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RHINOPLASTY

Surgery of the nose is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. The best candidates for a rhinoplasty, or a "nose job" as it is so commonly called, are those people who are looking for an improvement in the way they look, not those searching for perfection. This surgery can reduce or increase the overall size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or bridge, narrow or widen the nostrils, and even improve the angle between the nose and upper lip.

At the time of consultation the nose will be analyzed critically and a plan for correction will be formulated. Computerized imaging may be used to try to predict the appearance of the nose following surgery. Depending on which areas of the nose require correction, the incisions may be placed inside the nose or an "open", external approach may be recommended.



The surgery starts with the skin of the nose being separated from its supporting framework of the bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The skin is then redraped over the new framework. Many plastic surgeons prefer an "open" procedure, usually in the more complicated cases where the surgeon makes a small incision across the columella; this is the vertical strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. After the surgery is complete, a splint is then applied to help the nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs or soft splints may be placed in the nostrils to stabilize the septum and/or the nasal bones.

After surgery, especially during the first twenty-four hours, the face will feel puffy, the nose may ache, and the patient may experience a dull headache. The patient should plan on resting with their head elevated for the first day. There will be swelling and bruising around the eyes, reaching a peak after two to three days. If the patient has nasal packing it will be removed after a few days and the patient will feel more comfortable. By the end of one week all packing, dressings, splints and stitches should be removed.

This procedure is performed in a surgery center or hospital under sedation or general anesthesia. Physical activity will be limited for 4-6 weeks. Patients can return to work within 5-7 days.

The drawings featured depict the traditional rhinoplasty procedure.