Will Rhinoplasty Leave Visible Scars?

Year after year, rhinoplasty remains one of the most sought-after procedures by men and women of all ages, and it is easy to see why. Rhinoplasty surgery offers patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose an opportunity to enhance their overall image, finally feel confident about their look, and – in some cases – breathe more comfortably. With its potentially life-changing benefits, rhinoplasty can be a fantastic solution for almost anyone struggling with cosmetic or functional issues related to their nose.

As with any cosmetic procedure, particularly one involving the face, many patients, understandably, have questions and concerns about what kind of scarring they can expect after rhinoplasty. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi, Chief of Plastic Surgery at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, shares in patients’ desires to achieve a gorgeous, natural-looking outcome with as little visible scarring as possible and uses the most innovative tools and techniques available to minimize rhinoplasty scars. If you are considering rhinoplasty, make sure you know what to expect from the procedure, including what results are possible, how long recovery may take, and how your scars may look.

What does rhinoplasty do?

Rhinoplasty, also referred to as a nose job, is a surgical procedure designed to address cosmetic and/or functional concerns regarding the nose. Some of the most common complaints that lead men and women to pursue rhinoplasty in Las Vegas, NV include:

• Overall size of nose
• Nose is too wide or too narrow
• Bump in bridge of nose
• Hooked nasal tip
• Upturned nose or “pig” nose
• Asymmetric nostrils
• Crooked nose
• Previous trauma
• Previous rhinoplasty error
• Obstructed breathing
• Deviated septum
• Snoring
• Difficulty sleeping/sleep apnea

During your initial consultation at VIP Plastic Surgery, Dr. Khorsandi will examine your nose, discuss your specific concerns at length, answer all of your questions in detail, and recommend a customized surgical plan that most closely meets your needs and can best help you achieve your goals. In addition to traditional cosmetic rhinoplasty and ethnic rhinoplasty, Dr. Khorsandi is also highly experienced in septoplasty, turbinectomy, and other complex procedures designed specifically to enhance breathing and nasal function.

How does rhinoplasty work?

During rhinoplasty surgery, which is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and typically takes about 2 – 3 hours, Dr. Khorsandi will begin by making a series of tiny, precise incisions either inside the nose (closed rhinoplasty) or on the outside of the nose (open rhinoplasty). The surgical approach will depend on the patient’s specific concerns, the anatomy of his or her nose, and other factors. Dr. Khorsandi will then begin to sculpt a more appealing nose through a variety of techniques based on the patient’s individual needs and goals, including removing cartilage, building cartilage up, placing sutures, reshaping or resizing the bone, and otherwise manipulating the nasal tissues and structures. At the conclusion of the case, the incisions will be closed, and the patient will begin their recovery.

How long is rhinoplasty recovery time?

The recovery time after rhinoplasty can vary from patient to patient, depending on the surgical techniques used and other factors. In general, however, patients should expect some level of discomfort, bruising, and swelling for the first several days after nose surgery. These symptoms usually resolve within about 7– 10 days and can be relieved with medication, ice packs, and cold compresses. Dr. Khorsandi and the knowledgeable team at VIP Plastic Surgery will also provide patients with a comprehensive list of postoperative guidelines that should be followed closely in order to ensure proper, efficient, complete healing. Most patients are ready to return to work after about a week, though certain physical activities may still be off-limits for several more weeks.

Can you see rhinoplasty scars?

The location, size, and appearance of your rhinoplasty scars will depend on whether or not an open or closed rhinoplasty is performed, how your body heals, the surgeon’s technique, and other factors. Dr. Khorsandi takes great care to ensure that rhinoplasty patients are left with as little visible scarring as possible while still achieving a stunning result. Because the incisions used in a closed rhinoplasty are inside the nose, the procedure results in no visible surface scars. Even with an open rhinoplasty, the incisions are tiny and placed strategically so that they can be concealed or camouflaged within the natural features of the skin. In fact, the majority of rhinoplasty patients have difficulty seeing their own scars once they have healed!

When is the best time to get a nose job in Las Vegas, NV?

While there is technically no “best” age for rhinoplasty, patients are encouraged to wait until their nose has fully developed – which usually happens in a person’s late teens – to undergo the procedure. Most adult men and women who are in good health, nonsmokers, and have no contraindications to surgery or anesthesia can be considered for rhinoplasty, but it is important to be evaluated by a highly experienced plastic surgeon to determine with certainty whether or not the procedure is right for you.

If you are tired of feeling embarrassed, self-conscious, or unsatisfied with the appearance of your nose, schedule a one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV, and learn how rhinoplasty may be the solution you’ve been searching for. We are also excited to offer a convenient virtual consultation option, allowing patients to complete appointments from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. Don’t wait any longer to get the look you’ve always wanted; schedule your rhinoplasty consultation in Las Vegas, NV today!