Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a procedure in plastic surgery that truly embodies the definition of 'plastic' - derived from the Greek word plastikos, meaning ‘able to be molded, pertaining to molding’. Rhinoplasty is facial-nasal surgery designed to refine and reconstruct features of the nose to improve overall facial appearance and functional nasal breathing.  Factors that are unique to each individual, such as skin condition and thickness, nasal and facial structure, genetic contributions, and age, each contribute to a rhinoplasty cosmetic result. Each rhinoplasty procedure is uniquely designed by Dr. Sattler to address each patient's particular cosmetic and functional concerns. Rhinoplasty not only improves the aesthetics of the nose, but can improve total facial balance and overall appearance.

Before and After Rhinoplasty by Dr. Scott Sattler of Sound Plastic Surgery in Seattle, WA

Reasons for Considering Nasal Surgery:

• Balance proportions of the nose and facial features.
• Reduce the size of the nose that is too large or too wide.
• Correct an overly arched or drooping nose.
• Improve a crooked or elongated nose tip.
• Restore the nose if damaged from an accident or sports injury.
• Help with breathing problems by rebuilding the nasal passage.
• Treat nasal deformities caused at birth.
• Improve the overall appearance of the nose

Rhinoplasty Surgery in seattle

For most healthy Seattle area patients, a rhinoplasty and septoplasty is an 'outpatient' operation, meaning patients return home the same day as surgery. The operation takes between 1 to 3 hours in the operating room. Most patients can return to light work at 4-5 days after surgery. Most patients return to an exercise routine 3-4 weeks after surgery. Dr. Sattler performs rhinoplasty and septoplasty for women in the Seattle, Everett, Edmonds, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kirkland, Bellingham and other regions in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, Canada.

Recovery Process after Nasal Surgery

Post-operative instructions call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and to reduce the recovery time.  Some post operative nasal swelling will disappear within a few weeks.  It often takes six to nine months for post-operative nasal swelling to completely resolve. A special nose splint is applied immediately following surgery to aid in the healing process and to minimize movement of the nose.  Patients must refrain from smoking for several weeks before and after the surgery. Post operative pain can be effectively treated with oral medication and/or cold compresses.  Dr. Sattler and his experienced rhinoplasty surgery team will see you in our clinic several times after your rhinoplasty surgery.

Rhinoplasty - Cosmetic or Insurance ?

A rhinoplasty and septoplasty are often performed at the same time. The rhinoplasty procedure has cosmetic components which improve the appearance of the nose. The septoplasty procedure realigns the nasal breathing passages to improve nasal function. Septoplasty is sometimes considered to be a reconstructive procedure, which insurance companies often cover as an approved benefit.  The cosmetic portion of the operation - the rhinoplasty - is not covered by insurance, but can be paid for out-of-pocket by a patient desiring an improved nasal appearance. Rhinoplasty cost will be discussed with you at the time of your consultation. Dr. Sattler will discuss the functional and cosmetic portions of your nasal surgery and determine what portions of the operation insurance may cover. As of 12/7/21, Dr. Sattler does not accept insurance for rhinoplasty or septoplasty procedures.