Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed on patients from their late teens to adulthood. The facial bones must be fully developed before doing this type of surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with rhinoplasty. These include infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia. A residual nasal deformity can occur, though not common. This may require revisional surgery.
During your initial consultation Dr. Bromley will take a medical history and do a complete exam. Your specific needs regarding nasal correction will be discussed in detail. The exact techniques that will be employed will also be discussed.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes about one to two hours depending on the complexity of the surgery. The surgery is usually done under a local anesthetic with sedation. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your specific problem. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new framework.
In most cases the incisions will be placed inside the nostrils, so there will be no visible scars. In certain cases an external incision may be required. This will be discussed prior to surgery. When the surgery is complete a splint will be applied to your nose to maintain its new shape. This splint will be removed approximately one week after surgery. Nasal packs are used infrequently.
Rhinoplasty, or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the most common of all plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed on patients from their late teens to adulthood. The facial bones must be fully developed before doing this type of surgery.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with rhinoplasty. These include infection, nosebleed, or a reaction to the anesthesia. A residual nasal deformity can occur, though not common. This may require revisional surgery.
During your initial consultation Dr. Bromley will take a medical history and do a complete exam. Your specific needs regarding nasal correction will be discussed in detail. The exact techniques that will be employed will also be discussed.
Rhinoplasty is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes about one to two hours depending on the complexity of the surgery. The surgery is usually done under a local anesthetic with sedation. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your specific problem. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new framework.
In most cases the incisions will be placed inside the nostrils, so there will be no visible scars. In certain cases an external incision may be required. This will be discussed prior to surgery. When the surgery is complete a splint will be applied to your nose to maintain its new shape. This splint will be removed approximately one week after surgery. Nasal packs are used infrequently.
After surgery-particularly during the first twenty-four hours your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache, and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with oral pain medication. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated for the first day.
You'll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after one or two days. You will be instructed to use a cold compress to help this swelling. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks. A little bleeding is common during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks.
You should be able to resume light activities in the first few days after surgery. By one week, you should able to return to your usual daily activities, if they are not too strenuous. Resumption of strenuous activities and athletics will normally require approximately three to six weeks of recuperation.
The nose will continue to heal over a long period-- approximately one year. During this time, subtle swelling will gradually resolve and the nasal tissues and skin will soften to eventually reveal your "new" nasal appearance.
If you have any questions regarding rhinoplasty, or any other plastic surgical procedure, please contact our office. Photo galleries, in addition to 3D animation of this procedure can be found at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons website.
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