RHINOPLASTY

The goal of rhinoplasty is to improve the nose aesthetically (without creating a “surgical” look) in order to create harmony with other facial features. Additionally, many patients have a chin augmentation, or a jaw correction in conjunction with rhinoplasty to create a better balance of features.

Rhinoplasty can:

Rhinoplasty can also repair defects following an injury, correct a birth defect or improve some breathing difficulties.

The majority of incisions are made inside the nose, where they are invisible. In some cases, an incision is made in the area of skin separating the nostrils. Certain amounts of bone and cartilage are then removed or rearranged to provide a newly shaped nose. If the patient has a deviated septum (cartilage and/or bone causing obstruction inside the nose), septal surgery, called septoplasty, is simultaneously performed. The incision is placed entirely inside the nose. The septoplasty removes portions of cartilage and/or bone that are causing the obstruction. The incisions are then closed with fine suture, followed by placement of a splint to the outside of the nose. The splint helps retain the new shape while the nose heals.

If packing is placed inside the nose during surgery, it is removed the next morning following surgery. The nasal splint is usually removed seven days after surgery. At that time, tape is applied to the nose for another seven days and then removed. The majority of the bruising and swelling usually resolve two weeks after surgery. Cold compresses are used to help reduce the bruising and discomfort. A short course of post-operative antibiotics and steroids are given to help prevent infection and excess swelling. Although discomfort is minimal, pain medication is available if required. Vigorous activity is avoided for four weeks following surgery. Sun exposure and risk of injury must be avoided. If you wear glasses, tape is used to avoid putting stress on the nose.