Rhinoplasty

Nose Job

Rhinoplasty, also known as a “nose job,” is a procedure that involves reshaping or resizing of the nose. There are 2 major categories of rhinoplasty: aesthetic and functional. Aesthetic rhinoplasty involves changing the outward appearance of the nose for cosmetic reasons. The goal of functional rhinoplasty is to improve the nasal airway to decrease obstruction and improve breathing. Rhinoplasty can also entail a combination of aesthetic and functional techniques. Ultimately, both functional and aesthetic considerations come into play for all rhinoplasty procedures.

Procedure

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing the size, removing a hump, changing the shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. This procedure may also relieve some breathing difficulties when combined with surgery performed on the nasal septum.

Length

Surgery takes approximately one hour or more.

Anesthesia

General or intravenous sedation and local anesthesia are used.

Inpatient/Outpatient

This is an outpatient procedure.

What rhinoplasty can treat

• Nose size in relation to facial balance

• Nose width at the bridge or in the size and position of the nostrils

• Nose profile with visible humps or depressions on the bridge

• Nasal tip that is enlarged or bulbous, drooping, upturned or hooked

• Nostrils that are large, wide or upturned

• Nasal asymmetry

While many want a more symmetrical nose, it is important to note that everyone's face is asymmetric to some degree. Results may not be completely symmetric, although the aim is to create facial balance and correct proportion.

Rhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum

Nose surgery that's done to improve an obstructed airway requires careful evaluation of the nasal structure as it relates to airflow and breathing. Correction of a deviated septum, one of the most common causes of breathing impairment is achieved by adjusting the nasal structure to produce better alignment.

Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

You may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if:

• Your facial growth is complete

• You are physically healthy

• You don't smoke

• You have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance

Possible Side Effects

Temporary swelling, bruising around the eyes and/or nose, and some bleeding and nasal stuffiness.

Risks

Infection, asymmetry, unsatisfactory nasal shape and incomplete improvement (which would require additional surgery) are possible, anesthesia risks, infection, poor wound healing or scarring, change in skin sensation (numbness or pain), difficulty breathing, unsatisfactory nasal appearance, skin discoloration and swelling, possibility of revisional surgery, nasal septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum) is rare and additional surgical treatment may be necessary to repair the septum but it may be impossible to correct this complication

Recovery

The patient may go back to work after one week. Activities that are more strenuous may be resumed after two to three weeks. The patient should avoid any activity that could impact on the nose or allow it to become sunburned for at least eight weeks. The use of a sunblock that provides both UVA and UVB protection is useful. The final results may take one year and sometimes longer to achieve.

Results

The results of rhinoplasty surgery are permanent. While the initial swelling goes down within a few weeks, it can take up to a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose until it settles to its permanent outcome.

As your body ages, it is natural to have some gradual changes to your face including your nose but most of your improvement should be relatively permanent.

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