Do you want to change the appearance of your nose? Have you struggled with certain breathing issues due to nasal abnormalities? While you may think that these things are impossible to change, they can actually be resolved with a popular cosmetic procedure. Rhinoplasty procedures can address these issues by improving the anatomy and overall appearance of the nose.
Dr. Cat Begovic performs rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills to help patients enhance the appearance of their nose and address certain breathing issues. Dr. Cat is a plastic surgeon that was previously a board-certified ENT doctor, so she uses an advanced approach to give patients the best rhinoplasty results possible. Read on to learn more about what the entire rhinoplasty process entails.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
More commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 352,000 Rhinoplasties were performed in the U.S. in 2020 alone. This made it the most frequently performed plastic surgery of the year.
Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgical procedure that alters the nose’s size, shape, or anatomy to improve its appearance or resolve certain breathing issues. This may involve adding or removing cartilage, shaving down bone, or changing the size and shape of the nostrils.
Why Do Patients Seek Rhinoplasty Procedures?
Patients most often seek rhinoplasty procedures for two reasons. The most common is that they are unhappy with the appearance of their nose. Many patients want to remove a large bump along the bridge. For other patients, the width may be their concern. They may feel that the tip of their nose is too large or too small. Some patients seek rhinoplasty to improve the asymmetry of the nose. These are just some of the common aesthetic issues that patients seek to improve with rhinoplasty.
A non-cosmetic reason patients seek rhinoplasty is for breathing difficulties. Structural abnormalities like a deviated septum can lead to difficulty breathing in some patients. Altering the anatomy of the nose can relieve these issues and increase the nose’s functionality. Dr. Cat explains the importance of rhinoplasty here:
“It is one of the surgeries that really helps balance a person’s face. Oftentimes the nose overwhelms other beautiful features like eyes and lips, so rhinoplasty allows those features to take the front stage. In addition to being a plastic surgeon, I was previously a board-certified ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon, so I specialize in fixing the external cosmetic aspects of the nose while also preserving and improving the internal anatomy to help with breathing.”
The Rhinoplasty Process
If you are interested in having a rhinoplasty, it is crucial to understand everything the process entails. Below, read about each step involved in a rhinoplasty procedure, from consultation to recovery.
Preparation
Before having any plastic surgery procedure at Dr. Cat’s office, you’ll need to have a consultation visit her. During your consultation, Dr. Cat will assess the current anatomy of your nose and discuss your desired outcome. The natural anatomy of your nose and the results you want to achieve help her determine whether you will benefit from this procedure.
To ensure rhinoplasty will produce the best possible outcome, Dr. Cat will perform a comprehensive facial evaluation. This includes digital photographs and computer imaging to determine how your nasal anatomy can be altered to give you the desired results. She encourages patients to bring pictures of noses they like or wish to emulate.
If Dr. Cat determines that you are a candidate for Rhinoplasty, you will need to have a complete medical physical to ensure your good general health before the procedure. Rhinoplasty involves general anesthesia, so Dr. Cat makes sure patients don’t have any underlying health issues that may cause complications.
Rhinoplasty is not recommended for smokers, as it leads to wound healing complications. This is why Dr. Cat requires rhinoplasty patients to stop smoking anywhere between two months to one year before surgery. To minimize excess bleeding, you will also need to stop using aspirin, anti-inflammatories, alcohol, and herbal medications two weeks before your procedure.
Procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Cat uses a 3.5X microscopic examination device to provide the most precise and symmetrical results. During the procedure, a discreet incision is made inside the nose, and the skin is then gently lifted back to give surgeons access to the bone and cartilage. Dr. Cat then alters the bone and cartilage according to your desired results. This may involve reshaping the cartilage and shaving down the prominent bone. Patients with breathing difficulties may need their deviated septum straightened, as well. Once alterations are complete, the skin is gently laid back in place, and the incisions are closed. The entire procedure can take anywhere between three to five hours.
Recovery
Dr. Cat uses a gentle approach to ensure that your rhinoplasty recovery is as painless and straightforward as can be. Most patients find that any pain or discomfort can be managed with medication like Tylenol. There will be bruising and swelling around the nose and eyes in the days that follow your surgery. Many patients can return to work after the first week.
Dr. Cat will send you home with a lightweight splint to maintain the nose’s new shape as it heals. There may also be nasal splints applied to protect the septum. These splints can usually be removed after the first week. Some swelling may remain for several weeks. This means patients should avoid sports or any other activity that may result in the nose being bumped or hit. Most patients see the final results of their rhinoplasty around three to four months after surgery. It is crucial to avoid any trauma to the nose during recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
It is normal to have questions before having a rhinoplasty. These are some of the most common questions that patients have before a rhinoplasty procedure.
Is Rhinoplasty Only for Cosmetic Concerns?
No, rhinoplasty is not only for cosmetic concerns. While many people seek rhinoplasty to improve their appearance or facial profile, some patients want to resolve functional issues like a deviated septum.
Am I a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose or have breathing difficulties, you may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty. Suitable candidates should be healthy non-smokers with a realistic desired outcome for their plastic surgical procedure.
How Much Does Rhinoplasty Cost?
The cost of rhinoplasty can vary by location. Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills can cost anywhere between $10,000 to $40,000, depending on the patient’s unique needs.
Will Insurance Cover My Rhinoplasty Procedure?
In most cases, no, insurance will not cover rhinoplasty. This is because insurance companies often see it as a cosmetic procedure and not a medical necessity. If your Rhinoplasty is for a deviated septum, some insurance providers may cover hospital accommodations and anesthesia. However, Dr. Cat’s office does not accept insurance. It is always best to check with your plastic surgeon’s office directly to see what forms of payment are accepted as it will vary between offices.
Is Rhinoplasty Recovery Painful?
With Dr. Cat’s advanced methods, the recovery from rhinoplasty involves very little pain or discomfort. Bruising and swelling are minimal, and patients can return to work after about one week.
How Soon Will I See the Results of My Rhinoplasty?
Most patients see the complete results of their rhinoplasty about three to four months after their surgery. During this time frame, the swelling will go down and allow the tissues to fully heal. Dr. Cat’s innovative Rhinoplasty techniques are specifically designed to yield the best possible results for every patient. She explains her approach to rhinoplasty here:
“My philosophy on rhinoplasty is that patients should always look like themselves – that changes should be natural and refined. In the long run, conservative surgery preserves results longer and minimizes scar tissue formation that can distort the nose resulting in an “overdone” look.”
Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills
Dr. Cat Begovic is a leading provider of rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills. As a board-certified plastic surgeon and previous ENT doctor, Dr. Cat uses a gentle, advanced nose surgery technique during rhinoplasty that gives the patient their desired result with minimal pain. She works directly with each patient to ensure that their rhinoplasty helps them feel like the best version of themselves. If you are interested in rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, call us today to schedule a consultation.
