The Best Candidates for Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a popular plastic surgery performed to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes, correcting birth defects or addressing breathing problems.

Age may also be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to operate on teenagers until after they've completed their growth spurt-around 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys. It's important to consider teenagers' social and emotional adjustment, too, and to make sure it's what they, and not their parents, really want.

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Benefits of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. 

Rhinoplasty can:

  • Reduce or increase the size of your nose
  • Change the shape of the tip or the bridge
  • Narrow the span of the nostrils
  • Change the angle between your nose and your upper lip
  • Correct a birth defect or injury
  • Relieve some breathing problems

Facial Plastic Surgery with Dr. Guy Cappuccino

Dr. Guy Cappuccino speaks about facial plastic surgery and how it can combat the natural aging process. Dr. Cappuccino specializes in various facial plastic surgery procedures including facelift, neck lift, otoplasty, blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, and more. Dr. Cappuccino strives to help patients enjoy what they see when they look in the mirror, helping them look like a younger version of themselves with beautiful results.

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All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

When rhinoplasty is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Guy Cappuccino, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Nevertheless, there is always a possibility of complications, including infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia. You can reduce your risks by closely following Dr. Cappuccino’s instructions both before and after surgery.

After surgery, small burst blood vessels may appear as tiny red spots on the skin's surface; these are usually minor but may be permanent. As for scarring, when rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring at all; when an open technique is used, or when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils, the small scars on the base of the nose are usually not visible.

Before & After

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Planning Your Surgery

During your initial consultation, Dr. Cappuccino gets to know your ideal results, evaluates the structure of your nose and face, and discusses the possibilities with you. He’ll also explain the factors that can influence your rhinoplasty in Maryland and the results. 

These factors include:

  • The structure of your nasal bones and cartilage
  • The shape of your face
  • The thickness of your skin
  • Your age
  • Your expectations.

Dr. Cappuccino will also explain the techniques and anesthesia he’ll be using, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, the risks and costs involved, and any options you may have. Most insurance policies don't cover purely cosmetic surgery; however, if the procedure is performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct a breathing problem or a marked deformity, the procedure may be covered. Check with your insurer, and obtain pre-authorization for your surgery.

Be sure to let Dr. Cappuccino know if you've had any previous nose surgery or an injury to your nose, even if it was many years ago. You should also inform Dr. Cappuccino if you have any allergies or breathing difficulties; if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or recreational drugs; and if you smoke. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

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Preparing For Your Surgery

Dr. Cappuccino will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, taking or avoiding certain vitamins and medications, and washing your face. Carefully following these instructions will help your surgery go more smoothly. While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery and to help you out for a few days if needed.

Schedule A Consultation

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The Surgery

Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and on what you and Dr. Cappuccino prefer. With local anesthesia, you'll usually be lightly sedated, and your nose and the surrounding area will be numbed; you'll be awake during the surgery, but relaxed and insensitive to pain. With general anesthesia, you'll sleep through the operation.

Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated procedures may take longer. During surgery, the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your goals and Dr. Cappuccino’s preferred technique. Finally, the skin will be redraped over the new framework.

Dr. Cappuccino sometimes performs rhinoplasty from within the nose, making incisions inside the nostrils. Other times he may opt for an open procedure, especially in more complicated cases, making a small incision across the columella, which is the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. Dr. Cappuccino will go over incision placement with you before your procedure begins.

When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages. You’ll get detailed aftercare instructions, and Dr. Cappuccino will also schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor your progress and ensure you’re healing well.

After Your Surgery

After surgery—particularly during the first 24 hours—your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by Dr. Cappuccino. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day.

You'll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so.

A minor amount of bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. You’ll want to avoid blowing your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal. If you have nasal packing, it will be removed after a few days and you'll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one or, occasionally, two weeks, all dressings, splints, and stitches should be removed.

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Getting Back to Normal

Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you're entirely up to speed.

Dr. Cappuccino will give you more specific guidelines for gradually resuming your normal activities. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activity (jogging, swimming, bending, sexual relations-any activity that increases your blood pressure) for two to three weeks. 

Avoid hitting or rubbing your nose, or getting it sunburned, for eight weeks. Be gentle when washing your face and hair or using cosmetics. You can wear contact lenses as soon as you feel like it, but glasses are another story. 

Once the splint is off, they'll have to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for another six to seven weeks, until your nose is completely healed. If you have any unusual symptoms between visits, reach out to us quickly.

Enjoying the Nose of Your Dreams

When you’re ready to enjoy a nose that better complements and enhances your natural sense of facial harmony, the talented team at Guy Cappuccino MD Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is here to help you. Dr. Cappuccino’s high level of experience has enabled him to create incredible results for patients here in the Mount Airy and Frederick, Maryland areas and he’s excited to learn more about what he can do for you.

When you’re ready to get to know how we can help, reach out and set up your consultation at our relaxing and inviting Mount Airy office. We’ll be ready to help you develop a treatment plan that sees you enjoying your ideal cosmetic outcome, so you can show off the look of your dreams.

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Rhinoplasty FAQs:

How much does rhinoplasty surgery cost?

How much does rhinoplasty surgery cost?

The cost of rhinoplasty surgery, a cosmetic surgery to reshape the nose, generally ranges from $8,000 - $10,000, depending on the extent of the procedure required, which is determined by Dr. Cappuccino after your custom consultation.

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