Nose Job (Rhinoplasty) in Tucson, AZ

Getting rhinoplasty surgery can achieve many cosmetic or functional goals. There is great satisfaction in having a well-proportioned nose that restores a more balanced facial appearance.

Additionally, nose surgery can be designed to improve the function of the nose, allowing the patient to breathe better without obstruction. Great care is taken to ensure that the nose retains its individual character while creating a harmonious balance for the best overall facial appearance.

Rhinoplasty can be safely performed on all individuals, even as young as 14 or 15 years of age. In younger patients, cosmetic surgery of the nose should be delayed until they have reached full facial maturity or after their nasal anatomy has fully developed.

Besides physical maturity, the minimum age is required to ensure younger patients meet the emotional criteria for making such a decision. Dr. Nelson will evaluate each case individually to determine if they are ready for the surgery.

A minor rhinoplasty procedure can be performed using a local anesthetic. However, most rhinoplasties will require the use of a general anesthetic to ensure patient safety and comfort.

Immediately following your rhinoplasty procedure, you will experience some facial bruising and swelling. Nasal splints and tubes are placed to help support the nasal structures during the initial healing process, which may affect the comfort of your breathing. When you arrive home, you will need to rest for several days with your head elevated to prevent excess swelling. Most patients can return to work two weeks following their procedure and can resume their regular exercise routine after four weeks. Most major swelling will subside after six weeks.

Anesthesia is used to ensure that there is no pain during your surgery. Numbing blocks are placed while you are asleep, which will prevent you from feeling any pain for a few hours following your surgery. When the blockers wear off, you may begin to feel discomfort that can be alleviated using pain medication.

Complications arising from a rhinoplasty include infections, numbness, post-operative nose bleeds, excessive scarring, difficulty breathing, and aesthetic results that look unnatural or unattractive.

To minimize the risk of complications, patients are advised to work with a highly qualified plastic surgeon who brings great technical expertise and an artistic eye to ensure a successful outcome.

Nose reshaping results are truly definitive after about a year. However, the majority of the results from your rhinoplasty will be noticeable as soon as the post-surgical swelling recedes, usually within a few weeks after your procedure.

The healing and final results timeline will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of work performed and the individual’s healing rate.

Rhinoplasty typically provides lifelong results. However, complications post-surgery or poor healing may make a revision rhinoplasty necessary.

For some patients, a weak or receding chin can cause the nose to appear larger. These patients may benefit from combining a chin implant with their rhinoplasty to restore a better facial balance.

While many men and women choose rhinoplasty as a standalone treatment to correct a misshapen or damaged nasal structure, the surgery can be combined with other facial surgeries, including facelift surgery, neck lift surgery, brow lift surgery, or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), to restore more youthful-looking contours.

You can discuss all of your facial rejuvenation options with Dr. Nelson during your consultation.