Rhinoplasty | Nose Job | Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center

Expert Rhinoplasty Procedures
IN GAINSVILLE, FLORIDA

Our noses come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they can cause a burden on our self-esteem. Through a relatively simple procedure called rhinoplasty, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center in Gainesville can reshape your nose to dramatically change the appearance of your face.

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A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY

What is rhinoplasty?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, rhinoplasty is the third most popular plastic surgery. Commonly referred to as a nose job, this procedure helps patients achieve their facial aesthetic goals and improve airflow through the nasal cavity by changing the size, shape, or structure of the nose. For example, a nose job could:

Smooth a prominent bump
Straighten a crooked bridge
Narrow a wide tip
Adjust the size to match facial proportions

You can discuss your desires and expectations from your nose surgery during a consultation with our facial plastic surgeons.

Is rhinoplasty worth it?

Your nose is one of the most prominent features of your face. Having a nose that is proportionate in size and contour to the rest of your face is crucial to creating facial harmony. Many of our patients have felt uncomfortable with their noses for years – and experience a significant confidence boost when cosmetic changes are made.

Benefits of a nose job can include:

Increased confidence and self-esteem
Balanced facial features
Straighter and/or smoother shape
Reduced snoring
Alleviated sinus problems
Improved nasal airflow

Because a nose job often alleviates breathing problems, many patients report more restful, uninterrupted sleep. Healthy sleep helps you avoid more serious conditions like heart disease, depression, obesity, and diabetes.

Rhinoplasty before and after

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How do nose jobs work?

Many rhinoplasties are performed under general anesthesia. If your particular case is less complex, Dr. Nesmith may choose local anesthesia to numb your nasal area and oral sedation to relax you during the procedure.

Depending on your desired results, the procedure may start with breaking your nose to remove bone and cartilage. A reduction rhinoplasty refers to a procedure that removes tissue from your nose to reshape it.
An augmentation rhinoplasty adds tissue to your nose. For example, rebuilding the tip of your nose may require a cartilage graft from your septum or even your ear.

After your nose has been shaped according to your surgical plan, Dr. Nesmith pulls the skin back down and closes the incision. You'll be fitted with a cast or splint to wear over your nose for at least one week.

What's the difference between an open and closed rhinoplasty?

At Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center, we offer two types of rhinoplasty procedures.

Closed Rhinoplasty

Patients and surgeons often favor the closed rhinoplasty method as it is less invasive, and incisions are not visible after the procedure. In this method, the incisions are made on the inside of the nose. Patients who undergo closed rhinoplasty experience quicker recovery times and less swelling.

Open Rhinoplasty

In situations that require direct access to the surgery site, open rhinoplasty is recommended. Open rhinoplasty involves making a small incision on the underside of your nose along the bridge. This allows the skin to be lifted for increased precision and visibility. This is advantageous for the surgeon as they have access to the entire nose structure.

Our surgeons are board-certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and can offer friendly, insightful guidance for the right procedure for you. Contact us today to make your first appointment.

The difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure for reconstructive and/or cosmetic purposes. It is nose reshaping typically for aesthetic reasons, or to correct malformed noses from birth defects. This surgery can improve breathing function, but that is usually not the primary intent.

Septoplasty is the nasal surgery intended for straightening nasal septums and improving breathing. A deviated septum is a condition where the wall between your nasal passages is crooked. Patients with a deviated septum should seek a septoplasty procedure instead.

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Recovery after rhinoplasty

The first day is usually the most difficult for recovering rhinoplasty patients as they will experience swelling and discomfort. We recommend patients stay in bed with their head elevated for the first 24 hours.

You should expect swelling, bruising, and a stuffy-nose feeling. Your nose will feel less congested after removing the cast or splint. Experiencing slight bleeding is normal as nose tissue heals. Some patients may experience minute red spots on their noses; however, those spots fade with time.

Your swelling and bruising will remain for two to four days but will typically subside within two weeks. You can help reduce swelling by sleeping with your head elevated and applying cold compresses in the first few days. We also suggest avoiding spicy foods in the first few days because they can make swelling worse.

Many patients can return to work or school after the first week of recovery. However, physical activities may still be limited.

How long does a nose job take to heal?

Many patients are concerned with how long their swelling after surgery may last. Your nose will likely swell during recovery after removing the nasal splint. The amount of swelling depends on many factors like the type of rhinoplasty, the thickness of your skin, and the extent of the procedure.

Generally, after two weeks you will be ready to return to work and be seen out and about. Swelling has reduced enough at this point that no one will notice anything off. Your nose will continue to heal over time, with final results being visible after about a year.

After around three months, much more swelling has resolved and you will have a better idea of the new shape and size of your nose. After six months, approximately 90% of the swelling will be gone.

If you have significant work done in your nose job, it may take a year or more to see the swelling in the tip of your nose resolve.

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

You should consider a number of factors when determining if a nose job is right for you – your budget, your recovery time, and the cosmetic or structural issues you'd like to change.
Your facial features need time to mature before you undergo a nose surgery, so patients should be at least 17 years old. Additionally, ideal candidates have no lingering health concerns, are nonsmokers, and have realistic goals regarding their physical appearance.

The most effective way to determine candidacy for rhinoplasty is by consulting your plastic surgeon and discussing expectations and goals regarding the surgery.

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How do I prepare for nose surgery?

Before a patient undergoes surgery, they will meet with their surgeon to discuss expectations, medical history, and if rhinoplasty is right for them. After being subject to a physical exam and approved for the procedure, patients should arrange a friend or family member to drive them to and from the appointment, as they will have been under general anesthesia.

After being administered anesthesia, patients may experience memory loss, time-lapses, difficulty performing motor functions, and impaired judgment for the following few days, so it’s encouraged to arrange for a friend or family member to watch over them during that time.

Risks of rhinoplasty surgery

Rhinoplasty is a generally safe operation. However, there are situations in which complications can arise. Post-op bleeding and infection, as with any surgery, can occur yet are often easily treatable.

Complications more specific to rhinoplasty include but are not limited to:

Difficulty breathing
Septal perforation
Pain
Discoloration
Swelling
Permanent numbness in the nose

Is a nose job painful?

While patients may experience discomfort from swelling, bruising, and the stuffy-nose feeling after surgery, most do not need prescription pain medications. A rhinoplasty is generally a painless procedure.

What are signs of infection after a rhinoplasty?

Infections following this procedure are uncommon. However, if you experience fever, pain, redness, skin warmth, or drainage, you should contact your doctor.

To prevent infection and encourage optimal healing, you should follow Dr. Nesmith's instructions for post-op care.

How long do the results last?

The results from your nose job are permanent. Normal signs of aging can alter the appearance of your face.

Can men get nose jobs?

Yes, rhinoplasty procedures are also available to men. Both men and women can feel uncomfortable with their natural nose and can benefit from the increased self confidence following a rhinoplasty.

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How much does rhinoplasty cost?

You can view pricing for all of our surgical procedures on our pricing page.

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

Most health insurance plans don't cover rhinoplasty because it is an elective cosmetic procedure. However, your insurance may cover a portion of the fees if your procedure addresses functional issues or includes a septoplasty.

You should contact your insurance provider about what nose issues may be covered and what documentation you may need to provide to prove they are medically necessary.

Are there nonsurgical alternatives to a nose job?

At Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center, we offer a range of nonsurgical procedures. Many of these are used to address aging in the face and would not be considered an alternative to a nose job. Addressing structural issues with your nose will most likely require surgery.

In a consultation, we can help you identify your concerns with your nose or face and make a recommendation based on your goals and your comfort zone.

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What is a revision rhinoplasty?

If you have had a nose job in the past and are unhappy with the results, you may be a candidate for a revision rhinoplasty. A consultation is required with Dr. Nesmith to determine if you are eligible for a revision procedure. You should allow at least a year following your original surgery before consulting a plastic surgeon about a revision.

Is rhinoplasty different for Black, Asian, and Latino patients?

Black, Asian, and Latino patients will have genetically distinct features in their nose and face. The skilled plastic surgeons at Nesmith Plastic Surgery Center can reshape and resize your nose while maintaining your distinct features and keeping it proportional to the rest of your face.