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What to Know About Rhinoplasty

Your nose is the central element of your face. As a result, a nose that appears too broad can cause disharmony among your other facial features and make your face look wider than it is.

Often, a broad nose is determined by one’s genetic heritage. A rhinoplasty, or nose job, can help address any aesthetic anxieties you have about your nose and bring better balance to your appearance. Find out more about rhinoplasty and other procedures by visiting the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery.

Common Concerns About Wide Noses

Broad noses frequently do not project very far from the face, making them appear flat. Noses with a thick bridge and base detract from facial symmetry, which is one of the ways we subconsciously measure attractiveness.

People with wide noses and flattened nostrils may also suffer from respiratory problems associated with restricted airflow. If your nose is too broad, you might have health complications such as sleep apnea, a condition known to cause high blood pressure and cardiac disease.

Can Rhinoplasty Make Your Nose Narrower?

By using a procedure known as a reduction rhinoplasty, Dr. Desman can make your nose less pronounced. He can change your nose’s shape and size from the tip to the bridge, including the flare of your nostrils. If desired, he can also alter the angle of your nose.

Reducing the size of your nose involves removing excess cartilage, bone, and skin, and recontouring or redistributing the tissue. Because rhinoplasty involves both the appearance and the breathing function of the nose, it is one of the most complex plastic surgery procedures. If you are considering rhinoplasty for a wide nose, it is crucial to choose a surgeon with extensive experience and training in rhinoplasties.

Find a Surgeon Who Can Provide the Best Rhinoplasty Results

To select the right rhinoplasty surgeon, you will need to meet with them in a one-on-one consultation. During this private meeting, Dr. Desman will ask you questions about your medical history, aesthetic concerns, and what you are hoping to address by getting a nose job. To get the most out of your consultation, we encourage you to bring a list of questions to ask Dr. Desman as well. Here are some examples to get you started.

  • How long have you been performing rhinoplasty surgery?
  • What surgical approach do you recommend for someone who is unhappy with a wide nose?
  • Can you show me before-and-after pictures of your former rhinoplasty patients?
  • How do you strive for natural-looking results?
  • Am I a good candidate to have my nose surgically narrowed?
  • Can this procedure improve my breathing?

If you decide to move forward with the surgery, Dr. Desman will provide you with detailed instructions to help you get ready for the procedure. These directions may include quitting smoking and ceasing the use of specific medications that may cause complications during surgery or recovery.

No Two Rhinoplasties are Alike

Dr. Desman tailors his surgical approach to rhinoplasties based on each patient’s specific concerns, as well as their unique facial anatomy and skin thickness. You will have a comprehensive plan that thoroughly addresses both the cosmetic appearance and the respiratory functionality of your nose.

Dr. Desman’s team will decide whether to use a closed or open approach to your rhinoplasty.

In a closed nose surgery, Dr. Desman performs the entire procedure through a small incision inside the nose. Though this technique results in shorter recovery time with less swelling, the disadvantage is that the limited access makes it a more difficult surgery.

During an open rhinoplasty, Dr. Desman makes incisions both inside the nose and in the columella, which is the strip of tissue dividing the nostrils. This procedure allows for more visibility and greater exposure of the bone, cartilage, and interior structures of the nose. Open rhinoplasties are ideal for more complex procedures that require minute adjustments. However, they create more bruising and swelling, leading to increased downtime.

Though you will likely feel well enough to return to work a week or two after getting rhinoplasty surgery, you should be aware that the results may not be immediately noticeable. Swelling after rhinoplasty can last a good while, so be patient as your appearance gradually improves.

Ideal Rhinoplasty Results at VCPS

Dr. Desman has provided a complete suite of surgical and non-surgical procedures to patients in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas since 2000. To discover the difference of working with a board-certified plastic surgeon with a passion for his work, contact us today.