By helping our Gainesville plastic surgery patients feel more confident in their overall appearance, we can substantially improve the quality of life of our patients. Through rhinoplasty, you can dramatically change the appearance of your most prominent facial feature – the nose – while still maintaining a natural, refined appearance. If you are dissatisfied with the shape, size, or other elements of your nose, you may benefit from rhinoplasty.
Are You a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Almost every patient who is dissatisfied with the size or shape of his or her nose is a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty. The most important qualification for rhinoplasty is realistic expectations. Dramatic changes can be achieved through rhinoplasty; however, your nose will remain your nose. If you are considering rhinoplasty, you should expect the surgery to enhance the natural beauty of your existing nose. Like many cosmetic procedures, a patient’s age is a factor when considering rhinoplasty. To anticipate the subtle changes that will occur in the shape of the nose over time and adjust the surgical approach accordingly, candidates for rhinoplasty must reach a point in their lives at which their adult noses have become evident. In girls, this occurs by the mid-to-late teen years. In boys, this usually occurs by the late teens.
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
For our Gainesville facial rejuvenation patients, rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure usually performed under general anesthesia. Rhinoplasty can be performed as an open or closed procedure. The biggest difference between these two surgical techniques is the placement of the incisions. In closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are made inside the nose. Closed rhinoplasty eliminates the appearance of external scarring. Because of this, it is the preferred procedure for patients. Gainesville rhinoplasty patients requiring extensive changes to be made to the nose may benefit most from open rhinoplasty. In open rhinoplasty, an additional incision is made across the thin strip of tissue that separates the nostrils (this is called the columella). By utilizing open rhinoplasty, the skin can be lifted off the tip of the nose and the cartilage can be shaped in a precise manner. The biggest downside to open rhinoplasty is that it leaves a small scar on the underside of the nose.
During your personal consultation, we will determine which rhinoplasty procedure is best suited to your unique needs and goals, as well as answer any questions you may have.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are interested in learning more about open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty, or you would like to schedule a personal consultation, please contact Gaines Plastic Surgery, PLLC today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.