NOSE SURGERY (RHINOPLASTY)

Cosmetic surgery of the nose is referred to as Rhinoplasty. This procedure can change the shape of your nose in a number of ways to improve its appearance and put it in balance with the rest your facial features. Most often, people will alter the size and shape of the bridge and the tip of the nose. If breathing through the nostrils is a problem, another procedure known as septoplasty may be performed at the same time to improve this problem. To understand rhinoplasty, first think of the nose as skin draped over a supporting framework of bone and cartilage (imagine a tent canvas draped over supporting poles). To change the shape of the nose, we change the support structures holding it up. We can add and remove bone or cartilage, or reshape and reposition the structures already there. It all depends on what you have to start with, and what you want to end up with. Most patients are very satisfied with the result of the operation, assuming they are properly counseled before as to what they can expect.

What to expect:

Reshaping the nose is usually done through small incisions hidden on the inside of the nose. If the nostrils are to be narrowed, this requires removal of small wedges of tissue at the base of the nostrils. The cartilage in the tip of the nose is reshaped as desired, and small grafts may be placed to give a particular desired look. The nasal bones may be broken to narrow the bridge or to reduce the height of the bridge. If this is done, one can expect a bit more swelling and black and blue after the surgery. Rhinoplasty can be done under either local anesthesia (patient awake) with sedation, or under general anesthesia (patient asleep). Surgical time varies from 1 to 3 hours depending on the amount of surgery being performed. The procedure is done as an out-patient procedure, so you can go home the same day. Expect to have mild discomfort, swelling, and bruising after the surgery. If the bones are broken and repositioned, you will wear a small splint over the bridge of the nose for 7-10 days. By a week after the surgery, most of the swelling and bruising will subside and you will feel comfortable going out in public. Final results of your rhinoplasty may not be visible for 6-12 months after the operation -- this is how long it takes everything to fully settle, soften, and heal.

Complications:

Although the operation is usually straight-forward and uncomplicated, problems can sometimes happen as with any operation. These possible complications include excessive bleeding after the surgery, infection, scarring, asymmetry, or movement of the broken bones. Although all of these problems are very unusual, it is important that every patient be well informed about the procedure, the options available and the potential problems. Write down a list of questions and concerns to discuss with your doctor and the time of your visit. >> click here to see before and after photos