Rhinoplasty: The Fundamentals - Demetri Coombs MD

By: Dr. Demetri Coombs

Rhinoplasty allows patients to achieve both improved breathing and their desired nasal appearance during the same operation. However when considering rhinoplasty, it’s essential to understand the various options and potential risks in order to make the most informed decision for yourself. The end goal should be a nose in harmony with the rest of your face, not a nose made to look like someone else’s.

Why is Rhinoplasty Important?

Rhinoplasty can yield remarkable transformations — not just physically, but emotionally as well. Some patients may feel that their nose overpowers other delicate facial features or remain incredibly bothered by a prominent nasal hump. Addressing these concerns, with subtle changes that pursue facial harmony, can yield substantial improvements in confidence and overall comfort in one’s own skin.

Rhinoplasty isn’t purely about aesthetics either. Numerous patients struggle to breathe properly due to a deviated septum or past injury. Surgery can improve nasal obstruction, breathing, and in turn, quality of life and even energy levels from better sleep.

“Rhinoplasty isn’t purely about aesthetics either…for many who struggle with nasal breathing, the impact is far greater.” – Dr. Coombs

What to Watch Out For

It is crucial for patients to carefully consider multiple factors before moving forward with rhinoplasty. One of the most important is choosing the right surgeon, such as someone with a special interest or enhanced training in rhinoplasty. During consultations, you should ask as many questions as possible, and return for additional visits until you are comfortable with the approach and plan.

Another important factor is managing expectations. Often, patients seek surgery for nose that looks like someone else, such as a celebrity or acquaintance. In those moments, I take extra care to explain how rhinoplasty should enhance — not drastically alter — one’s own facial harmony. The end goal is a patient that feels informed and prepared.

Recovery can also be a challenging phase. Any surgery is an investment in time, energy, and emotion, and I always remind my patients to acknowledge the process. Swelling and bruising are normal, and while many patients return to normal activities within a few weeks, the final result may take up to a year to fully emerge. For these reasons, I believe in detailed post-operative instructions and emphasize the importance of following them closely for optimal healing.

Lastly, complications do occur, and I believe it is important to prepare patients this possibility. Bleeding, infection, or the need for small refinements or revision surgery are potential risks with rhinoplasty as well as other procedures. In certain circumstances the pre-operative and post-operative discussions are just as important as the surgical plan itself.

Final Thoughts

The main takeaway is that rhinoplasty can significantly enhance one’s appearance, confidence, and breathing, but achieving successful results requires careful analysis and planning, in addition to thoughtful surgery and follow-up care. If you’re considering rhinoplasty, I invite you to schedule a consultation at my practice. Together, we can review your goals and create a customized plan to help you feel confident in your decision.

About Dr. Demetri Coombs

Dr. Coombs, a Salt Lake City native, is a fellowship-trained plastic and craniofacial surgeon. He graduated from Drexel University, the Cleveland Clinic, and completed a craniofacial fellowship at the Dallas Craniofacial Center. Dr. Coombs specializes in treating facial differences and birth anomalies, as well as aesthetic procedures for the face, neck, breast, and body. With numerous published works and presentations, he’s committed to advancing his field. In his free time, he enjoys sports, skiing, and time with his wife and dogs.