What is a Rhinoplasty?
A Rhinoplasty, sometimes referred to as a “nose job” or “nose reshaping” by patients, enhances facial harmony and the proportions of your nose. It can also correct impaired breathing caused by structural defects in the nose. If you desire a more symmetrical nose, keep in mind that everyone’s face is asymmetric to some degree. Results may not be completely symmetric, although the goal is to create facial balance and correct proportion. Nose surgery that’s done to improve an obstructed airway requires careful evaluation of the nasal structure as it relates to airflow and breathing. Correction of a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of breathing impairment, is achieved by adjusting the nasal structure to produce better alignment.
What can it improve?
● Nose size in relation to facial balance
● Nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils
● Nose profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge
● Nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked
● Nostrils that are large, wide or upturned
● Nasal asymmetry
How is the surgery performed?
A Rhinoplasty is performed either using a closed procedure, where incisions are hidden inside the nose, or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. Through these incisions, the skin that covers the nasal bones and cartilages is gently raised, allowing access to reshape the structure of the nose. An overly large nose may be reduced by removing bone or cartilage. Sometimes surgery of the nose may require the addition of cartilage grafts. Most commonly, cartilage from the septum, the partition in the middle of the nose, is used for this purpose. Occasionally cartilage from the ear or rarely a section of rib cartilage can be used. If the septum is deviated, it can be straightened and the projections inside the nose reduced to improve breathing. Once the underlying structure of the nose is sculpted to the desired shape, nasal skin and tissue is redraped and incisions are closed. Additional incisions may be placed in the natural creases of the nostrils to alter their size.
What can I expect after surgery?
A Rhinoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia, although local anesthesia with intravenous sedation may be appropriate in certain cases. After your procedure, your nose may be placed in a splint. This helps to support your newly reshaped nose and protect it from accidental contact. You may also go home with packing inside your nostrils—this can be uncomfortable, but temporary. Packing is typically removed within the first week after a rhinoplasty procedure. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help minimize discomfort during your initial recovery.
