both cosmetic and functional nasal issues, rhinoplasty and septoplasty procedures can often be performed simultaneously to enhance breathing function in addition to nasal aesthetics.
There are risks involved with any type of surgery, and rhinoplasty is not only considered major surgery, but also a rather complex one. A reaction to the anesthesia, excessive bleeding, and infection are some of the most prominent risks associated with surgical procedures. Additionally, the risks of rhinoplasty include the possibility of irregular nasal contour, perforation of the septum, nasal breathing problems, skin discoloration, and numbness. Our plastic surgeon will explain all of the risks and potential complications with you before you undergo the procedure. With all of this in mind, it is important to note that Dr. Godek takes extensive precautions and utilizes advanced techniques to minimize the risks of this treatment. Many of the potential complications associated with rhinoplasty are very rare when the treatment is conducted by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed many nasal surgery procedures.
In terms of the basic surgical techniques utilized for rhinoplasty (such as open vs. closed rhinoplasty), there is usually no significant difference in the approach for male patients in comparison to female patients. However, the procedure is definitely personalized for each individual based on unique features and characteristics of their facial anatomy. There are often distinctions and subtle differences between men and women when it comes to the contours, size, width, and prominence of the nose, and their preferences for aesthetic adjustment. For instance: men may desire a sharper look to the nasal bridge, while women may prefer a softer appearance. Dr. Godek will customize the rhinoplasty procedure to take into account natural characteristics that patients may want to preserve along with overall treatment goals to produce the most ideal result for each patient. If you would like to learn more about rhinoplasty, or if you are ready to schedule your initial rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Godek, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
Schedule your New Jersey Rhinoplasty consultation
To enhance the form and function of your nose, Dr. Christopher Godek and his team at Rhinoplasty New Jersey are unrivaled in the Tri-State area. Their dedication to detail and commitment to quality care will ensure you are comfortable and ready for a life-changing rhinoplasty. Schedule your consultation today. We look forward to answering any questions you may have!
