Our eyes and nose are both prominent focal points of our face. However, unlike the eyes, the nose sits at the very center of the face, acting almost like an anchor for our features and playing a key role in how balanced and harmonious our overall face appears. Even the subtlest adjustments to the nose’s shape or size can profoundly impact overall facial aesthetics, enhancing symmetry, refining contours, and bringing features into optimal proportion. That’s why if you’re considering rhinoplasty surgery in Minnesota or western Wisconsin, it’s so important to entrust your procedure to a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon, like the board-certified experts at Edina Plastic Surgery.
Our plastic surgeons understand that rhinoplasty is much more than a cosmetic procedure; it’s a deeply personal journey that can significantly influence the way you feel about your appearance and yourself. Whether you’ve always felt self-conscious about a nasal bump, wide nostrils, or a bulbous tip, or if you’re seeking correction after trauma or previous surgery, rhinoplasty at Edina Plastic Surgery is customized entirely around your goals, anatomy, and vision for your best self.
What Is Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty, often called a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure designed to reshape and refine the nose for improved facial balance and proportion. It may involve altering the bridge, tip, or nostrils, or adjusting the internal structures to improve breathing.
Because each nose is unique, your rhinoplasty will be customized to your anatomy and aesthetic goals. At Edina Plastic Surgery, our surgeons perform both open and closed rhinoplasty approaches:
- Open Rhinoplasty: This approach involves a small incision across the tissue that separates the nostrils, called the columella. It allows your surgeon maximum visibility and access to the underlying structures, making it ideal for complex reshaping or significant corrections. Although it leaves a small external incision, it typically heals beautifully and becomes barely noticeable over time.
- Closed Rhinoplasty: With this approach, all incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scars. This method is best for patients requiring more subtle adjustments. Because it limits surgical access, your surgeon will recommend this approach only if it allows for the precise changes needed to achieve your desired result.
Each technique offers distinct advantages, and your surgeon will help determine which method best aligns with your goals and what the anatomy of your nose dictates.
Areas Commonly Addressed During Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty procedures typically focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Nasal Bridge: The central “ridge” of the nose that runs between the eyes to the tip. Adjustments to this area, such as smoothing a bump or refining a flat bridge, can dramatically affect your facial profile and balance.
- Nostrils: Overly large or narrow nostrils can make the rest of the face appear out of proportion. Rhinoplasty can subtly reshape or resize the nostrils to complement your overall facial harmony.
- Nasal Tip: The tip of the nose can appear too rounded, upturned, drooping, or boxy. Refining the nasal tip often provides a beautiful finishing touch that can make the entire face look more balanced and attractive.
At Edina Plastic Surgery, our surgeons are renowned for achieving natural, elegant results that enhance your unique features rather than completely changing them.
Your Rhinoplasty Consultation: Where Your Transformation Begins
Undergoing rhinoplasty is a highly personal decision, especially if you’ve struggled with feelings of self-consciousness about your nose for years. At Edina Plastic Surgery, our compassionate, board-certified surgeons take the time to understand your history, your motivations, and your vision for change.
During your comprehensive consultation, your surgeon will:
- Discuss your aesthetic goals and any functional breathing concerns.
- Take precise facial measurements and evaluate the proportions of your nose, chin, and jawline.
- Explain the potential surgical techniques and what kind of improvements are realistically achievable for your anatomy.
Your surgeon may also discuss complementary procedures that could enhance your overall profile, such as a chin implant. This small addition can subtly enhance chin projection, balancing the lower face and creating a more harmonious relationship with your newly refined nose.
Experience Your Results Before Surgery With Vectra XT 3-D Imaging
Edina Plastic Surgery is proud to offer Vectra XT 3D Imaging as an option during your consultation. This advanced visualization tool allows you to preview your potential rhinoplasty results before committing to surgery. By creating a digital 3D model of your face, you and your surgeon can explore various refinements to see how subtle changes in the shape or projection of your nose can transform your overall appearance. This technology not only enhances communication between you and your surgeon regarding your desired aesthetic but also helps set clear, realistic expectations for your final results.
Preparing for Your Rhinoplasty Surgery
Once your personalized surgical plan is in place, your care team will guide you through the steps to prepare for your procedure. These detailed preoperative instructions are designed to ensure your surgery and recovery go as smoothly as possible.
For example, you will be asked to:
- Avoid smoking or vaping several weeks before and after surgery, as nicotine impairs healing.
- Stop taking certain medications, vitamins, or supplements that can increase bleeding risk.
- Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home and stay with you the first night after surgery.
Following your surgeon’s preparation guidelines closely is essential to achieving the safest and most optimal results from nose reshaping surgery.
Your rhinoplasty will take place in Edina Plastic Surgery’s fully accredited and licensed surgical facility, a setting designed for your comfort, convenience, privacy, and safety.
Most rhinoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia to ensure complete comfort throughout surgery. In some cases involving minor adjustments, your surgeon may use local anesthesia with sedation.
Once anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will make the necessary incisions, either along the columella (open rhinoplasty) or inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty). Through these incisions, they will:
- Reshape or reposition bone and cartilage to refine the bridge or tip of your nose.
- Add cartilage grafts or implants if more structure or projection is needed.
- If necessary, adjust the internal nasal passages to improve airflow and breathing.
In some cases, gentle breaking and resetting of the nasal bones may be required to achieve smoother contours or a straighter profile. After the reshaping is complete, the incisions are carefully closed, and a small splint may be placed to help support your new nasal structure during the initial healing phase.
Recovering From Rhinoplasty Surgery
Immediately after your rhinoplasty, you’ll rest comfortably as your care team monitors your recovery. Your designated friend or family member will be asked to join you, and your post-care instructions will be reviewed.
You can expect some swelling, bruising, and nasal stuffiness after your procedure, which are all normal parts of the healing process. A small splint or internal support may be placed to protect your results and maintain your new nasal structure.
Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort for the first few days, which can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Keeping your head elevated and applying cool compresses can also help minimize swelling.
Your Healing Timeline
- 1–2 Weeks: Most visible bruising and swelling begin to subside. Many patients feel comfortable returning to work or school around this time.
- 3–6 Weeks: Exercise and more vigorous activity can usually resume, pending your surgeon’s approval.
- 3–6 Months: Subtle swelling continues to diminish, and your nasal definition refines further.
- 12+ Months: Final results become visible once all residual swelling resolves.
It’s important to remember that patience is key with rhinoplasty recovery. Because the nasal skin and underlying tissues heal gradually, your final shape may not be fully apparent for up to a year.
Your Rhinoplasty Results
When swelling subsides, you’ll notice the remarkable difference in your facial balance and harmony. Whether your goal was to refine your nasal tip, smooth a bump, or correct asymmetry, your new nose will look natural, proportionate, and authentically you!
Like most procedures at Edina Plastic Surgery, rhinoplasty can enhance not only how you look, but also how you feel. Many patients report a profound boost in confidence and a newfound comfort in social settings, photos, and everyday life.
Because each patient heals differently, some may benefit from minor revision procedures to fine-tune results. Your Edina Plastic Surgery surgeon will closely monitor your healing progress through follow-up visits to ensure you’re 100% satisfied with your outcome.
Why Choose Edina Plastic Surgery for Your Rhinoplasty
Patients from across Minnesota and Wisconsin (and beyond!) trust Edina Plastic Surgery for rhinoplasty because of our surgeons’ unparalleled expertise, artistry, and dedication to natural-looking results.
Our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Nathan Leigh, Dr. Michael Philbin, Dr. Robert Wilke, and Dr. Brian Kobienia, have extensive experience performing complex facial surgeries and a deep understanding of the nuances of nasal anatomy. Their meticulous technique ensures your results complement your unique features and preserve a look that feels authentic to you.
Beyond their surgical skill, our team is known for its compassionate care and personalized support throughout your entire journey. From your first consultation to your final follow-up, you’ll feel empowered, informed, and confident that you’re in the hands of true professionals who care about you, not just your results.
Put Your Best Face Forward
Rhinoplasty is about more than changing the shape of your nose; it’s about restoring balance, harmony, and confidence to your face and your life. When performed by the skilled hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon, nose reshaping can elevate not just your appearance, but your self-assurance in every interaction of your daily life.
If you’re ready to explore how rhinoplasty could enhance your facial balance and help you love the way you look, the team at Edina Plastic Surgery is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule your complimentary consultation today by calling or texting (952) 925-1765 or booking a consultation online.
We can’t wait to partner with you on this exciting next step toward looking and feeling your absolute best!
