The nose is one of the most important facial features, affecting our appearance and, oftentimes, our confidence. For those not happy with the size, shape, or proportion, rhinoplasty can improve how a nose looks. It can also enhance function for some patients in Baton Rouge, LA. At Sanchez Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez offers different rhinoplasty types and techniques to his patients.

Some things that rhinoplasty can address include changing the shape of the tip, the nostril size, the nose angle, and the size or width of the nasal bridge. During a consultation, Dr. Sanchez can examine your nose and offer his professional opinion on the best surgical technique to achieve your goals. Learn more about rhinoplasty and which type would suit you best by scheduling a consultation at our Baton Rouge, LA office.

Who is the ideal candidate for rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is best for patients whose facial growth is complete. For girls, this usually occurs at age 16 and for boys at age 18. The best candidates for rhinoplasty in Baton Rouge, LA are in good health with:

• A depression or hump on their nasal bridge

• A nose that is too large for their face

• A wide nose

• An enlarged nose tip

• A nasal tip that droops

• Flared nostrils

• A crooked nose

• A nose that impairs breathing

• An asymmetrical nose

During a consultation at Sanchez Plastic Surgery, our professional team can determine if you’re a candidate for a nose job.

What happens during rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia and is an outpatient surgery. Dr. Sanchez considers each of his patient’s unique needs to decide which rhinoplasty type will help them reach their desired outcome. This plastic surgery usually aims to remove any excess tissue, bone, or cartilage and improve or add cartilage for a more desirable shape.

Incisions are made at or near the nostrils. After the incisions are made, Dr. Sanchez pulls back the skin, and all bones, tissue, and cartilage are exposed so that reconstruction can occur. When he’s happy with the results, he closes the nose with sutures. Scarring is minimal and, generally, won’t be seen.

Patients will be swollen and bruised for about two weeks after surgery. Nasal packing, which involves the insertion of gauze or cotton into the nose, helps control bleeding. A nose splint will be used for a couple of days to keep the nose in place during the initial few days of healing. It can take several months for your nose to feel normal again and to show your final results.

Rhinoplasty procedures in Baton Rouge, LA

Dr. Sanchez offers different rhinoplasty types and techniques in Baton Rouge, LA, including:

1. Open rhinoplasty: During an open rhinoplasty, Dr. Sanchez makes a small incision under the nose and lifts the skin over the entire nasal area. This makes it easier for him to create the desired shape. One disadvantage of an open rhinoplasty is that it takes longer than a closed rhinoplasty since it requires a severe surgical process where the nasal structure is dissected. This will lead to prolonged swelling.

2. Closed rhinoplasty: Closed rhinoplasty or endonasal rhinoplasty is an older technique where all of the incisions are made inside your nose. This is a complicated surgery to perform. It makes it hard to see the nasal anatomy, unlike an open rhinoplasty. This rhinoplasty type takes less time to complete but requires a highly trained plastic surgeon, like Dr. Sanchez, to achieve professional results for patients.

3. Ethnic rhinoplasty: An ethnic rhinoplasty uses small incisions inside the nostrils and a small one under the nose. The nose is then raised and reshaped according to your goals. The soft tissues are then re-draped over the nasal area, and the incisions are sutured closed.

4. Revision rhinoplasty: If you’ve had a nose job before and weren’t satisfied with your results, corrective surgery can repair your previous nasal surgery in Baton Rouge, LA.

How much does rhinoplasty cost?

Rhinoplasty, generally, costs between $5,000 – $10,000. The overall cost will depend on the rhinoplasty type chosen. Our team will review the financials associated with your procedure before you commit to nose surgery.

Learn more which Rhinoplasty type is right for you

When you’re considering rhinoplasty, a consultation at Sanchez Plastic Surgery with board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Erick Sanchez will help you decide which rhinoplasty type will help you achieve your goals. With years of experience, he can offer his professional opinion on the best choice for you. Call our Baton Rouge, LA office today to schedule this consultation and learn more about how rhinoplasty can enhance how you look.