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Rhinoplasty

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 also 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.
What can rhinoplasty do for me?

Rhinoplasty is an excellent procedure for achieving the following:

* Balancing the size of the nose with the other facial features
* Modifying the width of the nose at the bridge
* Improving the nasal profile, including removing humps or depressions
* Contouring a nasal tip that is too large, "boxy," drooping or upturned
* Changing the angle between the nose and the mouth
* Narrowing and reshaping the nostrils
* Correcting asymmetry or deviation

Am I a good candidate for rhinoplasty?

The best candidates for rhinoplasty:

* Are at least 13 years old;
* Have finished facial growth;
* Are generally healthy;
* Do not smoke;
* Are seeking rhinoplasty for personal reasons, not because of pressure from others
* Have realistic goals for the procedure.

How is the procedure performed?

Rhinoplasty is usually an outpatient procedure performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Dr. Jejurikar uses one of two techniques when performing nose 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, Dr. Jejurikar gently lifts the soft tissues covering the nose. He sculpts the bone and cartilage to the desired shape. Additional cartilage needed to augment the nose can often be taken from the nasal septum or ear.

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.

What is the recovery from nose surgery like?

For a short time after surgery, patients may experience puffiness, nose ache or a dull headache, some swelling and bruising, bleeding or stuffiness. Most patients feel like themselves within two or three days and return to work in about a week.

The results of rhinoplasty become gradually apparent as the days pass after surgery and swelling recedes. 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, but glasses may need to be taped to your forehead or propped on your cheeks for up to seven weeks.

Will I like the results of my nose surgery?

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.

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

Insurance may rarely cover rhinoplasty if it is done for reconstructive or medical reasons, but will not for cosmetic purposes.

What is revision rhinoplasty?

Revision or secondary rhinoplasty corrects deformities caused by a previous operation on the nose. It is a more difficult procedure to perform than primary rhinoplasty because there is less cartilage to work with and there may be scarring or tissue contracture (tightening). However, skilled plastic surgeons can improve both the appearance and the function of the nose.

 

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