Rhinoplasty

Our surgeons perform rhinoplasty in order to reshape the nose. Appearance can be improved for those people who are dissatisfied with the shape and size of their nose. Nasal reconstruction was one of the first cosmetic procedures ever developed and is among those most frequently performed today. Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which deformities of the nose are corrected by removing, rearranging or reshaping bone or cartilage.

Before Surgery

A medical history along with a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate your general health. We will discuss with you the way your nose can look in relation to your other facial features. Digital photographs and computer imaging allow Dr. Amini, Dr. Wang and Dr. Gaal to evaluate the appropriate procedure to achieve the desired results. Pre-operative instructions include eliminating certain drugs that contain aspirin to minimize the possibility of excess bleeding. Patients must also discontinue smoking two weeks before and two weeks after surgery as smoking adversely affects the healing process. Antibiotics may be prescribed before surgery to prevent infection.

Method of Surgery

Surgery is usually performed under IV sedation, which is both extremely comfortable and results in less swelling and bruising than general anesthesia. In most cases involving a reduction in shape or size of the nose, angle or removal of a hump, the skin of the nose is separated 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. The incisions are placed inside the nose unless the surgeon uses an open approach, in which case the incisions are made across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils). In cases where the nostrils flare, the surgeons 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.

Post-Operative Rhinoplasty Information

The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people resume their normal activities within a week or two. Following surgery, a lightweight splint is applied to maintain the new shape of the nose. The splint is removed within a week. Nasal splints may be inserted at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are removed within a week. There is always some stuffiness of the nose, especially when work has been done on the nasal septum.

Pain is minimal and is controlled with medications. Bruising occurs around the eyes and begins to fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears in two weeks.