Top Rhinoplasty Procedure Specialist in Princeton, NJ

Rhinoplasty, also colloquially known as a nose job, is a surgical procedure in which the nose’s shape and proportions are carefully altered for both aesthetic and medical purposes. At its core, rhinoplasty is often pursued as a cosmetic endeavor, reshaping the nose aspects of the nose for facial harmony and balance. The procedure can modify various aspects of the nose, such as the size, angle, nose bridge, and nose tip. Again, keep in mind that the utility of rhinoplasty extends beyond cosmetic enhancement. From a medical standpoint, rhinoplasty can play a critical role in correcting structural issues of the nose such as a deviated septum or a cleft lip, to name a couple. Even further, there are instances where cosmetic and medical benefits are both needed and in this case, rhinoplasty serves as a dual-purpose procedure, addressing both aesthetic concerns plus functional or structural impairments. Deciding whether to undergo a rhinoplasty, for either cosmetic, medical, or a combination of reasons, should certainly be made after a detailed discussion with a plastic surgeon to ensure the proper goals and health concerns are addressed.

Before the procedure, patients should have undergone the proper consultation with the plastic surgeon and followed through with any preoperative preparations or instructions (imaging, medical evaluations, and curating the individual’s surgical plan). Once the day for the surgery comes, the procedure begins with administering either general or local anesthesia for a patient’s comfort throughout the procedure. Following this, an incision will be made, however, the location of the incision will hinge on whether a patient is undergoing a closed or an open procedure. For a closed procedure, an incision is made inside the nose, and for an open procedure, an incision is made across the columella – the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. The skin is then gently raised to begin the reshaping of the nose, which is typically done through removing cartilage from the septum, however, depending on the person, removing small amounts of bone or different cartilage, as well as adding tissue may be necessary. After the corrections are made, the incision is then closed and the start of the recovery process begins.

While the procedure duration is certainly variable, people can typically expect it to take anywhere between one to three hours. Again, the duration will vary between patients as it is contingent upon the complexity and specific goals of the procedure. The time frame is an appropriate one when understanding that in the broader context, plastic surgeons work on some of the most detail-oriented cases, and rhinoplasties are no exception. This time frame allows for the careful alignment of the nasal structure. Of course, there are simple cases of reshaping that can fall on the shorter end of the spectrum, while more extensive modifications, often involving significant structural and functional issues, will trend upward in duration. Additionally, the procedure is only one part of the surgical process. There will be a preoperative phase, as well as a postoperative, recovery experience that patients will undergo that will also take time. For more detailed information regarding the duration or concerns of your case, it will be best to speak with your plastic surgeon.

The terms “nose job” and “rhinoplasty” often are used interchangeably, however, there is a very slight difference in what they refer to. “Nose job” is a more colloquial term, commonly used in popular culture and associated with the cosmetic aspects of the surgery. The aesthetic alteration– reshaping, resizing, and modifying for facial balance and appearance is generally what people are referencing when using the term “nose job”. On the other hand, rhinoplasty is the medical term for nose surgery that encompasses a wide range of procedures. While the term rhinoplasty can still be used to refer to cosmetic changes, it is also used to refer to functional improvements, namely correcting breathing issues, genetic defects, or restoring the nasal structure. So to reiterate, the term nose job is primarily used for the emphasis of aesthetics, while rhinoplasty is a medical procedure name that can refer to both cosmetic and medical purposes.

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