Rhinoplasty in Fort Lauderdale

with Dr. Thomassen

What is a Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a “nose job,” is a surgical procedure that enhances the appearance and function of the nose. It is used to refine nasal shape, improve facial harmony, and address functional issues like chronic nasal obstruction or breathing difficulty.

At Thomassen Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John Michael Thomassen brings more than 19 years of specialized experience in rhinoplasty, consistently delivering natural-looking, balanced results for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes.


Who is a Good Candidate?

Ideal candidates for rhinoplasty are:

  • Healthy adults concerned with the shape, size, or symmetry of their nose

  • Individuals with chronic nasal obstruction seeking functional improvement

  • Teens who have completed facial growth (typically age 16 for girls, 17 for boys)

  • Non-smokers or those willing to stop smoking during recovery

Preparing for your Surgery

Dr. Thomassen will perform a thorough physical exam and review of your medical history, including medications and any underlying conditions. This helps develop a surgical plan and ensure you're in optimal condition for surgery.

Medications

  • Stop aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs 2 weeks prior.

  • Discontinue any herbal supplements that may interfere with bleeding or healing.

  • Tylenol is safe to continue using.

Smoking

A history of smoking or vaping is very important to report.  Continued use could result in adverse effects on your wound healing.   In general it is safest to stop smoking or vaping for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery.

Physical Exam

Dr. Thomassen will examine you to determine how best to undergo the surgery.  Key examination information is the presence of nasal asymmetry, dorsal hump, bulbous tip, excess tip projection, tip droopiness.  Dr. Thomassen will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your breathing.  This determines if there is a septal deviation and internal or external nasal valve incompetence.  These are the most common conditions that cause chronic breathing obstruction.

Preoperative Clearance

Dr. Thomassen will recommend the appropriate preoperative workup required according to your medical history.  This workup usually involves an evaluation by a primary care doctor.  The goal is to ensure you are in an optimal state for surgery.  This includes laboratory evaluation.  If there are any abnormal findings from your workup, Dr. Thomassen will call you and discuss how to proceed.

Days before Surgery

  • Avoid strenuous exercise in the days leading up to your surgery.  You should be well rested leading up to your surgery date.  Also avoid excessive sun exposure.
  • Refrain from alcohol the week before surgery.
  • Stop using skin irritants on your face 1 week before surgery, including light peels, acne medication, and retinoic acid.
  • Pick up your prescriptions with plenty of time before your procedure.
  • Set up a comfortable recovery area at home.  Plan your meals including a light clear liquid meal for the first night.
  • Plan for someone to be with you for 24 hours after surgery.
  • You will receive a call from our Operating Room Nurse a few days before your procedure.  They will go over the consent and any preoperative details and instructions to make sure you are ready for surgery.
  • You will recieve a call from our Anesthesia Provider the day before.  They go over your medications and discuss details about your anesthesia.
  • Use antibacterial soap when showering the day before surgery.
  • Remove any piercings or jewelry you may have before coming in for the procedure.

What to expect the day of surgery

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing

  • Meet the surgical team and anesthesia provider

  • Procedure lasts 2–3 hours under general anesthesia

  • Wake up with internal and/or external nasal splints

  • Go home the same day after meeting discharge criteria

  • Dr. Thomassen will personally follow up that evening

What Anesthesia is Used for a Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Rhinoplasty procedures are performed with general anesthesia.  This is done in order to protect your airway.  When you wake up, you should feel comfortable.  You may feel slight pressure in your nasal cavity from nasal splints.

How long does a Rhinoplasty take?

The procedure itself takes about  2 to 3 hours to perform.  When you wake up, you will have an external nasal splint and maybe an internal splint if a septoplasty is performed. You will be able to go home after you meet criteria for discharge. Dr. Thomassen will call you the evening of the surgery to ensure you are doing well.  The pain medications prescribed will make you comfortable.

Recovery and Results after your Rhinoplasty?

You will require 1 week of rest to recover from the procedure. During this week, you will be comfortable at home, taking the prescribed medications as needed.  You should rest with your head elevated during this week.  Dr. Thomassen will follow up with you periodically to make sure you are comfortable and recovering as expected.  You may experience bruising and swelling around the nose that will resolve in 1 week.  If you have any questions during your recovery, Dr. Thomassen will be just 1 phone call away.

Dr. Thomassen removes the splints and sutures on the first visit after surgery, approximately 1 week from the surgery.  You will see an immediate improvement in the shape and size of your nose.  Swelling will still be present at one week postop.  The most dramatic improvements do occur around the 2-3rd week after surgery when most of the swelling has resolved.  After this week of recovery, you may return to sedentary activities like desk-work and light exercise. Full exercise is usually not started until 3 weeks after surgery.

You should not plan to undertake any strenuous exercise for at least 4 weeks after surgery.  Light walking is fine the first week and you can gradually increase excercise as you feel better.

Common questions regarding Rhinoplasty

Schedule Your Consultation Today!

If you’re considering plastic surgery, choosing the right plastic surgeon could not be more important. Dr. John Michael Thomassen has the training and experience needed to provide you with excellent care. We invite you to have a consultation about the procedure you need.