The Procedure

Many of us are unhappy with the shape of our nose. The nose may have an unattractive hump, be too long or too wide. In addition, there may also be problems that contribute to breathing difficulties and headaches. Any or all of these conditions may be improved with a surgical procedure called rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nasal surgery.

During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will try to determine the changes that you wish to make in your appearance. The surgeon will then try to help you to understand the modifications that may be made and discuss problems of which you may be unaware. For example, many patients who seek rhinoplasty also have a very weak chin or flat cheekbones. In a case like this, chin or cheekbone implants might be considered as a part of the operative plan.

How is the Rhinoplasty done?

Incisions are made inside the rim of the nostrils. Sometimes, tiny, inconspicuous incisions are made on the rim of the nose. Soft tissues of the nose are then separated from the underlying structures. The cartilage and bone that are causing the external deformity are altered and reshaped.

At the same time, internal problems, such as breathing obstructions, can be improved by removing the obstruction. This part of the procedure is called septoplasty.

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty usually take one to two hours depending on the amount of work that must be done. The procedure can be performed in the hospital or outpatient surgical suite. The surgery is commonly done under either local or general anesthesia, depending on patient and doctor preferences.

Another type of nose surgery is alar narrowing. Usually these are done on patient who are not satisfied with the width of the nostrils. This is a soft tissue surgery of the nose.

A consultation with a surgeon will identify what type of nose surgery that you may need.

How safe is it?

Rhinoplasty will provide significant improvements in the appearance of the nose in the vast majority of patients, although in occasional cases, a secondary correction may be required. There are risks in all surgical procedures. You should discuss all benefits and risks with your cosmetic surgeon.

How much pain is there?

Surprisingly, there is very little pain after rhinoplasty and most patients require only mild analgesics. During the first few days, the splint will protect the nose.

AFTER EFFECTS - what can I expect after surgery?

A small cast or splint is placed on the nose for several days and a light internal dressing may be applied. There will be some swelling and stuffiness for several weeks, but patients usually resume normal light activity after a few days. It will take several weeks before the nose is completely healed to allow full physical activity.

This information is only intended as an introduction to this procedure and should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed.