Overview
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.
Goals Of A 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
- Narrow and reshape the nostrils
- Correct asymmetry or deviation
Candidates For Nose Surgery
The best candidates for rhinoplasty are at least 13 years old and have finished facial growth. The patient should also have good overall general health and not be a smoker. It is important that a person seeking rhinoplasty wants the surgery for personal reasons and not in response to pressure from others. Finally, a good candidate for rhinoplasty will have set realistic goals for the procedure.
The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure that is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Surgeons typically use one of two techniques when performing nasal surgery. In a closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nostrils. In an open rhinoplasty, the incision is made across the columella, the tissue between the nostrils. With both methods, the surgeon gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose. He or she sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape. Any additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the septum.
If the patient has a deviated septum, the surgeon will adjust the septum and the inner structures of the nose to improve breathing. Then the tissues are re-draped and stitched closed. If the patient desires nostril reshaping, this is done as the final stage of rhinoplasty.
The entire procedure generally lasts for one to two hours.
Recovery & Results After A Nose Job
For a short time after surgery, patients may experience puffiness, a nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding or stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within two days and return to work in about a week.
The results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the days pass after surgery and swelling recede. Swelling may reappear from time to time in the first year after the procedure. It is typically more noticeable in the morning and fades during the day.
Contact lenses can be worn immediately after rhinoplasty, but glasses may need to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to seven weeks.
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.
What Our Patients Have To Say
"Fantastic plastic surgeon. He’s the best and always willing to listen carefully to my concerns. Never rushes me. Staff is incredibly professional and friendly. I highly recommend Smith Plastic Surgery."
Risks Associated With Nose Surgery
Complications associated with rhinoplasty are rare and, when they occur, minor. These may include infection, nosebleed or a reaction to the anesthesia.
Schedule A Consultation
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our Rhinoplasty procedures, contact us today by calling (843) 705-8940 or by filling out the Consultation Request Form below! Our practice serves Okatie, SC and the surrounding areas.
