Phone: 425.285.2112
Fax: 425.803.0218
Kirkland Office
Everett Office

Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) in Seattle

Also serving Bellevue, Kirkland, & Everett

Rhinoplasty nose surgery in SeattleSeattle rhinoplasty patients and other Washington nose surgery patients often wish to smooth the hump on the bridge of the nose, straighten a crooked nose or have the tip of the nose made smaller and more defined.

Occasionally, Seattle patients seeking rhinoplasty will also complain of difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils. Additional plastic surgery procedures such as straightening the nasal septum or clearing the nasal airway of obstructions can be performed simultaneously by highly skilled Seattle rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. David Pratt.

Dr. Pratt has a wealth of experience performing nose surgery and has helped countless Seattle, Tacoma, Everett and Bellevue rhinoplasty patients achieve a more aesthetically appealing nose. He combines his artistic flair with his extensive medical and surgical knowledge while performing cosmetic nasal reshaping, with the goal of significantly improving the nose while maintaining as natural a look as possible.

Common Concerns of Seattle/Bellevue Rhinoplasty Patients

The goal of rhinoplasty surgery, generally, is to preserve the character of the patient’s nose, while refining those qualities with which he or she is unhappy.

The following are common requests and concerns Dr. Pratt hears from rhinoplasty patients:

  • Overly large or small nose – Dr. Pratt can improve the appearance of an overly large nose by removing/resizing cartilage and bone as necessary. For small noses, the surgeon may use a cartilage graft from the septum or ear to add size and definition.
  • Bump on the bridge – A bump on the nasal bridge may be a result of excess bone, cartilage or a combination of both. Dr. Pratt removes and reshapes bone and cartilage to smooth out the bump, paying attention to the nose’s profile in relation to other facial features.
  • Droopy nasal tip – A droopy or hooked nasal tip can be lifted and reshaped to enhance the nasolabial angle (the angle between the upper lip and nose).
  • Wide (bulbous) nasal tip – A wide, round or bulbous nasal tip requires skillful reshaping and sculpting of the cartilage in order to reduce the size and improve the appearance of the tip. Precise technique is needed to avoid disrupting the nasal passages or other underlying structures.
  • Crooked nose – The specific technique used to correct a crooked nose depends largely on the cause. Generally, a crooked nose caused by misshapen external cartilage is easier to correct than a crooked nose caused by a deviated septum or other underlying structural problem.

What other problems can be resolved with nose reshaping?

Nose reshaping can improve the aesthetic proportions of the nose and overall face, help restore function if the airway is obstructed, or straighten a crooked nose.

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you are:

  • Bothered by an aesthetic aspect of your nose.
  • Having breathing issues due to structural problems.
  • In good physical and psychological health.
  • A non-smoker.
  • Reasonable with your rhinoplasty expectations.

It is also important you understand the potential risks and complications associated with rhinoplasty, which will be thoroughly discussed at the time of your initial consultation with Dr. Pratt.

What can I expect during my consultation?

Once you and Dr. Pratt, an immensely talented plastic surgeon, have had a chance to talk about what you are hoping to achieve with surgery, Dr. Pratt will examine your nose and offer expert advice as to what form of rhinoplasty needs to be done in order to achieve your goals.

If you have pictures of noses that you favor, be sure to bring them to your rhinoplasty consultation, since they will help Dr. Pratt understand the type of result that you are hoping for.

During your initial consultation with plastic surgeon Dr. Pratt, you will find out what kinds of costs are involved and will be given a written price quote. Be sure to discuss your expectations openly and ask as many questions as you need to.

Will I have much pain after surgery?

During your surgery, Dr. Pratt will be sure to inject a long-acting local anesthetic medication in the operative site in order to add to your post-operative comfort. Learn more about our PainBuster Program.

Nausea and vomiting can contribute significantly to post-operative discomfort, thus Dr. Pratt will prescribe an anti-nausea “patch” prior to your surgery (Learn more about our No Nausea protocol).

What does preparation for my Rhinoplasty entail?

Nose surgery Seattle / Bellevue patients who are smokers will be encouraged to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. For best results and a smooth recovery, you should not smoke for at least two weeks following surgery.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Your nasal surgery will be performed as an outpatient procedure in our state-of-the-art office-based facility in Kirkland, or an area hospital outpatient surgery center.

You will arrive approximately one hour prior to surgery. At Pratt Plastic Surgicenter, our OR staff will make you comfortable and acquaint you with our pre-op area. Your own personal locker will be assigned to you.

You will be given a luxurious robe to wear and Dr. Pratt will answer any last minute questions and make the preoperative markings on your nose to guide him during the procedure. The anesthetist will answer any questions you have regarding your anesthesia.

Although generally carried out under general anesthesia, minor procedures such as refinement of the nasal tip can be performed under local anesthesia and light sedation.

When surgery is complete, a splint is applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Dr. Pratt often places an internal nasal packing into each nostril which is removed two days following surgery.

How long does the Rhinoplasty procedure last?

The duration of your nose surgery depends largely on the extent of the procedure. However, surgery will usually last from one-and-a-half to three hours.

What will happen following surgery?

You will recover in a quiet, serene postoperative recovery room. You will be given pain medication as needed, and any nausea will be aggressive treated with IV medications.

When you have fully recovered from your anesthesia, you will be offered a soft drink and crackers prior to your discharge home. An overnight stay is not typically required.

Will my Rhinoplasty surgery leave visible scars?

No. All of the incisions are hidden inside of the nostrils thus the scars will not be visible.

Recovery for Bellevue / Seattle Rhinoplasty Patients

Strenuous activity is avoided for at least two weeks. Head elevation is important during the early postoperative period in order to avoid bleeding complications and reduce swelling. Vigorous nose blowing should be avoided for several weeks.

Contact sports may be resumed after a minimum of eight weeks. Use a good sun block for at least three months because the skin will be tender and vulnerable. If you wear glasses, tape them to your forehead for six weeks.

The majority of swelling will be gone by eight weeks in most patients, but it may be a year or more for the final result to be apparent.

Will my results look natural?

Using only today’s latest nose reshaping techniques, it is Dr. Pratt’s intent to provide a natural appearing surgical result for each and every patient. His goal is to preserve the character of your nose while refining the qualities you don’t like.

Why should I consider Dr. David F. Pratt to perform my Rhinoplasty surgery?

Dr. Pratt is widely recognized as a world-class, board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience in helping a variety of facial cosmetic surgery patients, including rhinoplasty, facelifteyelid surgerylip augmentation and brow lift Seattle patients.

Since 1993, Dr. Pratt has used his artistic flair and exceptional surgical skills to improve the lives of many patients. His dramatic, yet natural appearing surgical results certainly speak for themselves.

Dr. Pratt and his staff are passionate about cosmetic surgery, compassionate, and dedicated to patient education. Dr. Pratt’s utmost concern is the comfort and safety of each and every patient.

Our modern Seattle area offices offer a warm and friendly feeling, as well as the most recent advances and sophisticated technology available today.

Additional Rhinoplasty FAQs

What is the minimum age required to have a nose job in Seattle, WA?

There is no minimum age requirement for rhinoplasty or nose job procedures. However, teenagers interested in pursuing rhinoplasty, whether it be for cosmetic or functional reasons, are highly encouraged to postpone surgery until they have hit puberty and the nose has reached adult size. For girls, this is typically about the age 14 or 15 and for boys, this is usually around age 16.

How long must I wait to exercise after rhinoplasty?

Most patients are cleared by their surgeon to resume exercise at a modified pace at the two-week mark of recovery. Dr. Pratt will advise you on when it’s safe to exercise again based on your personal healing progress.

How long will swelling last after surgery?

The majority of swelling will disappear after the first two weeks of recovery. However, it could take up to a year for residual swelling to subside and the final results of your rhinoplasty to become visible.

Where are the incisions placed for rhinoplasty?

The incision technique Dr. Pratt uses places the incisions inside the nostrils, avoiding any visible scarring.

I am interested, what do I do next?

Seeking reliable answers to your questions about rhinoplasty surgery? Schedule your confidential consultation with Dr. David Pratt to find out if you are a good candidate for this procedure.

Dr. Pratt’s office serves the greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland and Tacoma, with office hours that suit your busy lifestyle. Go ahead and live your dreams!

425.285.2112

10413 NE 37th Circle, Kirkland, WA 98033

4005 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201

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