Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) in Denver, Colorado

Rhinoplasty is performed to reshape, reduce or augment a person's nose, remove a hump, narrow nostril width, change the angle between the nose and the mouth, or to correct injury, birth defects, or other problems that affect breathing. We pay close attention to ethnic aesthetic concerns to avoid a "one size fits all" approach to nose reshaping. Incisions are made on the inside or the outside of the nose depending on the extent of reshaping necessary.

We also specialize in reconstruction of the nose after trauma or the removal of cancer. These procedures often require multiple staged operations and are usually covered by insurance.

Click Here to see Rhinoplasty before and after photos

Primary Rhinoplasty

Primary rhinoplasty (“nose job”) refers to procedures on noses that have not had any prior surgeries or trauma. This procedure typically aims to resize, reshape or reposition the tip, profile or nostrils. Common problems corrected by a primary rhinoplasty include removing small humps, reshaping a bulbous tip, changing the angle between the nose and mouth and changing the shape of the nostrils. A primary rhinoplasty is a common procedure that can be easily performed by an experienced plastic surgeon.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision or secondary rhinoplasty corrects deformities caused by a previous operation on the nose. It is a more difficult procedure to perform than primary rhinoplasty because there is less cartilage to work with and there may be scarring or tissue contracture (tightening). However, skilled plastic surgeons can improve both the appearance and the function of the nose.

Functional Rhinoplasty

Functional rhinoplasty is performed for health purposes to relieve a nasal obstruction. This obstruction is often caused by a deviated septum and may result in breathing problems. Through a simple corrective procedure, these problems can be relieved and a more balanced appearance can also be achieved.

Reconstructive Rhinoplasty

Reconstructive rhinoplasty is performed to repair deformities caused by injury, birth defects or aging. It can also be used to remove external skin tumors or internal nasal tumors. These procedures require extra precision and should only be performed by an experienced surgeon. Aesthetic reshaping is an additional benefit of reconstructive rhinoplasty.

Tip Rhinoplasty

The nasal tip, as the point furthest from the plane of the face, is considered a major factor in the appearance of the nose. Tip rhinoplasty can modify the tip and give the nose more definition by adding or removing cartilage.

Ethnic Rhinoplasty

Plastic surgery is no longer tailored to only meet Caucasian standards. African American, Asian American and Hispanic patients can now undergo procedures to change the appearance of their nose while maintaining their ethnic identity. Dr. Shah can work with you to help you reach the look you desire.

Rhinoplasty F.A.Q.

What can rhinoplasty do for me?

Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:

Balance the size of the nose with the other facial features
Modify the width of the nose at the bridge
Improve the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
Contour a nasal tip that is too large, "boxy," drooping or upturned
Change the angle between the nose and the mouth
Narrow and reshape the nostrils
Correct asymmetry or deviation

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

The best candidates for rhinoplasty:

Are at least 13 years old;
Have finished facial growth;
Are generally healthy;
Do not smoke;
Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others; and
Have realistic goals for the procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Surgeons use one of two techniques when performing nose surgery. In a Click to watch an animated procedure of the Closed Nose Reshaping Procedure.closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nostrils. In an Click to watch an animated procedure of the Open Nose Reshaping Procedure.open rhinoplasty, the incision is made across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. With both methods, the surgeon gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose. He or she sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape. Any additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the septum.

If the patient has a deviated septum, the surgeon will adjust the septum and the inner structures of the nose to improve breathing. Then the tissues are re-draped and stitched closed. If the patient desires nostril reshaping, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty.

The entire procedure generally lasts one to two hours.

What is the recovery from nose surgery like?

For a short time after surgery, patients may experience puffiness, nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding or stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within two days and return to work in about a week.

The results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the days pass after surgery and swelling recedes. Swelling may reappear from time to time in the first year after the procedure. It is typically more noticeable in the morning and fades during the day.

Contact lenses can be worn immediately, but glasses may need to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to seven weeks.

Will I like the results of my nose surgery?

Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results depend on the patient’s nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age.

What are the possible risks of rhinoplasty?

Complications are rare and, when they occur, minor. These may include infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia.

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

Insurance may cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons, but likely not for cosmetic purposes.

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