Much like a bulbous tip, dorsal hump, or wide nose, a long nose is another common cosmetic concern related to the nose. These concerns are treatable by rhinoplasty, but you may be wondering: can rhinoplasty shorten a long nose?
In this article, we’ll outline long nose rhinoplasty, its benefits, cost, and procedure so you can get a better idea if this cosmetic procedure is for you.
First, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a long nose.
What is a Long Nose?
A long nose often refers to noses that extend further outward at the tip than normal or have a long bridge. This is often most notable in your side profile when the full length of the nose is visible.
While there is nothing functionally wrong with a long nose, it can produce self-consciousness or unhappiness toward the balance between the nose and the face. The nose is a primary feature of the face, but with extended length, it can become the dominant feature of the face. It can outweigh other features like the lips or eyes for an unbalanced appearance.
Can Rhinoplasty Shorten a Long Nose?
Yes, a rhinoplasty can shorten a long nose.
This cosmetic procedure can help correct long noses by trimming excess cartilage that extends past the columella, the tissue that separates the nostrils. By shortening the length of the nose, a rhinoplasty can help create facial balance and improve confidence.
Benefits of Long Nose Rhinoplasty
There are many benefits to correcting your long nose with rhinoplasty. These include the following:
- Improved Nose Size
- Enhanced Facial Balance
- Improved Side Profiles
- Permanent Results
- Boosted Self-Esteem
Rhinoplasty Cost
The cost of a long nose rhinoplasty is around $5,500 to $9,000. This price varies depending on the extensiveness of the procedure, location, and surgeon experience. Long nose rhinoplasty is typically not covered by insurance as it’s a cosmetic procedure, not a medical procedure.
While cost is often the leading factor that determines whether you get a rhinoplasty or not, it shouldn’t be a factor when choosing a plastic surgeon. Cheaper doesn’t mean quality, nor does a more expensive surgeon. You should instead look at factors such as the surgeon’s experience, their previous patient results, and their knowledge for your specific procedure.
For a more accurate estimate of what a long nose rhinoplasty in Tampa will cost, schedule a consultation with double board-certified surgeon Dr. Dominic Castellano at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery in Tampa.
Types of Rhinoplasty Techniques
Broadly, there are two different rhinoplasty techniques that plastic surgeons use. The difference lies in the invasiveness of the procedure and the extensiveness of reconstruction that’s possible. Below, we outline open vs. closed rhinoplasty so you have a better idea of which one can meet your cosmetic goals.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is the more invasive of the two procedures. Your surgeon makes a small incision on the columella for easy access and visibility to the bone and cartilage structure underneath. If you need more extensive reconstruction, this is the procedure your surgeon will likely recommend.
Closed Rhinoplasty
While a closed rhinoplasty is less invasive, it also can’t provide the extensive reconstruction that an open rhinoplasty can. This type of rhinoplasty technique uses incisions within the nostrils rather than external incisions. However, with these incisions inside the nostrils, there is little chance for visible scarring.
When you schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon, they will help determine the best rhinoplasty technique to meet your cosmetic desires.
Long Nose Rhinoplasty Procedure
Your long nose rhinoplasty procedure will depend on the cause of your long nose, whether it’s the tip or the bridge. If you have a long bridge of the nose, the procedure involves adjusting the septum, while long noses due to the tip have more variation.
Your plastic surgeon may shave or trim the excess cartilage that goes past the columella, reduce the size of the mucosa, the skin inside the nose, or reposition cartilage that sits too high on the nose. If the tip of your nose is so long it looks droopy, a rhinoplasty will raise the tip to adjust its angle.
Recovery
During rhinoplasty recovery, you’ll experience some bruising and swelling, but it should begin resolving by the second week. During the second week, you get the bandages and stint removed, and you can return to work. By the first month, the majority of the swelling should be gone, and you can begin strenuous activities again. However, some residual swelling may be present on the tip of the nose for up to a year.
Some rhinoplasty recovery tips include keeping your head elevated, using a cold compress to reduce swelling, avoiding pain medication and blowing your nose, and getting easy exercise like a slow walk to promote blood flow.
Results
Rhinoplasty results are permanent. You won’t need any follow-up procedures or cosmetic treatments to maintain the appearance of your new nose. Results are increasingly visible as the swelling subsides, which means you will likely see the majority of your results within the first two months, but it could take up to a year to see your final rhinoplasty results.
Schedule a Consultation with Elite Facial Plastic Surgery
If you have a long nose that’s hurting your self-confidence, rhinoplasty can help. To talk with a double board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience performing rhinoplasties, contact Dr. Dominic at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery today. We look forward to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals.
