Rhinoplasty in Indianapolis, IN
Is Rhinoplasty Right for Me?
Located in Carmel and Greenwood, Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery, led by double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Mark M. Hamilton, M.D., F.A.C.S., offers rhinoplasty for men and women who live in and around Indianapolis, Indiana. Rhinoplasty can help create a better balance between the features of the face and can be performed for functional purposes, such as to correct a deviated septum, or for cosmetic purposes including, a bump on the bridge of the nose, wide nostrils, or a bulbous tip.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery or a nose job, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed. With rhinoplasty, it is possible to increase or decrease the overall size of the nose, remove a hump, alter the tip of the nose or the bridge of the nose, decrease the nostril width or change the angle between the nose and upper lip. These changes can create a better balance between the facial features. Dr. Hamilton specializes in both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, and is experienced in both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques.
What Are The Types Of Rhinoplasty ?
1
Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
Cosmetic rhinoplasty involves reshaping the nose to better fit the face. This can involve making the nose larger or smaller, taking down a nasal hump, making the tip smaller or changing the size and shape of the nostrils. What is done during the procedure depends on your anatomy and goals and your physician’s evaluation.
2
Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty is performed to correct nasal trauma or deformities, as well as improve breathing ability. Some of the same techniques that are utilized in cosmetic nasal surgery are used for correction of nasal and septal fractures. Insurance often helps with the cost of functional nasal surgery procedures.
What is the Difference Between an Open and Closed Rhinoplasty?
Open and closed rhinoplasty techniques offer two distinct approaches to rhinoplasty surgery. Open rhinoplasty involves incisions inside the nose, as well as a small, additional incision along the columella, which is the thin piece of tissue that separates the nostrils. A closed rhinoplasty is performed using only incisions made inside the nose.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is typically the preferred approach because it gives the surgeon more access to the nasal anatomy. As a result, they will be able to make more dramatic improvements to the nose, and can perform with a higher level of accuracy. The disadvantage of this approach is that it causes slightly more swelling and downtime, and will leave behind minor scarring.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Although open rhinoplasty is generally preferred, the closed rhinoplasty may be an ideal technique for patients who require minor revisions or adjustments. In these cases, patients can enjoy less swelling, less downtime, and no scarring. Dr. Hamilton will explain which approach is best for you depending on your treatment goals.
Patient Before & Afters
What are the Benefits of a Nose Job?
- Improves breathing problems caused by structural abnormalities
- Refines the shape, size, or proportions of the nose
- Reduces a dorsal hump or over-projected tip
- Narrows a wide nasal bridge
- Sculpts a bulbous or enlarged nasal tip
- Smooths bumps, ridges or depressions on the nose
- Minimizes large, flared nostrils
- Boosts facial balance and harmony
Are You a Candidate For a Rhinoplasty?
The best candidates for rhinoplasty surgery are those seeking a solution to breathing difficulties or nasal trauma, as well as those seeking cosmetic improvements. Overall, this includes patients who:
- Have breathing difficulties or structural problems
- Are unhappy with the appearance of the nose
- Are in good overall health
- Are non-smokers or people willing to stop smoking for several weeks before and after surgery
Additionally, while we can perform rhinoplasty procedures on young adults, it is recommended for patients to wait until the nose and surrounding facial anatomy has fully matured before pursuing surgery. This means a minimum recommended age of approximately 17 years old for females & 18 years old for males.
If you think you might be a good candidate for a rhinoplasty, the next step is to schedule your consultation at Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your cosmetic goals and develop a personalized treatment plan for your rhinoplasty. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have about the rhinoplasty procedure.
Why Choose Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery for Your Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is considered the most complex facial surgery because of the intricacies of the nasal anatomy. As such, you need to consider a surgeon who specializes in facial surgeries and has extensive experience performing rhinoplasty procedures. Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery is a top choice for your rhinoplasty because of the patient experience and high quality of care that Dr. Mark K. Hamilton offers. Dr. Hamilton specializes solely in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Hamilton has been selected by his peers as one of Indianapolis Monthly Magazine’s “Top Docs” annually for over a decade and has been recognized by the Castle Connolly as one of the “Top Physicians” in America for his work in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Additionally, you can explore our reviews to see why previous patients recommend us.
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Questions for Your Rhinoplasty Consultation
When is the Best Time for Rhinoplasty?
There’s not necessarily a best time for undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure, although the summer tends to be the most popular time of year for nose surgeries. This is partially because younger patients have time off in the summer, which gives them plenty of time to recuperate from nasal surgery without interfering with other obligations. Functional rhinoplasty also increases in the summer, likely due to the increase in outdoor activities that cause nasal trauma. However, any time that you have several weeks of limited or no social obligations can be an ideal time to schedule your rhinoplasty.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
Rhinoplasty costs will vary significantly depending on multiple factors. During your consultation, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan based on your cosmetic goals and unique anatomy. This enables us to give an accurate price for your nose surgery. Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery seeks to make facial surgery procedures available and affordable for everyone. To accomplish this, we accept cash, major credit cards and personal checks for rhinoplasty procedures.
Is a Nose Job Covered by Insurance?
Whether or not insurance covers the cost of rhinoplasty depends on the purpose and components of the surgery. Cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures performed solely to improve the appearance and proportions of the nose are not covered by insurance, as they are considered an elective cosmetic procedure. Functional rhinoplasty procedures performed to improve breathing function are often covered partially or fully by insurance when deemed medically necessary. If a rhinoplasty is performed to both improve appearance and functional breathing issues, insurance may cover the functional part while the cosmetic portion is an out-of-pocket expense. Finally, the specific coverage depends on your insurance plan. Check with your insurance provider beforehand to learn about your policy’s coverage of functional and cosmetic nasal surgeries.
What is Rhinoplasty Surgery Like?
What Happens During Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty surgery is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia and typically takes two to three hours to perform. Depending on whether an open or closed approach is used, incisions are made either inside of the nose or both inside of the nose with one small one under the tip of the nose. The skin is then separated from the underlying bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The skin is redraped over the new nasal structure, and the incisions are closed.
What Happens Immediately After Nasal Surgery?
Following your surgery, we’ll apply tape and a splint that will stay on the nose for the first week. You must have another adult stay with you the first night. You should plan on remaining within thirty miles from the location of your surgery for this first night. It is also important for you to keep your head elevated the evening after surgery as well as for the first two weeks following surgery. This can be done by either sleeping in a recliner tilted at 45 degrees or sleeping with two pillows underneath your head. Avoid rolling onto your face. Sleeping on your back for the first two weeks after surgery helps to ensure this.
- Apply cool compresses across the eyes for the first 48 hours. Use washcloths soaked in ice water, and be sure to change out the washcloths every 20-30 minutes to keep them cool.
- Go over suture lines inside the nose three times daily with hydrogen peroxide on a Q-tip. Then, apply a liberal amount of Vaseline ointment using a new Q-tip. This will help the stitches dissolve quicker.
- You may shower the second day after surgery, but it is important to keep the tape and splint on your nose dry at all times. For this reason, baths are often an easier option. Be sure to use a gentle shampoo such as Johnson's Baby Shampoo.
- Be sure to report immediately any signs of bleeding that persist for more than ten minutes, as well as any infection, redness, fever, unusual drainage, or pain.
- Following removal of the tape and splint, you will need to gently wash your nose twice a day to help reduce oiliness.
What is Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?
How Long is Rhinoplasty Recovery?
The healing time for nasal surgery is often less than expected and the results are worth the wait. Generally, swelling and other side effects should be completely gone after four to six weeks. You should be able to resume most, if not all, normal activities after this period. However, it is important to remember that your healing will continue for the entire first year, and as such, your results may not be finalized for several months.
What are the Side Effects of Rhinoplasty?
The common side effects you might experience after rhinoplasty include swelling, discoloration, numbness, bleeding, and depression.
Swelling
Swelling will vary patient-to-patient. Swelling may actually increase the first three to four days before subsiding. When your splint is removed at the one-week point, your nose may appear fat and turned up too much- this is to be expected. Most of your swelling should resolve over the first two to three weeks. Do expect, however, to have minor fluctuations in the remaining swelling over the course of the next two to three months. Things to do to minimize this swelling include keeping your head elevated as much as possible over the first two to three weeks, avoiding bending over or heavy lifting for the first three weeks, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure for the first two to three months.
Discoloration
Bruising will vary like swelling from person to person. Most bruising and discoloration should resolve over the first two weeks. Makeup, with Dr. Hamilton's permission, can be applied ten days to two weeks after surgery.
Bleeding
If bleeding does occur, lie down with your head elevated. Try to relax. You may take a pain pill or a Valium. Place cool compresses over your eyes just as you did after surgery. You may apply light pressure on the side of each of your nose. Wait 15 minutes. If bleeding persists at this point, please contact our office.
Numbness
Your nose will be numb following surgery. This is normal and will subside over the coming weeks to months. Unusual sensations, pins and needles, and occasionally mild discomfort may occur as these nerves regenerate over time.
Depression
It is not uncommon for patients to go through a period of mild depression after cosmetic surgery. This typically occurs the second week after surgery while some of the swelling and bruising still persist and yet the patient is anxious to see a final result. Realize this is a temporary condition and things will improve. Focus on diligently following the wound care as well as other activities to help divert your mind.
When Will I See the Results of My Rhinoplasty?
Patients will begin to see the initial results of their rhinoplasty within a couple of weeks, but patients should be prepared for some side effects, such as swelling, to persist as long as a few months. It can take up to a year before the nose has fully recovered from the rhinoplasty procedure and the final results are visible.
Are There Any Restrictions After My Rhinoplasty?
Yes, there are a handful of restrictions that patients will need to observe as they recover from their rhinoplasty:
2 Weeks After Treatment
For the first two weeks following your rhinoplasty, you should avoid:
- Exercise
- Driving
- Sneezing (if you must, sneeze with your mouth open)
- Sleeping on your side or face
- Blowing your nose or sniffing
- Yawning or widely opening the mouth
- Hard or chewy foods
- “Pull-over” clothing, which are any clothing items that require you to raise your arms and hands over your head to put on
Additionally, you should exclusively use a baby tooth brush to brush the upper teeth during this period, which minimizes irritation to the upper lip and nose area. If you wear glasses, you can continue to wear them while you have a nasal splint. However, as soon as the splint is removed, you will need to avoid resting them on the nose for six weeks. You can use contact lenses instead during this time.
For the first three weeks following your rhinoplasty, you should avoid:
- Strenuous exercise
- Heavy lifting
Although strenuous exercise is not permitted, it is encouraged to resume light exercise, such as walking, during this period. Light activities can facilitate the healing process and reduce swelling and other side effects.
For the first six weeks following your rhinoplasty, you should avoid:
- Contact sports
- Resting eyeglasses on your nose
After these six weeks have passed, you will be able to resume all activities without restrictions, assuming you have progressed through the recovery process as expected. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact our office!
Rhinoplasty Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhinoplasty Permanent?
Rhinoplasty results are considered permanent in that the bone and cartilage framework of the nose is sculpted and restructured during surgery. This does not change with time, unless it is affected by nasal trauma or additional surgery. However, the nose is still susceptible to changes due to injuries, aging, and weight fluctuations. While patients can expect life-long changes from their rhinoplasty, it is important to understand that there may be minor changes in the appearance of the nose throughout the lifetime. These changes can be corrected as needed with revision surgeries or touch-up procedures.
Will I Have Any Scars After My Rhinoplasty?
If you received a closed rhinoplasty, all incisions were made inside the nose. As a result, there is no visible scarring after the rhinoplasty procedure. Patients who receive an open rhinoplasty, however, will have a minor scar on the underside of the nose between the nostrils. However, we take great care in closing this incision and it’s very difficult to see. Patients rarely complain about the visibility of the scar as a result.
If you’re considering a rhinoplasty procedure at Hamilton Facial Plastic Surgery, contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Hamilton. As a double board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic facial surgery, he can help you achieve the results you desire with nasal surgery. We welcome patients from Indianapolis, Carmel, Greenwood, and the surrounding areas of Indiana.