Nose Surgery in Reston, VA

An outpatient procedure, rhinoplasty is performed while a patient is under general anesthesia at our accredited surgical facility. Depending on the technique used and the patient’s unique needs, surgery can last 2 – 4 hours. The variance will depend on the complexity and whether it is a first time (primary) or a repeat rhinoplasty. 

There are two types of nose surgery procedures: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty.

Open rhinoplasty, or external rhinoplasty, involves making a small incision on the underside of the nose between the nostrils to give better access to the lower and middle parts of the nose. The plastic surgeon can then manipulate tissue, skin, and bone as needed under direct vision.

With closed rhinoplasty, or endonasal rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside of the nostrils. This technique is usually used for less complex surgeries, such as when the nose already has a good shape and is not considered too wide or too long. Due to the placement of the incisions, there is no external scar with closed rhinoplasty, but the degree of visualization is less for the surgeon so this procedure is sometimes described as 'blind.'

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss which option is best for your specific concerns and why. 

After surgery, the nose usually has a splint put on for added stability. This stays in place for a week. Patients should expect some pain, discomfort, bruising, and swelling after surgery that should subside within a few weeks. The nose will reposition and evolve into its surgically enhanced shape for months after surgery. The finished product should be fully realized within a year.