What You Need to Know About Rhinoplasty: The Cosmetic Procedure That Can Boost Your Confidence and Give You the Nose You Want

A plastic surgery procedure that changes the way we look — and the way others look at us — is not to be taken lightly. That’s especially true when it comes to rhinoplasty, aka a “nose job.” Whether you want to freshen your features or fix an injury, rhinoplasty might be right for you. 

Of course, before committing to such a procedure, you’ll want to do your homework on the surgery — and the best specialist to perform it. 

Dr. Brannon Claytor of Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery in Bryn Mawr has been recognized by Newsweek as one of the best plastic surgeons in America due to his work related to rhinoplasty. Here are his thoughts on rhinoplasty and what you need to know in deciding whether it’s right for you.  

What is Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures. The goal of rhinoplasty is to reduce, resize or reshape a patients’ nose. Typically, young women are eligible for rhinoplasty starting at age 15 or 16, while young men are eligible at 17 or 18. Most Claytor Noone patients are in their teenage years or early 20s, but anyone at any age can benefit from the surgery. 

Often, patients will come to Dr. Claytor to fix an injury, amend a birth defect or boost their overall confidence. This can often mean fixing a hanging tip or dorsal hump that stands in contrast with the rest of a patients’ facial features.

“Noses are the most prominent feature on our faces,” Dr. Claytor says. “The most frequent patient frustration is that their profile view doesn’t match their version of themselves. We want to clearly understand the patient’s concerns and identify what their corrective goals are.” 

How Does Rhinoplasty Surgery Work?

Before Dr. Claytor operates on a patient, they’ll discuss why they’re interested in the procedure and what they’re hoping to accomplish. In these consultations, Dr. Claytor is thorough, often using morphing software technology that can project before and after photos. He also matches a prospective surgery candidate with prior rhinoplasty patients to display a best-fit visual for what the end product might look like. 

“Patients’ self-perception has never been under more scrutiny,” Dr. Claytor says. “We work with each patient to identify their frustrations and concerns prior to creating a surgical plan.” 

As for the surgery itself, it usually takes about an hour or two and is performed under general anaesthesia or IV sedation. In the process, Dr. Claytor makes an incision and works to shape the nasal bone and cartilage to the shape a patient has requested. 

What is the Recovery Time for Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Most rhinoplasties take two weeks to recover from, though some patients may require more tissue manipulation than others. 

Patients should also expect a week of bruising beneath their eyes, swelling at the tip of the nose and, in the case of a deviated septum, improved breathing. Post-recovery, Dr. Claytor says patients are often struck by the difference surgery has made and are excited to show off their new look. 

“We focus on each individual patient, listen to their needs, and work to provide them with exceptional service,” Dr. Claytor says. “After rhinoplasty surgery, the change in self-perception and confidence are often dramatic.”

This is a paid partnership between Claytor Noone Plastic Surgery and Philadelphia Magazine