Rhinoplasty
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
Serving Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and the Northwest Arkansas area
The shape and structure of the nose can have a significant impact on overall facial harmony. If you feel your nose draws attention away from your other features or causes functional concerns like breathing issues, rhinoplasty can help. Dr. Michael Spann offers highly customized nasal surgery in Little Rock and Fayetteville, helping patients achieve improved form and function while preserving their unique identity. Schedule a consultation to discuss your goals and explore what this procedure could look like for you.
Helps create symmetry and proportion
Can correct structural issues affecting airflow
Results are considered permanent
Tailored to your anatomy and goals
Rhinoplasty, also called nose surgery or a "nose job," is a cosmetic and/or functional procedure designed to reshape the nose. This may involve changing the size, width, tip shape, bridge contour, or nostril position, and in some cases correcting a deviated septum or internal valve collapse to improve breathing. Whether you’re looking to reduce a bump, lift the nasal tip, or create a more refined contour, Dr. Spann approaches each case with balance and proportion in mind, never sacrificing function for appearance.
Depending on the extent of correction needed, rhinoplasty may be performed using an open or closed approach:
Open Rhinoplasty
In open rhinoplasty, Dr. Spann makes a small incision across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils, allowing the nasal skin to be lifted and the underlying structures fully exposed. This approach offers greater visibility and precision, which can be especially helpful for complex reshaping or revision procedures. The external incision typically heals well and becomes barely visible over time.
Closed Rhinoplasty
With closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no external scar. This technique is used for less complex nasal adjustments and typically offers a shorter recovery time. While visibility is more limited with this technique, closed rhinoplasty can still be highly effective for subtler refinements.
Rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Spann may use either an open or closed approach. In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils), while a closed rhinoplasty involves internal incisions only. After carefully accessing the nasal framework, Dr. Spann reshapes bone and cartilage as needed, and may reinforce the structure with grafts when appropriate. The incisions are then closed and a split is placed for support during early healing. The procedure usually takes 1.5–3 hours to perform, and patients return home the same day.
Dr. Spann designs each rhinoplasty procedure around the patient’s unique needs and goals. He will work with you to identify the changes you’d like to see and create a surgical plan that yields harmonious results that still look like you.
Some of the most common cosmetic and functional concerns addressed by rhinoplasty include:
Rhinoplasty can also correct concerns related to injury or trauma or congenital differences that impact the nose’s shape or function.
Rhinoplasty offers both aesthetic and functional benefits. It can enhance facial symmetry, refine the nose’s shape, and improve profile views, all while supporting or restoring proper airflow. Many patients report increased self-confidence after surgery, especially when the results feel in harmony with the rest of their features. Dr. Spann prioritizes natural-looking outcomes that highlight, not overpower, your natural appearance.
You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you are in generally good health, have realistic expectations, and are bothered by the shape or function of your nose. Candidates should be non-smokers or willing to quit, as smoking can affect healing. It’s important that facial growth is complete, which usually occurs by age 15-16 in girls and 16-17 in boys. Dr. Spann will evaluate your goals, anatomy, and medical history to determine if rhinoplasty is the best approach for you.
After surgery, patients wear a nasal splint for about one week. Swelling, bruising, and congestion are expected during the first several days of recovery. Most people return to work and light activity within 7-10 days. Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks. While most of the swelling resolves within a month, subtle changes can continue to refine for up to a year.
We are recognized for our comprehensive recovery protocols, which include anti-inflammatory and non-narcotic medications to alleviate discomfort and facilitate smooth healing. Our team offers comprehensive aftercare guidance and thoughtful support throughout the entire surgical process, from preoperative to postoperative care. Dr. Spann will check your healing progress at post-operative appointments and remain fully available to answer questions and address any concerns throughout your recovery.
As post-surgical swelling gradually subsides, most patients begin noticing visible improvements within a few weeks, with final results settling in over the course of 6–12 months. The outcome of rhinoplasty is designed to look natural, balanced, and in harmony with your other features, whether the goal is subtle refinement or more significant reshaping.
Beyond the physical transformation, rhinoplasty often leads to a meaningful boost in confidence and self-image. Many patients report feeling more comfortable in social settings, in photographs, and in their day-to-day lives. When breathing concerns are addressed alongside cosmetic changes, rhinoplasty can also enhance physical comfort and overall quality of life.
Dr. Michael Spann is a board-certified plastic surgeon known for his balanced, patient-first approach to aesthetic care. He combines precise surgical technique with a deep understanding of facial proportions to deliver natural-looking results. At our boutique practice locations serving Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Northwest Arkansas, each rhinoplasty procedure is approached as an opportunity to enhance, not erase, the unique beauty of your features.
In open rhinoplasty, a small scar is present at the base of the nose, where it typically heals very discreetly. We offer scar management techniques to keep the scar minimal and barely perceptible. Closed rhinoplasty leaves no external scars.
As with any surgery, rhinoplasty carries some risks, such as bleeding, infection, breathing difficulty, or dissatisfaction with results. Working with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon ensures the safest possible surgical experience.
Yes, some patients choose to combine procedures for more comprehensive facial balancing. Rhinoplasty is most often combined with other facial cosmetic procedures like a brow lift, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery), or facelift.
Rhinoplasty results are considered permanent, though subtle changes can occur over time with aging. The structure of your reshaped nose is designed to remain stable.
Once facial growth is complete, usually by mid-to-late teens, rhinoplasty can be considered. There is no upper age limit as long as you are in good health.
It is very rare for rhinoplasty to affect the voice. In cases with major structural correction, very subtle changes in nasal resonance are possible.
Ethnic rhinoplasty refers to techniques tailored to preserve or enhance nasal features common to a patient’s ethnic background while making aesthetic or functional improvements. Dr. Spann takes a culturally sensitive, individualized approach to each rhinoplasty he performs, helping improve facial harmony while preserving the unique character of your features.
Revision rhinoplasty refers to secondary nose surgery performed to correct the results of a previous rhinoplasty procedure. Because revision rhinoplasty can be more complex than primary rhinoplasty, it’s important to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in reconstructive procedures.
The cost of your surgery will vary based on the extent of the procedure and any additional services included. During your first consultation, we will provide a comprehensive quote and discuss financing options. Little Rock Plastic Surgery offers flexible payment solutions through CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit.
