Rhinoplasty in Mt. Vernon, WA

Also Serving Nose Surgery Patients in Everett & Bellingham

Rhinoplasty or nose surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of your nose and your entire face. Cosmetic rhinoplasty addresses only the look of the nose, while functional rhinoplasty corrects nasal obstructions or abnormalities that inhibit breathing. Many patients have both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty at the same time. Read more about Nasal Surgery for Breathing Problems.

At Cascade Facial Surgery, Dr. Jonathan Grant treats every patient as a unique individual. No two noses are the same, so no two nose surgeries should be the same. Your surgical plan is designed specifically to provide you with the result you want within the parameters of sound and safe medical practices. Dr. Grant’s training and experience as a reconstructive facial surgeon especially comes into play during nose surgery, as the process may involve reshaping the bone and cartilage of the nose.

For those with signs of aging, rhinoplasty is often performed in conjunction with a facelift/neck lift, brow lift, or eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). In patients of all ages, the results of rhinoplasty are sometimes improved by chin augmentation in order to provide greater facial symmetry.

Who is a candidate for Rhinoplasty?

Candidates for rhinoplasty are those who dislike the look of their nose, including issues such as:

The Rhinoplasty Consultation

The goal of the rhinoplasty consultation is to talk about your specific needs and goals with Dr. Grant. He will conduct a thorough examination of your nose and talk about what can be improved through rhinoplasty. You can show Dr. Grant photographs of noses that you like to help illustrate what you hope to achieve from surgery.

The consultation is also a great opportunity to learn more about the surgery and what it entails. Dr. Grant encourages you to ask plenty of questions and bring up any concerns you might have.

Why You Should Choose Dr. Grant for Your Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that requires exceptional surgical skills and an in-depth understanding of facial anatomy. Dr. Grant is widely respected for his rhinoplasty expertise and clinical experience. Countless patients have achieved greater facial harmony and more self-confidence, thanks to Dr. Grant’s skills. He has also been praised for his warm, compassionate approach to patient care.

Understanding the Rhinoplasty Procedure

Dr. Grant will examine you during your consultation and discuss what you dislike about your nose. Then, he can devise a surgical plan for you.

If you have a breathing problem, this must be diagnosed so that the proper correction can be performed. During the consultation, we use the Canfield Mirror imaging software to help you see different looks on your face as an approximation of how you would like your nose to look.

The surgery is an outpatient procedure that can sometimes be performed using IV anesthetic and sedation, while some patients may require general anesthesia. You will be able to go home on the same day as your surgery.

Rhinoplasty Techniques

There are two basic rhinoplasty techniques: open and closed. The techniques differ in how Dr. Grant is able to access the internal structures of the nose.

Open Rhinoplasty

In open nose surgery, an incision is made across the columella, which is the skin between the nostrils. This allows the surgeon the best access to the bone and cartilage within the nose. With open rhinoplasty, Dr. Grant is better able to measure and analyze the anatomy of the nose, and more precisely refine the internal structures. While the open approach results in a small scar on the bottom of the columella, it is not significantly noticeable and will fade in the months following the surgery until it is virtually invisible.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In closed nose surgery, no incision is made on the outside at all, and the surgeon works only through the nostril openings. A closed rhinoplasty eliminates the risk of having an external scar, although visibility of the internal structures of the nose is not as good as it is with open rhinoplasty. This technique might work on simpler cases that do not require extensive surgical modifications.

Reshaping the Nose

For reshaping of the nose, cartilage may have to be removed. In some cases, such as a bump on the bridge, the bone may have to be “shaved.” In other cases, cartilage may be taken from one part of the inside of the nose and grafted to another area. If there is not enough cartilage within the nose, it can sometimes be harvested from the ears, or from the ribs in some cases (from the patient or a donor). If this is necessary, Dr. Grant will discuss it with you before your surgery.

Whatever methods Dr. Grant uses, the goal is to bring your nose into better balance with all of the features of your face and, where applicable, to improve breathing.

See More Patient Results

Recovering From Rhinoplasty

You can expect to need a week to two weeks off from work after nose surgery. A small splint is usually taped on the outside of your nose to help it maintain its new shape as it heals. In most cases, the nostrils do not have to be packed. Please avoid sports and exercise for four to six weeks.

After all surgeries, there is some pain and swelling. After rhinoplasty, your nose might feel stuffy for a few days, and there could be some bleeding from the nostrils. Some patients also experience some mild bruising. These symptoms are to be expected.

You can take pain medication, and we will give you instructions how to take care of your nose during this time. It is important to avoid blowing your nose, and you will need to sleep on your back for a period of time. Sleeping upright or with your head elevated for the first few nights will help to keep swelling to a minimum.

Note that swelling is the last symptom to resolve. While your nose will look better fast, it will take months for the last bit of swelling to go down. Most of our patients remark that the recovery period is quite easy and well worth the results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty

What should I do to prepare for rhinoplasty?

Make sure Dr. Grant has a list of all medications you regularly take. He may advise you to temporarily stop taking medications, vitamins or supplements that can raise the risk of bleeding and other complications.

If you smoke, you will need to quit at least two weeks before surgery.

You can also prepare for surgery by stocking up on recovery essentials and ensuring you have a ride to and from surgery as well as a companion to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.

Can a nose job shorten my nose?

Yes, rhinoplasty can shorten the nose by removing cartilage and bone from the nasal bridge or refining the nasal tip. Dr. Grant will develop a treatment plan based around your unique nasal anatomy.

Can rhinoplasty be combined with other facial plastic surgery procedures?

Yes, Dr. Grant often combines rhinoplasty with the placement of a chin implant to improve the balance between the nose and chin. He can also combine cosmetic nose surgery with nasal surgery for breathing problems.

Does rhinoplasty surgery hurt?

No. During surgery, you will receive anesthesia so you do not feel anything. After surgery, you might have some mild discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. You can take over-the-counter or prescription pain medication to manage the discomfort. For most patients, the pain goes away within a few days.

Will I have visible scarring after rhinoplasty?

If Dr. Grant uses the open rhinoplasty approach, you will have a small, discreet scar across the bottom of your columella (the strip of skin separating your nostrils). With the proper care and attention, the scar should fade until it is virtually unnoticeable. If Dr. Grant uses the closed rhinoplasty approach, you will not have any external scarring.