Louis P. Bucky, MD, FACS
Award-Winning, World-Renowned Plastic Surgeon
Premiere Destination for Finest Injectables & Skin Care
Rhinoplasty
Surgery to reshape the nose is a common cosmetic procedure that can have profound results on your appearance and self-confidence. Through rhinoplasty, Board-Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Louis P. Bucky can create a more contoured and shapely nose that improves facial symmetry and looks completely natural. Dr. Bucky has offices in the Philadelphia and Main Line, PA areas, where he provides exceptional patient recovery care for his patients.
- What is Rhinoplasty?
- Benefits of Rhinoplasty
- Who is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
- Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery
- The Rhinoplasty Procedure
- Rhinoplasty Recovery
- Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, sometimes referred to as “nose reshaping” or a “nose job,” is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to adjust the shape or size of the nose. As the central feature of the face, the nose plays a large part in a person’s overall appearance. Even small variations in nose size or shape can have a profound impact on facial proportions and symmetry, as well as the appearance of other facial features. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 350,000 rhinoplasty surgery procedures are performed in the United States every year.1
Rhinoplasty may include any number of changes, including increasing or decreasing the size of the nose, narrowing the nostrils, changing the bridge or tip of the nose, or altering the angle of the nose. Rhinoplasty isn’t solely performed for cosmetic reasons: some patients who have a deviated septum or irregularities in the nasal bones that restrict their airway and cause breathing problems will benefit from a functional rhinoplasty. A septoplasty may also be performed to straighten a deviated septum.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Dr. Bucky performs rhinoplasty surgery for an array of reasons, delivering benefits such as:
- Improved facial symmetry
- Reduce the size of the nose
- Reshape the nostrils
- Smooth bumps from the nasal bridge (dorsal hump)
- Repair damage after an injury or due to a birth defect
- Straighten a crooked nose
- Improve breathing (functional rhinoplasty)
Who is a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
If you are unhappy with the shape, size, or appearance of your nose, you may be considering rhinoplasty. During your consultation with Dr. Bucky, he will discuss your cosmetic goals and perform a brief examination and review of your medical history to determine whether rhinoplasty is right for you. In general, a good candidate for rhinoplasty:
- Is no longer growing
- Is in good general health
- Is not a smoker
- Has realistic expectations about what can be achieved through cosmetic surgery2
Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery
The most important part of preparing for rhinoplasty surgery takes place during your personal consultation with Dr. Bucky. Here, you will discuss your aesthetic goals with Dr. Bucky and he will help you make an educated decision about your rhinoplasty procedure. Dr. Bucky uses advanced computer imaging for facial analysis and simulation, which will help you see how your face will likely look after rhinoplasty. Once you decide on the right treatment plan for you, your plastic surgery will be scheduled and you will be given detailed pre- and postoperative instructions.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasties are outpatient surgical procedures. Dr. Bucky will perform your nose surgery under general anesthesia administered by a Board-Certified anesthesiologist, and will work with a Board-Certified operating team at all times. For some patients, Dr. Bucky may perform nasal surgery under local anesthesia with sedation.
Dr. Bucky may perform rhinoplasty with either an “open” or “closed” technique. For open rhinoplasty, Dr. Bucky will make an incision under the tip of the nose (nasal tip), while incisions are made entirely inside of the nose for a closed rhinoplasty. Regardless of the approach, during rhinoplasty the cartilage and nasal bones are reshaped to make changes to the shape and/or size of the nose. In some cases, Dr. Bucky may use cartilage grafts to alter the appearance of the nose, and he may also create target fractures of the nasal bones in order to achieve the patient’s desired results. Once Dr. Bucky is satisfied with the appearance and function of the patient’s nose, the incisions will be closed with sutures.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
The recovery process following your rhinoplasty procedure can often be accelerated and facilitated with our customizable post-operative care regimen. You will have access to a vitamin regimen, a primary nurse, and other swelling and inflammation-reducing treatments and services.
Following functional or cosmetic rhinoplasty, your nose will be splinted for protection and support. You can expect to experience some bleeding and discomfort: Dr. Bucky will prescribe pain medication to help you stay comfortable. It is also normal to see some bruising and/or discoloration on the face, as well as swelling that will resolve over the course of the following weeks and months.3
The duration of the rhinoplasty recovery period depends largely on the extent of the rhinoplasty procedure: most of Dr. Bucky’s patients are able to get back to work and other regular activities within one to two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
Yes, rhinoplasty can be performed in conjunction with other facial surgeries. Together you will decide which procedures Dr. Bucky will perform in order to enhance the symmetry of your face.
No. All incisions in a closed rhinoplasty are made inside of the nose. If you undergo an open rhinoplasty, the incision will be made under the tip of your nose, and will not be visible once healing is complete.
Wearing glasses too soon after your nasal splint is removed may compromise the results of your nasal surgery. Based on your surgery and results, Dr. Bucky will discuss with you when is the appropriate time to resume wearing glasses.
You will notice changes to your nose immediately after your nasal splint is removed (about a week after surgery). However, there may still be significant swelling, which may take a few more weeks to resolve. Within a month of your surgery, you should see the final results, though the healing process will continue for a number of months after that.
Why Should Dr. Bucky Perform My Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is Dr. Bucky’s favorite operation.
We utilize computer imaging for facial analysis and simulation of your rhinoplasty result.
Dr. Bucky has been selected as a feature presenter at past Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgery meetings on rhinoplasty in New York City.
Contact Dr. Bucky
If you are looking into rhinoplasty in the Philadelphia or Main Line, PA area, Dr. Bucky delivers beautiful, natural-looking results. Contact him today to schedule your personal consultation.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2020/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2020.pdf. Accessed March 6, 2023.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty/candidates. Accessed March 6, 2023.
3 Mayo Clinic. Rhinoplasty. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/pac-20384532#:~:text=Rhinoplasty%20is%20a%20surgery%20to,improve%20breathing%20through%20the%20nose. Accessed March 6, 2023.
Dr. Bucky has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
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