surgical procedures

Of all facial features, the nose is the feature that is the greatest source of embarrassment, displeasure, and concern for most people. There is no “perfect nose” as the size and shape are relative to the structure and proportions of each individual’s face. However, an individual may perceive an “ideal nose” which he or she feels would be perfect for his/her face. For this reason, consultation with our highly skilled and experienced doctors will help you to understand the correct procedure to achieve the desired effect for your unique face. (A client may feel that his nose is too long when he actually might need a chin implant to build out a recessive chin and bring it into harmony with the rest of the face.)

In addition to meeting aesthetic goals, rhinoplasty can be performed for reconstructive purposes, to correct problems caused by injury, a birth defect, or problems that affect breathing such as a deviated septum or sinus condition.

Some of the reasons patients seek rhinoplasty include:

• a crooked nose
• a nasal tip that is wide, bulbous, drooping or too pointed
• nostrils that are too wide or flared
• a hump on the bridge of the nose
• a deviated septum
• a ski-jump nose
• a nose that is misshapen due to birth defects or injury

The best candidates for rhinoplasty:

• are at least 13 years old and facial growth is finished.
• are generally healthy.
• do not smoke.
• have realistic expectations.

Whether you desire surgery for cosmetic or functional reasons, we want you to be completely comfortable and satisfied. Your doctor will discuss your concerns and expectations with you during the consultation and preoperative visit.

Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure. You will receive either local or general anesthesia and the surgery will be completed in one to two hours.

The surgical technique will be open or closed rhinoplasty. In the closed procedure, the incisions will be made within the nostril and will leave no visible scars. In open rhinoplasty, the incision is made in the columella, the vertical strip of skin between the nostrils. In both methods, the soft tissues covering the nose will be lifted to reveal the underlying bone and cartilage.

With either method, the skin of the nose is separated and lifted from the underlying bone and cartilage which is then shaped to the desired form by sculpting or adding to it with bone or cartilage taken from the nose itself or from another part of your body. (In some cases, an artificial implant may be used to achieve the desired result.) The skin is then put back in place over the newly-formed structure, the incision is closed and a splint may be applied to the bridge of the nose for support during the initial healing period.

For a short time after surgery, you may experience swelling, bruising and puffiness around the nose and eyes accompanied by some discomfort which can generally be controlled with medication. The bruising and swelling should subside within a few days, although minor swelling (usually not noticeable to others) may persist as your nose continues to heal and adjust to its new form. There will be subtle changes and improvement over many months with the final results apparent within 6 months to one year.

Complications are rare, but all surgical procedures carry some risks and the possibility of complications such as bleeding and infection. Your doctor will give you specific care instructions to promote more rapid healing and reduce or eliminate the risk of complications.