Nose Surgery in Minneapolis – St. Paul

What is Nose Surgery? 

Your nose is the focal point of your face, and patients who are unhappy with their nose shape can lose self-confidence. Nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, can enhance the proportions of the face and add harmony to the features. Nose surgery can also be done to correct an airway that is obstructed. This can cause difficulty in breathing and can be corrected by adjusting the nasal structure.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Trusted & Experienced

all female staff

“I had my rhinoplasty done by Dr. Rocheford and cannot recommend her enough! I am 4 months post op and am amazed at how seamless the recovery process was. She and her staff are so helpful and kind and made me feel very comfortable. I felt prepared every step of the way and am so happy with my results!”

“I am three months post-op from my abdominoplasty and I couldn’t be happier with my results. Best decision I ever made! I got my confidence back after having two kids back to back. Everything about the process from consultation through post-operation was very well thought out and organized. Dr. Rocheford is approachable, kind, answered all my questions, and made me comfortable right away during my consultation. Day of my surgery her and her team again made me feel calm and it almost felt like a spa day! Everyone is so friendly, warm, and welcoming. I can’t emphasize enough how highly I recommend Dr. Rocheford and her team. I know I will definitely be going back for anything I may want/need in the future!”

Read More Reviews

×

Heather Rocheford, MD

BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

There are so many fads and false promises out there. It’s almost impossible to make a confident decision without trusted advice, and that’s what I’m here for. My goal is to help you understand what is right for you – based on your unique situation.

Meet Dr. Rocheford

Nose Surgery Details: 

• Surgery:  Surgery is done under a general anesthetic at an outpatient facility. The surgery takes about 1.5 – 3 hours and you can go home the same day. 
• Discomfort:  Moderate. If your nasal bones are broken, expect 5 – 10 days of prescription pain medication. If not, anticipate 2 – 7 days of pain medication. Use a humidifier and nasal saline spray to keep your nasal passages moist and comfortable. 
• Bruising:  Improves within 3 – 10 days if your nasal bones are not broken and 7 – 14 days if they are. Black eyes are possible during this time. 
• Swelling:  Improves in 1 – 6 weeks after closed and 1 – 6 months following open surgery. Keeping your head elevated and applying ice helps minimize swelling. 
• Stitches:  Internal stitches dissolve. Open rhinoplasty leaves stitches under the tip of your nose. These will be removed in 4 – 7 days. 
• Bandages:  Tapes and a cast will be applied at the time of surgery. 
• Packing:  Used occasionally to control bleeding. Removed in 1 – 7 days. 
• Make-up:  May be worn after the cast has been removed. 
• Work:  You may feel capable of returning within 1 week, but your appearance is the limiting factor. 
• Presentable in Public:  2 weeks – you may need make-up to conceal bruises. 
• Exercise:  May be resumed in 3 – 4 weeks. Avoid contact sports for 6 weeks. 

• Sun Protection:  Six months with SPF 15 or higher. 
• Final Result:  Usually by 6 months. Maybe as soon as 3 months or as late as 2 years. The results are permanent. 

Patient Gallery

before and after photos

View Photos

Who is a Good Candidate for Nose Surgery? 

Those who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose or are having trouble breathing due to a deviated septum can often benefit from nose surgery. It is important that a patient’s nose is completely done growing before undergoing nose surgery. Those who are physically healthy and don’t smoke are ideal candidates. 

The Procedure 

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthetic and is an outpatient procedure.  It can be done using either an open or closed approach. A closed procedure uses incisions hidden inside the nose, whereas an open procedure uses an incision made across the columella or the tissue that separates the nostrils. Dr. Rocheford will reshape the nose to fit the patient’s individual desires. Incisions are then closed. 

Nose surgery is done to treat a variety of conditions: a bump on the nose, a big tip, and a hanging tip. Perhaps the nose is too large overall or there are breathing issues. Surgery is performed through internal or external incisions, sometimes a combination of both. Following removal of the bump, reshaping of the tip, and improving the airway, an external splint will be applied. Occasionally, internal splints will be used as well. 

Nose Surgery Recovery 

Following nose surgery, swelling and bruising will be present but often improve within three to 10 days. Internal stitches will dissolve while external stitches will be removed within a week. Patients can return to work after one week, or when they feel comfortable with their appearance. Makeup can also be worn after one week to conceal any bruising. By six months post-op, the final results will be apparent.  

Scheduling a Consultation 

If you’re ready to discuss your options for improving the appearance of your nose, now is a great time to schedule your Nose Surgery consultation with Dr. Heather Rocheford at our plastic surgery offices, serving the Twin Cities Metro area including St. Paul, Minneapolis, Woodbury and beyond. Simply request a consultation online or call Rocheford Plastic Surgery at 651-739-1100 today to schedule your appointment.

Nose Surgery FAQs