Rhinoplasty

This operation is done to reshape the nose. The operation can refine the appearance and reduce the size. Rhinoplasty is a precision operation and even small changes can result in a big improvement in the shape of the nose and with overall facial harmony. In some patients who have difficulty breathing, this operation may help them breath more normally. The operation can be done in all age groups, including teens and the elderly. The nose is the central and most prominent feature of the face. When the nose is out of proportion or not in balance wtih other facial features there can be a significant impact on one's feelings of self-confidence and self-esteem.

Method: A rhinoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure. It can be performed either in our AAAASF accredited in office OR or in the outpatient area of the hospital. Typically a rhinoplasty requires a thorough evaluation of your facial appearance, proportion and structure while reviewing your medical history, ethnicity and personal goals.

The method of surgery is to separate the skin of the nose from the underlying Skeleton of bone and cartilage. The bone and cartilage are then reshaped and the skin re-draped over the surface. Patients who have a deviated septum may benefit by correction of this problem at the time of surgery. The incisions are placed inside the nose, unless the surgeon uses an open approach in which case the scars lie across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils).

Sometimes if the nostrils flare the surgeon may make an incision at the junction between the nose and the skin of the upper lip to narrow the flared appearance. It is not unusual to combine rhinoplasty with chin augmentation to improve the profile. The operation is done under either local anesthetic (you are awake) or general anesthetic (you are asleep). Most patients are happier when they are asleep. You can choose. Most of the time this is an outpatient operation and a stay in the hospital is

not needed.

Problems: All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First those that are seen in all operations and second those that are unique or special for this operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, a scar and numbness or change in feeling. The main problem which is special for this operation is the need for secondary surgery, usually minor, in about 5-10% of patients.

Postoperative care: The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within a week or two. Computer Imaging is available for preoperative planning.

When and How Performed:

In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, if you are a candidate for the rhinoplasty procedure. Your surgeon will explain the methods that may be most appropriate for you. In deciding which is the right treatment approach for you, your doctor will consider effectiveness, safety, cost and appropriateness for your needs. This is called surgical judgment, a skill that is developed through surgical training and experience. Your doctor also uses this judgement to prevent complications; to handle unexpected occurrences during surgery; and to treat complications if they occur.

Where your surgery will be performed?

Rhinoplasty surgery may be performed in our office-based facility, or in an outpatient surgery center. The location for the procedure is dependent on many factors including the patient’s age, health condition and estimated length of the procedure.

Other important information about rhinoplasty surgery

Location Office or Outpatient Surgical Procedure, possible overnight stay

Anesthesia Usually General anesthesia

Length of surgery 2 to 4 hours depending upon extent of the procedure

Location of incision most of the incisions are within the nose itself

Pain level Mild to Moderate,

Recovery You should be able to return to work within 7 to 10 days, depending on the level of activity required for your job.What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgery to reshape the nose. The procedure can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip.

Rhinoplasty FAQ

How does the procedure work?

Rhinoplasty begins with the skin on the nose being separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage. Then the nose is sculpted into the desired shape. The nature of how the nose is sculpted is dependent on the desired effect. The skin is then rewrapped around the newly formed framework.

What are the different techniques?

There are two different techniques to create the initial incision. An incision can be made within the nose. This leaves no visible scarring. If the surgery is more complicated or the doctor prefers the technique, there is also a procedure where a small incision is made across the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. Scarring is not generally a problem with this method because the incision is underneath the nose where it cannot be seen.

Is Rhinoplasty safe?

Rhinoplasty is a safe surgery. When Rhinoplasty is performed by an efficient, knowledgeable doctor, complications are infrequent and usually minor such as nosebleeds. There is a possibility of infection or a reaction to the anesthesia.

Will there be any downtime?

There will be some downtime. The first day after surgery should be spent lying down with your head elevated. Swelling will reach its peak after two to three days, but most patients are up and about after two days. You can return to work a week after surgery, but it will be about two weeks before most of the swelling and bruising are gone.

How soon will results appear?

The swelling and bruising will be greatly decreased by the first two weeks, and the new nose will be apparent.

How long does the Rhinoplasty surgery last?

Surgery usually lasts for one to two hours. If the procedure is more complicated, it may last longer.

Who are candidates for Rhinoplasty?

The best candidates are patients attempting to achieve improvement, not perfection. Good candidates are physically healthy and realistic in their expectations. Rhinoplasty can also help people with birth defects or breathing problems.

What can I expect after surgery?

When the surgery is completed, especially during the first twenty-four hours, the face will feel swollen, the nose may tender and you may have a dull headache. Medication will be prescribed by your doctor to aid in these discomforts. You may also experience stuffiness for the next several weeks.

Is additional treatment necessary?

Rhinoplasty can be a difficult surgery. At times one surgery may only fulfill part of what the patient had anticipated, and a second surgery can bring desired results.

What are the limitations of Rhinoplasty?

Sometimes the bones and cartilage won’t retain their original shape. The original cartilage is smooth, but the new cartilage the doctor uses sometimes contains a few small imperfections.

Instructions before treatment:

The patient’s individual surgeon will provide specific instructions prior to surgery. There will be guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and medications to take and avoid. Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them home after the surgery.

Instructions for after treatment:

Stay in bed with your head elevated for twenty-four hours after the surgery. Apply cold compresses for the next two to three days to reduce the swelling. A little bleeding is common during the first few days. Do not blow your nose for a week after the surgery even though stuffiness may be somewhat uncomfortable. Blowing your nose can tear the tissue and work against the healing process.