Technical name: Rhinoplasty
Body Parts: Nose
Recommended Age: 15 years of age and up
Anesthesia: Local (in most cases)
Surgery time: On average, 1-2 hours
Clinic stay: Short, from 2-8 hours
Scar: No external scar is visible, except in cases where the nostrils are operated on
Pre-operative: Lab exams and photographic archive
Post-operative: Seven days with a cast and a protective splint. Padding is inserted in the nostrils for 24 hours after surgery
Recuperation period: 10-15 days; refrain from sun-tanning for 7-8 weeks
Results duration: Permanent
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the Nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your Nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your Nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help some breathing problems.
Rhinoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. The change may be very evident or very subtle, depending mainly on the thickness of your skin. Bone and cartilage are the structures that are generally modified in form during surgery. These structures underlie the skin covering of the Nose; therefore, it is this skin covering that limits how apparent these modifications are to the Eye. Rhinoplasty can be performed to meet aesthetic goals or for reconstructive purposes, to correct birth defects or breathing problems.
Age may also be a consideration. Many surgeons prefer not to operate on teenagers until after they have completed their growth spurt, around 14 or 15 for girls, a bit later for boys. It is important to consider teenager's social and emotional adjustment, too, and to make sure it is what they really want.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general Anesthesia, therefore you will sleep through the procedure.
Rhinoplasty usually takes an hour or two, though complicated procedures may take longer. During surgery the skin of the Nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and the surgical technique. Finally, the skin is draped over the new framework. This surgical procedure may be performed from within the Nose, making the incisions inside the nostrils. In some cases, especially in more complicated ones or in secondary procedures, an "open" procedure is indicated; small incisions are made across the columnella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. The resulting scars from an open procedure are barely noticeable after a few months after the surgery.When the surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your Nose maintain its new form and to help reduce the swelling. Nasal packs or soft plastic splints also may be placed in your nostrils to stabilize the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.
In the days following surgery, when your face is bruised and swollen, it's easy to forget that you will be looking better. Rest assured that this stage will pass. Day by day, your Nose will begin to look better and your confidence will improve. Within a few weeks, you will no longer look as if you've just had surgery. Still, healing is a slow and gradual process. Some subtle swelling may be present for months, especially in the tip. The final results of Rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or more. If you have met your goals that were discussed in consultation previous to surgery, then your surgery will be a success.
