Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty
Achieve the perfect nose for your profile
Why a Nose Job
Your nose can be the most distinctive characteristic of your face. Villains often have hooked, hulking, or hawkish noses, while characters with a colorful past have crooked noses. In contrast, attractive women are described with noses that are delicate, narrow, and pert. Leading men have noses that are as strong and confident as their personalities. What’s your story? Dr. Zukowski can help you craft a nose that matches your true self.
What is a Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is commonly referred to as a “nose job.” The nose is the central focus of the face, and a nose that is larger than average, asymmetrical, bumpy, depressed, upturned, or hooked at the end can have a negative impact on a person’s appearance and self esteem. A rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to correct these issues and improve the overall appearance of the face.
Rhinoplasty for Transgender Patients
Rhinoplasty might be done as one component of facial feminization surgery for patients seeking to appear more feminine, as there are noticeable differences between male and female noses.
The male nose is generally larger, with a bridge that is wider and straighter than the female nose. A female’s nose is typically narrower, and the tip commonly points slightly upward. A rhinoplasty can reshape a masculine nose to make the overall face more feminine. Since the nose is a very central and noticeable feature of the face, many MTF transgender patients feel that a rhinoplasty is crucial to achieving their desired appearance.
What is a Septoplasty?
Septoplasty is a nasal surgery done to correct functional problems inside the nose, most commonly a deviated septum. These issues might cause difficulty breathing and diminish a patient’s quality of life. A septoplasty will correct these issues and help the patient to breathe normally.
What is a Deviated Septum?
A deviated septum occurs when the thin wall between your nasal passages is displaced to one side, making one passage smaller than the other. This can be present from birth or can occur at any point in life due to any injury that causes trauma to the nose. A deviated septum can cause difficulty breathing, especially when one has nasal congestion. It can also cause snoring, nosebleeds, dry mouth, recurring sinus infections, and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in your nose. Deviated septums are extremely common – 75-80% of all people have a deviated septum to some degree.
Can Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty be Done Together?
Septoplasty and rhinoplasty can be done together. This is called a septorhinoplasty. If you require both procedures, Dr. Zukowski will most likely recommend that you have them done together. This is more convenient and cost-effective, and you will only have to undergo one recovery.
These two procedures are related but have different purposes. If both are needed, they should be performed together, but you can have one without the other.
Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty
Rhinoplasty is done to improve the outer appearance of the nose. Depending on your anatomy, a rhinoplasty might involve making your nose larger or smaller, straightening it, adjusting the angle, smoothing out a hump in the nose, or making it more symmetrical.
Septoplasty is done to correct a deviated septum and improve the patient’s ability to breathe. The main concern is alleviating the symptoms of a deviated septum, not the outward appearance of the nose.
Dr. Zukowski will evaluate your nose and advise you on whether he thinks you require either or both surgeries. Even if you are only seeking to change the cosmetic appearance of your nose, he will assess your septum to see if there is any deviation. If you have a slight deviation, changes made during a rhinoplasty can worsen the problem and create breathing issues in the future. Dr. Zukowski will be able to tell if this is the case and adjust your plan accordingly.
Risks of Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty
Rhinoplasty and septoplasty both carry the risk associated with all surgeries such as a reaction to anesthesia and infection. Additionally, you could possibly experience difficulty breathing or a rare complication called nasal septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum).
Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty Ideal Candidates
Good candidates for both procedures should be over the age of 18 (to ensure that the nose has finished growing), in good physical health, and nonsmokers (or willing to quit smoking 3 weeks before the surgery).
Additionally, you are a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you are unhappy with the size and/or shape of your nose.
Preparing for Surgery
As with all surgeries, you may be asked to adjust or stop taking certain medications. You will be asked to quit using tobacco products at least 21 days before your surgery. Depending on certain circumstances, you may need to get a lab test done before these surgeries.
During the Procedure
During a rhinoplasty or septoplasty, you will be given anesthesia. Dr. Zukowski will make a small incision inside your nose to access the operative area. He will reshape the nose as needed. This might involve removing bone or cartilage, or grafting new cartilage onto what is already there. After this, he will correct your septum if needed. Then he will close up the small, hidden incision to complete the procedure.
Results and Recovery
Immediately after the procedure, you will have packing placed inside your nose and a splint on the outside to protect the site while it heals. While Dr. Zukowski administers IV steroids to minimize bruising and scarring, you will experience some bruising, black eyes, and swelling immediately after surgery.
If you follow your post-op instructions carefully, you may feel comfortable going out in public in as little as 14 days after surgery, though this can vary. Most patients are comfortable and presentable within 3 weeks. For the first 3 months after your procedure, you can expect to experience increased nasal congestion. Complete healing and final results can take up to a year.
Dr. Zukowski does 99% of these procedures “closed” through an internal nasal incision, which means you will have no visible scar.
Your Nose Is in Good Hands!
Rhinoplasty is an area of great expertise for Dr. Zukowski. He trained with Dr. Peter McKinney, who was recognized as one of the premier rhinoplasty surgeons in the world. He has also had the chance to operate with Dr. Gilbert Aiche from Paris, France, who is recognized as a renowned international authority in rhinoplasty. While serving in the Navy, Dr. Zukowski had the opportunity to perform over 500 rhinoplasty procedures in a 6-year period, which most surgeons don’t perform in a lifetime. Due to his skill and expertise, Dr. Zukowski boasts a long record of highly satisfied patients when it comes to nasal surgery.
Trust Dr. Zukowski to bring your nose into balance with your other features to achieve beautiful facial harmony! If you have any concerns or questions about rhinoplasty or septoplasty near you in Chicago, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Visit the patient gallery to see before and after transformations.