Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos

Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

At Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery in Calgary, Dr. Paul Whidden specializes in rhinoplasty to reshape the nose and harmonize it with other facial features.

Dr. Whidden is a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon with focused training in this delicate procedure, which can dramatically improve the attractiveness of the entire face by adjusting the shape, size, and contours of this central feature. He takes the time to listen to your concerns about the appearance of your nose and customizes the procedure to meet your needs.

Request a consultation online to meet with Dr. Whidden and discuss your rhinoplasty options. Or call our office at (403) 452-7953 to schedule an appointment.

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Is Rhinoplasty for You?

Rhinoplasty — colloquially called a "nose job" — is a popular procedure at our Calgary practice, mainly due to Dr. Whidden's reputation as a rhinoplasty expert. Patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their noses often find this procedure to be life-changing. In many cases, subtle changes to the shape of the nose can make significant aesthetic improvements.

Rhinoplasty can correct many physical characteristics, including:

Dorsal hump
Low nasal bridge
Droopy or bulbous tip
Wide nostrils
Disproportionate size
Crookedness

Good candidates for rhinoplasty should have good overall health and realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve.

We often see adolescents considering cosmetic rhinoplasty, and our recommendation is to delay the procedure until the nose has finished growing. That usually occurs between the ages of 14 to 16 for girls and 17 to 18 for boys.

Your Rhinoplasty Options

When performing nose surgery, a surgeon can use either an "open" approach, which uses an external incision, or a "closed" approach, which places incisions inside the nose. Dr. Whidden uses the open rhinoplasty technique in most procedures because it is typically the most effective approach and allows the best access to the nose's interior. This is especially true of functional rhinoplasties — those performed to improve breathing.

Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty is typically the best option because it provides better visualization and precision during surgery. The procedure involves making a tiny, horizontal incision on the columella — the narrow strip that separates the nostrils. The location is discreet and results in a barely visible scar. After making the incision, Dr. Whidden lifts the skin, exposing the soft tissue and nasal structures.

Closed Rhinoplasty

As the name implies, closed rhinoplasty is a technique that involves incisions made on the interior of the nostrils. The skin is not lifted, and the entire procedure is performed inside the nose. For certain patients, this may be the best approach.

About the Procedure

Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure that Dr. Whidden performs at Macleod Trail Surgical Centre, our fully accredited, private, state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Whidden will use a general anesthetic during the operation, which may take from 1 to 3 hours. Once completed, you will be taken to the recovery room where our dedicated nurses will monitor you to ensure your comfort.

Recovery

Dr. Whidden will provide detailed post-op instructions before you leave to help make the recovery process as comfortable as possible. It is important that you communicate with our office if you have any questions or concerns as you recover. Patients typically experience some congestion, a dull headache, swelling and bruising for the first few days after the procedure. Plan to take a week off of work and limit strenuous physical activities for at least 2 weeks. Glasses shouldn't be worn for up to 7 weeks, although you may wear contact lenses immediately.

While patient experiences vary, most see significant improvements after about 4 to 6 weeks. It may take several months to a year for swelling to resolve completely and for the nose to achieve its new shape.

Contact Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery

Our staff at Macleod Trail Plastic Surgery in Calgary is dedicated and available to answer any questions you may have about our practice and the plastic surgery procedures we offer. Fields marked with * are required.