Before and After Rhinoplasty Photos
* All patients are unique and individual results may vary.
What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty (or a “nose job”) is surgery is for people who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose. The nose is the central structure that sits between the upper and lower parts of the face. The nose should blend in with the rest of the face and not catch the eye.
A nose that is not balanced with the face pulls attention away from a persons other attractive features. Rhinoplasty can improve both the form and function of the nose. Common reasons for patient’s to seek out rhinoplasty include:
- Removing a bump
- Refining a bulbous tip
- Changing the size of the nose
- Improving breathing
- Straightening a crooked nose
- Narrowing wide nostrils
Why Choose Rhinoplasty?
Some patients have been unhappy with their nose for years while others have suffered nasal trauma in the past. Perhaps you have had a prior rhinoplasy and are not completely satisfied with the results.
Rhinoplasty is a fantastic option for these problems. While we offer non-surgical options, nothing equals the changes that can be achieved with rhinoplasty surgery. Studies have shown that changes in nasal appearance can significantly boost patients self confidence. Rhinoplasty can be a life changing surgery for the right patients!
Am I a Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Good candidates for Rhinoplasty Philadelphia are healthy, non-smoking patient’s who have specific concerns about their appearance and/or breathing. Common goals include: bringing down a bump, refining the tip, narrowing the nose, and changing the size of the overall nose.
Patient’s with realistic surgical goals are ideal for this procedure. Patients who have had previous rhinoplasty and are dissatisfied with the results are also good candidates for a revision surgery. Dr. Lozada has extensive training and experience in revision rhinoplasty surgery.
The Rhinoplasty Consultation
Our Rhinoplasty consultation begins with a discussion about the goals for surgery. Dr. Lozada takes the time to understand your concerns and will then examine your nose and discuss his findings with you.
Next, state of the art 3-D photographs are taken with the Vectra imaging system and analyzed using the advanced morphing software. This software program allows real-time morphing during the consultation to demonstrate proposed changes.
Dr. Lozada will share before and after photographs of previous patients to help illustrate actualy surgical results. Finally, Dr. Lozada will develop a personalized surgical plan for you. Questions are encouraged throughout the entire consultation process, Dr. Lozada loves engaged patients!
TESTIMONIALS
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- Sebastian Cortinez
Preparing for Rhinoplasty Surgery
Prior to your surgery you will come to the office for a pre-op visit with Dr. Lozada. He will review your personalized surgical plan and ensure all your questions are answered. Detailed pre-op and post-op instructions including care and activity restrictions will be provided at this time.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure and is done under general anesthesia. Dr. Lozada has extensive training in multiple different rhinoplasty techniques and tailors his approach to each patient’s case. He specializes in both endonasal “scarless” as well as open rhinoplasty.
During the procedure, the cartilage and bony structures of the nose are accessed via specialized incisions. The bone can be shaped with special tools and the cartilage may be removed, re-shaped, or augmented. Specific cases may require additional cartilage from either the septum or ear.
At the conclusion, a splint is placed on the nose which is left in place for approximately 4-5 days. Dr. Lozada does not routinely place packing inside the nose after rhinoplasty surgery.
Recovering from Rhinoplasty Surgery
Recovery from rhinoplasty is highly variable depending on the type of procedure performed. Swelling and bruising are expected with the majority subsiding within two weeks. Patients may experience some discomfort after the procedure but high dose pain medication is not required.
Nasal saline sprays are encouraged to keep the nasal passages open. Any bruising around the eyes is easily concealed with makeup for the first week after surgery. Patients are expected to take it easy for the first week and thereafter may return to work.
The cast and sutures are removed around 4-5 days after surgery. Patients are instructed not to perform exercise or heavy lifting for a period of 2 weeks after surery. The majority of the swelling has subsided 2-3 weeks after surgery but small amounts continue to subside weeks after. The nose continues to heal for months after rhinoplasty and results are not considered final until a year after surgery.
Why should you choose Dr. Lozada for you rhinoplasty?
Dr. Lozada is a rhinoplasty specialist with Penn Medicine and is fellowship trained in Facial Plastic Surgery from the University of Pennsylvania.
His background includes training in NYC with some of the most acclaimed facial plastic surgeons in the country as well as intensive rhinoplasty training at Penn. Dr. Lozada is one of the few surgeons in the greater Philadelphia area to have expertise in scarless rhinoplasty surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
If you live near Philadelphia, PA, Lozada Facial Plastic Surgery offers Rhinoplasty among its services and is conveniently located at 1608 Walnut Street 9th Floor Suite 902B, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Endonasal or “Closed Rhinoplasty” is an advanced technique that places all the incisions inside the nose with no external scar visible after surgery. These incisions give access to the bone and cartilage structures of the nose and allow us to give the desired result. Typically patients have improved post-op course with less bruising, swelling, pain, and allows them to get back to life quicker. Not everyone is a candidate for endonasal rhinoplasty and Dr. Lozada will discuss this with you during your consultation.
It involves a small incision at the base of the nose allowing direct access to the bone and cartilage. The incision is in an area that is not visible and the scar heals beautifully and are invisible months after surgery. Open rhinoplasty is well suited for cases involving large amounts of nasal tip work, extensive structural grafting, and revision rhinoplasty cases.
Rhinoplasty commonly uses cartilage grafts during surgery to achieve natural results. Grafting is not always required and Dr. Lozada will discuss if this is necessary in your specific case. Cartilage is most commonly harvested from the septum during septoplasty and this can be carved into many different types of grafts.
In some cases, cartilage is required from the ear and/or rib. These are specialized cases and this will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Lozada. Grafts are made to not be seen or felt after surgery and are used to help achieve the desired end result.
Septoplasty is a surgery that removes a portion of the cartilage or bone that separate the nostrils. It is not always performed, but for patients with breathing complaints a septoplasty can greatly improve the function of the nose.
Multiple factors effect the end results of rhinoplasty surgery. Skin thickness, scars, prior surgery, age, smoking, and a patients medical history are all important factors that play a critical role. The most important thing is to be aware which factors are at play in each specific case.
Osteotomies aka “breaking the nasal bones” while it is not always performed, it is common. This is accomplished in a very minimally invaisve and controlled fashion using specialized surgical instruments.
Dr. Lozada performs teenage rhinoplasty in the right patients. Typically it is advised that the patient have finished their growth spurt which is usually between 15-17 years of age.
The nose and chin are critical in providing balance for the overall face. There are cases where a chin implant alone provides aesthetic balance and makes the nose less noticeable. Results of chin augmentation can be demonstrated during the consultation using the morphing software. In select candidates, rhinoplasty and chin implant surgery combined give dramatic results in the overall appearance of the face.
