Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. During rhinoplasty, the nose is reshaped, reduced or augmented to improve its appearance. Rhinoplasty may be performed to enhance your appearance, or repair an injury such as a broken nose.
For a patient with a deviated septum, it is often performed along with septoplasty, a procedure that corrects a deviated septum. In such cases, the surgery effectively treats breathing problems, in addition to improving the patient’s appearance.
Candidates For Rhinoplasty
Candidates for rhinoplasty have finished their facial growth, which typically occurs around age 16.
Goals Of Rhinoplasty
There are several goals of rhinoplasty; they include facilitating breathing as well as improving appearance. During rhinoplasty, the surgeon may do one or more of the following:
- Remove a bump
- Modify the bridge
- Reshape the tip
- Reshape or resize the nostrils
- Repair an injury
- Open breathing passages
- Increase or decrease size
Rhinoplasty can involve modifying bone, skin or cartilage, or all three.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty, which takes about one hour, is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia. In almost all cases, all the incisions are made within the nostrils so there is no external scar. The bone and cartilage are sculpted to the desired shape.
Recovery From Rhinoplasty
Immediately after surgery, there will be some cotton packing inside the nose for a few days. A plastic splint stays on the outside for about a week. Once the splint is removed, most patients feel like themselves again and are able to return to gentle activities. If necessary, our aesthetician Anne-Marie can show you how to use camouflage cosmetics to conceal the appearance of bruising.
To increase comfort, and decrease bleeding and swelling, rhinoplasty patients are advised to follow these post-surgical directives:
- Avoid strenuous activities
- Keep your head elevated, sitting, standing, or use an extra pillow
- Avoid blowing the nose
- Gently apply ice pack for comfort
Although the patient usually looks “normal” a week or two after surgery, minimal swelling may be present for a few months.
Risks Of Rhinoplasty
Complications associated with rhinoplasty are rare, and when they occur, usually minor. As with any surgery, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these with you.