Rhinoplasty, or nose surgery, is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed today. It can reshape, reduce or augment a person’s nose to achieve facial harmony and boost self-confidence. It may be performed as a reconstructive procedure to correct a birth defect or an injury such as a broken nose.
Rhinoplasty may be performed for functional rather than cosmetic reasons as well. Combining nose reshaping with septoplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery can effectively treat certain breathing problems, such as those caused by a deviated septum. Sometimes cosmetic rhinoplasty is combined with other surgeries for convenience and cost savings.
Goals Of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:
- Balance the size of the nose with the other facial features
- Modify the width of the nose at the bridge
- Improve the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
- Contour a nasal tip that is too large, “boxy,” drooping or upturned
- Change the angle between the nose and the mouth
- Correct asymmetry or deviation
Candidates For Rhinoplasty
The best candidates for rhinoplasty:
- Have finished facial growth
- Are generally healthy
- Do not smoke
- Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not pressure from others
- Have realistic goals for the procedure
Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia.
In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are only made inside the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty, there is also an incision across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils, allowing greater access to the cartilages of the nasal tip. Sometimes cartilage is added from the nasal septum or the ear concha, the bowl in the ear near the canal. The entire procedure generally lasts one to two hours.
Recovery And Results After Rhinoplasty
The week after surgery, patients usually experience moderate pain and congestion. Some patients have bruising around the eyes for 1-2 weeks. Packing in the nose is rare and the plastic splint on top of the nose is removed after one week. Most patients are fairly functional within a few days and return to work and normal activities in 1-2 weeks.
The results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the weeks pass after surgery and swelling recedes. Minor residual swelling can take 6 months to resolve. Patients with realistic goals for rhinoplasty are generally very happy with the new shape of their nose. The exact results depend on the patient’s nasal bone and cartilage structure, facial shape, skin thickness and age.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Some people who undergo rhinoplasty are unhappy with their results and seek additional treatment to achieve the results they desire. Unsatisfactory results may occur because of a complicated condition, poor communication between patient and surgeon, or because of the patient’s natural healing abilities. Every rhinoplasty surgeon will have occasional patients whose nose appeared excellent at the end of surgery, but did not heal as expected.
In most cases, it is recommended to wait at least 6 months before undergoing revision rhinoplasty, as full healing should be complete in order to achieve a successful revision procedure. This also allows patients to evaluate the full results of their rhinoplasty procedure before making the decision to undergo additional surgery.
Revision rhinoplasty is often more complex than a primary rhinoplasty. It is important to have a clear understanding of your goals for surgery and to choose a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to perform your revision procedure. Dr. VanderWerf has extensive experience doing primary and revision rhinoplasty with excellent results. If you are interested in rhinoplasty surgery, schedule an appointment today to discuss your options.