Vancouver Nose (Rhinoplasty) Surgeon – Dr. Ritchie Younger
If you ask most surgeons which facial surgery procedure is the most daunting, they’ll likely say nose rhinoplasty. With rhinoplasty, the surgeon’s skill and experience, as well as an intimate knowledge of nasal anatomy, are all crucial for a successful outcome. Not only is it important to get it right aesthetically, but you also have to consider the airway. Appearance and airway go hand in hand.
As one of Vancouver’s leading facial plastic surgery experts, Dr. Ritchie Younger has been performing successful rhinoplasties for over 30 years — bringing out a more refined and balanced appearance in thousands of happy, satisfied patients. In fact, 70% of Dr. Younger’s patients have come to him for help after previous unsuccessful nose surgeries elsewhere. With Dr. Younger and the Younger Facial Centre team in Vancouver, you can rest assured that you are in very capable, professional and experienced hands.
It is very important to have a board certified surgeon with vast experience in rhinoplasty to ensure a good result. Anyone considering a rhinoplasty should check the credentials of their surgeon and make sure they perform a substantial number of them every year. Ask the surgeon questions about breathing and nasal appearance and assess whether the answers given demonstrate the surgeon’s knowledge of this complex procedure. With a qualified surgeon, breathing and nasal airways seldom need to be compromised when improving the shape of the nose externally.
Classical Rhinoplasty
A classical rhinoplasty can modify the shape, size, and position of the nose as well as the effects of aging. Yes, noses do age! Essentially, the overall goal of a classical rhinoplasty procedure is to create a balance between your nose and the rest of your face. Classical rhinoplasties are typically performed on patients from their 20s to 80s.
A classical rhinoplasty can be performed on its own, or in combination with other procedures like nasal airway revision or functional septorhinoplasty. These are performed to improve airflow or to fix an injury.
Pre-surgery – your rhinoplasty consultation and assessment
Donia, a 20-year-old makeup artist who received a rhinoplasty from Dr. Younger, knows that plastic surgery is not something to be ashamed of. She underwent the procedure for a variety of reasons and is excited to share her story. Read Part 1 of her journey
During the preliminary consultation, Dr. Younger will examine the structure of your nose and the texture, colour and elasticity of your facial skin. Photographs will be taken for a pre-operative, in-depth study of your face and nose. With our Computer Imaging System, we can show you what results you can expect.
Your personal history and individual risks will also be examined, especially those related to medical conditions such as high blood pressure, a tendency to scar, smoking, and any deficiency in blood clotting. Dr. Younger will take a thorough medical history, as well as assess your mental and emotional attitudes toward the surgery. A realistic attitude is vital to success.
Dr. Younger will answer your questions and concerns about your nose appearance and function as well as address any questions you may have regarding the recommended surgery. We encourage our patients to be proactive and prepare questions ahead of time. Visual aids such as photos and examples of noses that you like and do not like are also very valuable.
Successful facial plastic surgery outcomes result from thorough planning and a good rapport between patient and surgeon. As such, Dr. Younger may require more than one session to completely assess your needs.
About the classical rhinoplasty surgery
The nose consists of skin-covered cartilage and bone, which may need to be modified. It is also common to change or improve the airways. This may involve a few steps of surgical alterations, therefore the surgery may have to be done under general anesthetic, where you are put to sleep.
Depending on your requirements, the surgical approach may differ. Sometimes, the Rhinoplasty is based on what is called a “totally closed” approach with the outside of the nose left untouched. In other instances, Dr. Younger has to open the nose up and make some cuts in the skin to better access to the cartilages and the bones.
Incisions are placed directly on the inside of the rim of the nostrils, where they are invisible. In some cases, a very short incision may be made at the base across the skin between the two nostrils. The soft tissues of the nose are then separated from the underlying cartilage and bone. The offending structures are sculpted and the remaining cartilage and bones are reshaped and refined to attain the shape of the desired nose.
The surgical parts of the classical rhinoplasty usually take 1 to 2 hours, depending on the amount of work required.
Healing time after rhinoplasty surgery
After your rhinoplasty surgery, some swelling and bruising of the nose and eyelids can be expected. You will wear a splint for 5 to 8 days and will be advised to stay home from work for approximately one week.
The swelling usually subsides within the first few days to a couple of weeks. Significant improvement may be noticed as soon as the splint is removed from the nose. Several weeks to months must pass before you are fully healed. Even though initial improvements are immediate, the final results take awhile to be fully appreciated. Clients are advised that it can take any time from 8 to 36 months for the nose cartilage and skin to settle completely.
The good news is that the post-operative risks are minimal if you follow proper care like abstaining from sun exposure, too much physical exertion, and nasal injury.
Supreme Rhinoplasty
At Younger Facial Surgery Centre, we call the supreme rhinoplasty the “go-big-or-go-home” rhinoplasty. It is a term we use when a nose requires major surgery to alter its form or its function. A supreme rhinoplasty can be a life-changing event for many clients. By changing the appearance of the nose in a significant way, all facial parts become better balanced. Clients look completely different and start viewing themselves in a very positive light.
In most circumstances, clients with an interest in this type of rhinoplasty have an aesthetically imbalanced or very large nose which demands a highly skilled surgeon to substantially change the nasal shape and physiology. During a supreme rhinoplasty, both the bones and cartilages need to be aggressively altered. This involves major surgery and requires clients to be put to sleep during the operation.
With bigger surgical interference, the tissues will swell and bruise more than other, smaller operations. The face will be bruised for 7 to 10 days with patients starting to be socially presentable in 10 to 12 days. It takes a minimum of a full year to heal completely and for the altered nose to settle into its new permanent state. Some clients will experience subtle changes for up to 36 months when the tissue and bone have healed and settled completely.
“The Supreme Rhinoplasty procedures are often home runs in the surgical world. These are the patients who love us the most, because we turn someone who’s anything from subtly concerned to completely obsessed to about their nose, into someone who loves looking in the mirror. Especially clients who have been bullied because of their nose during childhood, find this procedure to be life altering. As a surgeon, I think these clients usually are the most gratifying ones. We love to see people like this.” – Dr. Ritchie Younger
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is something that is becoming more common in nasal surgery. Currently, 70% of rhinoplasties that Dr. Younger performs are a revision of another surgeon’s work. Over the last 30 years, Dr. Younger has performed thousands of revision rhinoplasties with excellent results. They are typically required because of issues with appearance, nasal airways or inadequately addressed alignment by the primary surgeon.
Some of the most common revisions that Dr. Younger performs are to improve airways, create nasal symmetry or create a better balance of the nose size in relationship to the rest of the face. In general, revision rhinoplasty surgeries are complex and take 1 to 3 hours to perform under general anaesthetic.
Downtime is typically 5 to 7 days. Healing time increases in relation to the number of previous rhinoplasties. It could take years for a nose to heal completely when previous surgeries have created scar tissue and problems with blood supply.
Dr. Younger never performs any type of rhinoplasty until at least one year has passed from the previous surgery. There will be other surgeons who take on cases like this in a shorter time frame, but this is not something recommended by Dr. Younger.
Subtle Refinement Rhinoplasty
Subtle refinement rhinoplasty is a procedure for clients who are not completely happy with the look of their nose, but who want a change that only requires a small surgical adjustment. Typically these procedures are faster and have less downtime than a full rhinoplasty.
Similar to classical rhinoplasty, a subtle refinement rhinoplasty focuses on the skin covering the bones and cartilage in the nose. Typically, all of these need to be altered and worked on, particularly the cartilage, which can be subtly too big or out of place. Also, the bones may need to be minimally moved or altered. The subtle refinement rhinoplasty can sometimes be done with local freezing.
Following the procedure, the client may experience some swelling and slight bruising. It may put them out of action for 3 to 5 days, and it takes a couple of months to heal completely. Typically, Dr. Younger performs this type of rhinoplasty for individuals who are frequently in the public eye such as TV anchors, actors, and models — people whose livelihood may be compromised by a longer downtime with bruising.
Nasal Airway Revision/Enhancement
The nasal airway revision or enhancement is becoming a more frequent procedure in our clinic. The main reason for this is the rise of unsuccessful previous rhinoplasties performed by non-expert surgeons without adequate experience in cosmetic surgery of the nose.
The nose is an organ primarily designed to let people breathe. Sometimes, less-experienced surgeons focus too much on the aesthetic external appearance of the nose during surgery thereby compromising the nasal airways. Whenever the anatomy of the nose is altered (nasal anatomy is the structure that is made up by the nasal skin, the cartilages and the bones) the ability of the patient to breath may seriously deteriorate. Dr. Younger frequently sees people who have difficulty breathing through their nose following aesthetic surgery, which is, unfortunately, an unnecessary complication.
When these clients come to see Dr. Younger, he will surgically do whatever he can to help them. The surgery frequently requires different types of grafting which means taking a piece of bone or cartilage that is moved to the nose from another place in the body. Grafting could come from bone from a rib, cartilage from the ears or cartilage from the posterior part of the nasal septum. The goal is to make room in the nasal airway by recreating the anatomical parts that have been completely removed or decreased in size.
In circumstances where the client has very bad airway issues, the surgery is done under general anaesthesia with the client put to sleep. The surgical part of the nasal airway enhancement may take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
The downtime due to swelling and pain following nasal airway enhancement surgery is about 3 to 4 days, but it can take months for the nose airway to open up and heal entirely. Complete settling of bones and tissues can take as long as 12 to 18 months.
Functional Septorhinoplasty
The functional septorhinoplasty or sport rhinoplasty, most frequently involves someone who has breathing issues due to a crooked nose following a trauma or sports injury like hockey, basketball, volleyball or even a childhood accident at the playground.
According to Dr. Younger, the functional septorhinoplasty is one of the most difficult rhinoplastic surgeries since it often requires the straightening of a crooked nose. It involves reconfiguring the cartilage in the bones to make things straighter and opening the airways. Dr. Younger generally performs functional septorhinoplasties under general anaesthesia where the client is put to sleep.
Following functional septorhinoplasty, Dr. Younger normally does minor skin injections with steroids to reduce swelling and facilitate an even healing process. The first phase of healing may take 1 to 2 months, but similarly to other complex surgeries, it may take 8 to 36 months for things to settle down completely.
Dr. Younger has published multiple articles on functional septorhinoplasty involving a crooked nose and emphasizes that it is one of the most difficult rhinoplasties to perform. If you see a surgeon who says that your nose is crooked and that it will be easy to fix, you should reconsider. This surgeon may not have the right qualifications to perform this type of surgery. A crooked nose is extraordinarily difficult to align and you would benefit from being operated on by a board certified facial plastic surgeon who does a lot of rhinoplasty surgery. Otherwise, the likelihood of you getting a great result is low.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty
Augmentation rhinoplasty is for clients who want a nose that is somewhat larger. Sometimes, they are also looking to subtly change the nose shape.
Augmentation rhinoplasty usually means augmenting the dorsum of the nose to make these a little bit bigger. The procedure may also simultaneously include creating a more defined nose tip as well as a reduction of the nostril size. These procedures combined, create a nose that is more balanced with your face.
This category of procedures may also entail the removal of a previously used implant in the nose. Over the last 30 years, Dr. Younger has treated some 100+ clients with unsuitable nose implants. These typically originate from non-board certified surgeons in foreign countries and are not approved by Health Canada. Since these implants are not of medical grade product, they sometimes get infected and cause pain, or in some extreme cases, rejection of the implant. In some very unfortunate cases, unsuitable implants have perforated the skin on the nose tip and started to protrude throughout the tip of the nose.
If you have an implant that is causing you problems, this is something that Dr. Younger can resolve through an augmentation rhinoplasty. Most commonly, Dr. Younger removes the implant first and then wants you to wait for at least a year before he proceeds to reconstruct the nose. He then simultaneously augments its natural size, but without an implant. In these circumstances, rejection can be avoided by using natural products from the body. Cartilage grafts are most commonly used i.e., rib cartilage grafts.
Similarly to regular rhinoplasties, you will experience some swelling and bruising of the nose and eyelids after an augmentation rhinoplasty. You wear a splint for 5 to 8 days following the procedure and are advised to stay home from work for approximately one week. Again, clients are advised that it can take any time from 8 to 36 months for the nose cartilage and skin to settle completely.
Tip Refinement
Tip refinement involves changing the anatomy of the nose tip. In a lot of circumstances, the cartilage of the nasal tip is too big for the patient, which in addition to the thick skin on the nose, makes the tip look aesthetically disproportionate with the rest of the face. A tip refinement, although subtle, can dramatically change the balance between your face and your nose, without compromising your breathing.
A tip refinement by Dr. Younger is typically focussed on reducing the size and thickness of the nose cartilage. An alternative, sometimes used by Dr. Younger, is to use cartilage from either inside the nose or the ear. These changes the configuration of the nasal tip makes its appearance smaller. In some clients with thick nasal skin, Dr. Younger may even have to thin the skin very carefully to help define the nose shape somewhat.
Surgery on the nasal tip can typically be done under local anesthetic; you do not necessarily have to be put to sleep except in certain circumstances. You will have a splint for 5 to 6 days. Typically, you can go back to work after a week. The exception is with clients with extra thick skin, who will spend longer time healing. As with many rhinoplasties, it can take up to 8 to 36 months for the nasal skin to fully contract down over the new envelope. The results albeit small can, however, be quite striking by improving the overall impression of the nose.
Junior Rhinoplasty
Junior Rhinoplasty or Rhinoplasty for the young, can be controversial but there are some important guidelines for reshaping the nose in young people who are still growing and developing physically.
Dr. Younger abides by strict rules for rhinoplasty in younger clients. He does not do anything to the nose that will affect the growing portions of the face or the nose. Scientific studies show that young women can be operated on if their faces coitally mature by 14 to 15 years of age. Young males have faces that take longer to mature, and need to be somewhat older; Dr. Younger typically wants them to wait until they are about 20 or 21 years of age.
Junior Rhinoplasty is usually performed on a female client with a somewhat large nose, who has reached their late teens. The clinical assessment includes a comparison of her (or him) to first-degree relatives (parents or siblings), to see if the nose seems to have reached its final size.
By putting the nose into better balance with the rest of the face, these clients often get great results. Typically this procedure is done surgically under general anaesthetic. Reducing the size of the cartilage in the nose demands surgery for 1 to 2 hours. These procedures can be done either through the nose or through the exterior with incisions.
Swelling and bruising take 5 to 7 days to resolve, while it may take a year for the nose to find its final shape.
What’s the Cost of a Rhinoplasty?
If you’re looking to get a nose job, you’re in good company. It’s the third highest requested plastic surgery globally.
This also means that you’ve probably searched online to see what your rhinoplasty might cost, perhaps only to find a broad range that wasn’t clear enough to actually help you understand what to expect. To be sure, there are many good reasons why costs vary and why most plastic surgeons exclude advertising price statements on their websites, as many factors are involved.
This article will answer the following questions:
- What are the price ranges for rhinoplasty in Canada?
- What factors affect the varying costs of a rhinoplasty?
- Will insurance cover some or all of your rhinoplasty?
Keep reading as we detail the basis for the pricing rate ranges and cost expectations.
Remember, you’ll still need to schedule a personalized consultation with your qualified surgeon to obtain your personal price estimation. Of course, we suggest our own talented Dr Ritchie Younger at Younger Facial Surgery Centre here in Vancouver. Call 604-783-3223 to get started.
What Are the Pricing Ranges for Rhinoplasty?
Until a surgeon has met with their potential nose surgery client, they likely won’t give an idea of the expected cost because each patient is so different. Pricing factors include the nose’s condition when they arrive at the consultation and what it will involve in achieving the desired result. Therefore, quoting a rate without a thorough examination would be impossible.
That being said, the current rhinoplasty prices at Younger Facial Surgery Centre in 2023 depend on the extent of follow-up needed, and the ranges are:
- Primary rhinoplasty CAD 10-14k
- Revision rhinoplasty CAD 12-16k
- Tip refinement CAD 10,5k
- Subtle refinement CAD 8-10k
Why Are There So Many Price Differences for a Rhinoplasty?
In the simplest of terms, the pricing of rhinoplasty is based on:
- The time required to perform the surgery
- The degree of the technical difficulty of your surgery
- The location of your surgeon
- The amount of follow-up needed to ensure your desired results are met
For instance, a straightforward or primary rhinoplasty may require less time than a more complicated surgery to achieve greatness. Subsequently, its costs would be on the lower end of the spectrum.
If a longer time is required to achieve improvement, this will play a role in your final rate. This is because a more technically challenging rhinoplasty requires a longer time in the surgical facility, with an anesthesiologist and nursing support, plus extended follow-up care.
The expected follow-up time is normally 6-12 months for a more simple primary rhinoplasty. For complex revisions, the required period of follow-up can be up to three years.
Therefore, if it takes longer due to specific technical details of the operation, you will be charged in the upper range of the cost spectrum. During your rhinoplasty consultation, your surgeon will discuss what procedures are required to realize your best aesthetic balance and functionality.
Note: this is not a situation where you should ask for fewer procedures to obtain a lower cost estimate. Trust your doctor’s recommendations.
How Does the Type of Surgery Factor Into The Cost of Your Rhinoplasty?
Every nose surgery client has different goals. Perhaps you want a minor change with a slight correction required. Or perhaps you need a functional rhinoplasty (called a septorhinoplasty) to correct structural issues and help with breathing problems from a deviated septum.
Only a qualified surgeon will know what to recommend for your desired results. You might think a minor procedure may necessitate a large portion of cartilage removal or multiple methods to achieve it.
If this isn’t your first time with nasal surgery, you probably need a revision rhinoplasty. This type of facial correction generally requires more time and may even require the use of ear or septal cartilage or rib grafts to restore your nose, resulting in a higher price.
Click here to learn more about the different types of nose procedures offered at the Younger Facial Surgery Centre.
Does Insurance Cover Your Rhinoplasty?
Insurance companies may cover a portion of your rhinoplasty if you have breathing issues or require repair from a broken nose or an injury, making it medically necessary to correct issues such as collapsed nasal passages, trauma or a deviated septum.
If you have a rhinoplasty with a septoplasty (the corrective surgical procedure that straightens a deviated nasal septum), your insurance company will likely cover some of your operation. Be sure to check in with your insurance carrier to determine if you qualify for coverage for your procedure and obtain a list of surgeons that work with your plan.
If you’re interested in booking a rhinoplasty following the initial consultation, our office staff will discuss different ways of financing the surgery with you. A downpayment of 60% is required when booking surgery with Dr. Younger. The final 40% is required at least four weeks before the surgery. If the surgery is booked within four weeks of the actual surgery, full payment is expected when booking it.
Financing is organized by the patient themselves. Many of our clients have recently set up financing with the local company Beautify. Disclaimer. Please note that we trust all clients to make an informed decision about their choice of financing themselves and that we only inform what options are available. We work independently from all companies, and there is no commission involved for any of our staff.
Other Rhinoplasty Pricing Factors
Skin Type
Some skin types require special care. Ones prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring may require additional follow-ups, which means higher costs related to added post-operative visits.
Location
Due to the differences in the fees for surgical supplies, facilities, medications, nurses and anesthesiologists, the costs will likely be higher in larger city locations but lower in more rural areas.
Surgeon Experience
More highly specialized doctors will naturally have pricing on the higher end. And it’s often likely that more experienced, talented and board-certified plastic surgeons practice in densely populated areas.
Your Price/Schedule a Consultation
If you’re ready to learn about how to enhance your features, don’t hesitate to contact the Younger Facial Surgery Centre in Vancouver today. Dr Ritchie Younger is one of Canada’s leading facial plastic surgeons with decades of experience helping patients like you. Reach us by clicking here or calling 604-783-3223 to schedule your consultation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Are There So Many Different Kinds of Rhinoplasty?
When it comes to plastic surgery, there’s no single approach that will work for everyone. Patients have varied needs and a number of different reasons for seeking out a rhinoplasty, whether it’s to improve breathing issues, sculpt a more flattering facial profile, or make subtle changes to the size or shape of their nose. Dr. Younger gets this, which is why he performs more than one type of rhinoplasty. By providing a range of treatment options, he is better able to address the unique needs of his patients and deliver results that are tailored to their goals.
What’s the Best Age for Rhinoplasty?
Some people may be concerned that they’re too young or too old to change the size or shape of their nose. The truth is, there’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ age to undergo rhinoplasty, as long as the nose has fully developed and you’re healthy enough for surgery. Dr. Younger does offer junior rhinoplasty for patients interested in this procedure at an earlier age, but girls should be at least 14 or 15 before surgery, while boys should wait until they’re 20 or 21 to ensure a good result. If you’re over 40 and worried you may have waited too long, Dr. Younger can help you explore your options and develop a surgical plan to improve the appearance of your nose while minimizing the risk of complications.
What Can I Expect During Recovery?
Rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that involves reshaping, removing or resizing bone and cartilage to give your nose a more pleasing, balanced appearance. While the local or general anesthesia will keep you comfortable during surgery, you can expect some pain, soreness and downtime after you return home to begin the healing process. You’ll also notice swelling, bleeding or bruising around the nose and eyes. While temporary, Dr. Younger will use splints, stitches or nasal packing to reduce these side effects and keep the area protected as it heals. The swelling and bruising should begin to subside over the next couple of weeks, but it can take several months to fully resolve and reveal the new size or shape of your nose.
Most patients take at least a week or two off from work to recover from surgery, but this may vary depending on the extent of your procedure. During this time, strenuous activities and exercise should also be avoided, so you don’t strain or damage the treated area. You’ll be sent home with detailed aftercare instructions and asked to call the office with any questions or concerns you may have. Dr. Younger will check in on your progress after a week when he removes your splints or stitches, and again during a follow-up appointment a few months later.
What If I’ve Had a Previous Nose Job?
Rhinoplasty is widely considered one of the most complex and difficult procedures to master. Surgeons need to blend art, science and an extensive grasp of facial anatomy to deliver consistently excellent results, making it extremely important to choose an experienced, board-certified provider. But sometimes, you can do everything right and still not be completely satisfied with your outcome, whether due to functional or cosmetic concerns.
Revision rhinoplasties have become more common in recent years, comprising nearly 70% of all nose surgeries that Dr. Younger performs. Whether you have issues with the appearance of your nose or began experiencing breathing problems after a rhinoplasty, he can revise your previous results to improve airflow, restore symmetry and create a better balance between your facial features. You should wait until at least a year has passed since your previous rhinoplasty before considering a revision to ensure a good result. During a consultation, Dr. Younger will examine your nose and determine if revision rhinoplasty is right for you.