Introduction To

Rhinoplasty

The human nose is quite incredible. Not only can it detect over 1 trillion scents and affects how we taste things, but it is one of the most prominent features of our face. As amazing as this organ is, its appearance can create some wildly different opinions, depending on the owner of the nose and its viewer. Whether it’s due to genetics or a previous accident, if you are unhappy with your nasal appearance, our team at Advanced Plastic Surgery does our absolute best to provide the most satisfying and natural results for Rhinoplasty in Grand Rapids, MI. Below, we have included more information on this procedure.

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Model with a slim nose looking off the side

What is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty also called a “nose job” or “nose reshaping”, can be one of the most aesthetically rewarding procedures there is. This surgery can address a variety of cosmetic issues including symmetry, shape, and size, as well as breathing problems caused by structural defects.

What are the benefits of a Rhinoplasty?

Dr. Timek has witnessed our Grand Rapids patients enjoy the following benefits from their nose job:

  • Altering the shape or size of the tip of the nose
  • Altering the size of the nostrils
  • Building up a nose that seems too flat
  • Can be performed on both women and men, and while the procedures use similar techniques, the aesthetic goals are a bit different for each
  • Flattening out a nose that seems too pointed
  • Increasing or decreasing the size of the nose
  • Making the nose straighter
  • Removing a bump from the bridge of the nose

Who are the Best Candidates for Rhinoplasty?

As one of the leading practices for facial plastic surgery in Grand Rapids, we’ve had the benefit of threatening thousands of aesthetic patients. Many of the candidates we see firsthand for rhinoplasty meet the following criteria: 

  • Your facial growth is complete
  • You are physically healthy
  • You’re a non-smoker
  • You have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance.
“My primary goals of rhinoplasty is to maintain or improve your breathing”

– Ewa Timek, MD

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What’s The First Step?

AT ADVANCED PLASTIC SURGERY

The first step in getting a Rhinoplasty is to contact Advanced Plastic Surgery and schedule a consultation. When you come in, you will meet with Dr. Timek and express what brings you in and what you are looking to change about your nasal appearance. She will ask you about your medical history and examine your nose. It is important to keep an honest dialogue with Dr. Timek during this time so she can make the best choices when creating your surgical plan. If you agree with her plan for you, our Patient Coordinator will help you choose a surgical date. You will also be provided with a list of directions to follow in presurgery to achieve the most optimal outcome.

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What To Expect on the day of Rhinoplasty?

On the day of your rhinoplasty surgery, you will be administered intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Then, depending on the nature of your nose surgery, an incision will be made either inside the nostrils or on the columella, the bridge of tissue that separates the nostrils. Typically, for a minor reshaping of the nose, incisions are made inside of the nose and are virtually hidden, while a major restructuring of the entire nose may require a larger incision as well as rearranging of bone and/or cartilage. To reduce the size of the nose, septum cartilage may be removed during a nose job. To reshape the nose or add volume, cartilage grafts, also typically from the septum, may be used to supplement some areas.

Once she is finished sculpting the underlying structure of the nose to your desired shape, the nasal skin and tissue will be redraped and the incisions are closed.

The whole procedure can take anywhere from 1 – 3 hours.

Rhinoplasty recovery

After your procedure, a splint is placed on the nose. This splint acts both as a protector for the nose and helps maintain the position of the newly sculpted nasal bones. Often a nasal pack is inserted in the nose as well to support the inside. You will have stitches as well, the location depending on the type of rhinoplasty technique that was used. You’ll be up and around within a day or two after your surgery. Any pain you feel can be controlled by medication while a cold compress on your eyes can reduce swelling and bruising.

We recommend resting as much as possible and keeping the head elevated during your first week. Avoid any laborious activities like working out during this period. Within a couple of days, the nasal packing comes out and the splint usually comes off within a week.

You can resume work and most of your usual activities after about a week but try to avoid strenuous activity (i.e. anything that raises your blood pressure, pulse, or breathing rate) or intensive exercise for 2 – 3 weeks to minimize the risk of a nosebleed.

It can take anywhere from seven months to over a year before your final results are visible. The majority of swelling will resolve in the first few months and typically the final results will be completely apparent around a year. However, every patient is different and each person heals at their rate.

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AVERAGE COST

how much does Rhinoplasty cost in grand rapids?

The cost of Rhinoplasty in Grand Rapids will be influenced by several factors, such as the degree of change required, if and where the cartilage will be removed from, and anesthesia costs. When you come in for your consultation and Dr. Timek is able to build your surgical plan, our Patient Coordinator will then be able to give you a complete breakdown of your total cost.

Why Choose
Advanced Plastic Surgery

Ewa Timek, MD has been a board-certified plastic surgeon for a little under 2 decades. She is a member of the American Board Of Plastic Surgery, the American Society Of Plastic Surgeons, and the American Society For Reconstructive Microsurgery. As a graduate of both Standford University and Loma Linda University, Dr. Timek has been a staff member of both schools and served as a principal investigator of various research projects which resulted in multiple publications.

Rhinoplasty

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If you’re looking to breathe easier or uncover the nose of your dreams, the first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Timek! Contact our office today at (616) 323-3102 or request your consultation through our website and someone will be in touch with you shortly.

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We’re here to help, with a number of patient resources designed to make your experience as comfortable as possible. Read through the materials below, and don’t hesitate to reach out.

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