Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

Nasal Surgery/Rhinoplasty

Hi! I'm Dr. John Farella; a board certified plastic surgeon. The decision to undergo Rhinoplasty is an exciting one. It is my belief, that an educated patient allows you to determine your personal goals, and enables you to make an informed decision. I have developed this website as a patient information source. Hopefully, this site will prepare you for your consultation.

Procedure
Surgical Approaches
Options
Ideal Candidates
Risks & Complications
Recovery
In/Out Patient

If you feel that your nose is not in proportion to the rest of your face, you may want to consider Rhinoplasty. By enhancing the general appearance of your nose, you will achieve a more natural balance between your nose and other facial features.

Procedure

Nasal surgery or Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose. It may be performed to reduce the dorsal hump, modify the nasal tip, narrow the nostrils, reduce the width of the nose, change the angle between the nose and the upper lip, and straighten or narrow the nasal bridge. Patients undergo nasal surgery for one of three reasons: 1) to correct a crooked nose or deformity as a result of injury 2) have difficulty breathing as a result of nasal passage obstruction 3) for cosmetic reasons (to enhance the shape of their nose). It is usually recommended to wait until facial growth is complete before undergoing nasal surgery. Rhinoplasty is used to alter the shape of a variety of ethnic noses (for example a "Roman nose", a "Black nose", an "Asian nose" etc.) Septoplasty is a nasal operation that is used to straighten or reshape the septum. It is performed on patients who have difficulty breathing as a result of a mal-positioned septum. Septoplasty will not change the shape of the nose, and can be performed alone or in addition to Rhinoplasty. Turbinate Surgery is nasal surgery that is used to improve breathing by opening the nasal air passages. It does not change the shape of the nose.

Surgical Approaches for Rhinoplasty

Reduction Rhinoplasty:
Used when bone or cartilage are removed in an effort to change the shape of the nose. This form of Rhinoplasty is the most common.
Augmentation Rhinoplasty:
Used to enhance the nose by adding cartilage, bone, or implant material when nasal deficiency (loss of structure) is encountered. This form of Rhinoplasty is used in special cases.
Closed Rhinoplasty:
Incisions are made inside the nose, and cartilage and bone are removed, shaved, or repositioned to improve contour.
Open Rhinoplasty:
Incisions are made inside the nose along the nostrils and across the columella(vertical strip), and cartilage and bone are removed, shaved, or repositioned to improve contour. The surgical approach will be decided at the time of consultation depending on individual patient needs.

Options

Chin Augmentation can improve facial balance as well, and enhances Rhinoplasty in some cases. This should be discussed at the time of consultation.

Ideal Candidates

Patients who are doing it for the right reasons (i.e. for themselves)
Patients with realistic expectations
Patients with a nasal airway obstruction that impairs breathing
Patients who have a crooked/deformed nose
Patients with a cosmetically unacceptable nose
Patients who are in good health

Risks and Complications

Risks and complications may include but are not limited to bleeding, infection, scarring, damage to deeper structures, numbness, asymmetry, chronic pain, skin disorders, delayed healing, nasal septal perforation, nasal airway alterations, and risks and complications associated with anesthesia. Even though complications can occur, they are rare.

Risks and potential complications of surgery are best discussed at the time of your consultation.

Smokers have a greater risk of pulmonary, and wound healing complications.

Recovery

Swelling and bruising will last for two to three weeks. Nasal packing (if used) will stay in the nostrils for one to seven days. Any stitches inside the nose will dissolve by themselves. Any stitches left outside the nose will be removed in three to five days. The nasal splint will remain in place for seven days to hold the nasal bones in place, as well as help reduce swelling. You may return to work or school by ten days as well as resume light exercise. You may resume rigorous exercise within 6-8 weeks. As each month passes you will notice gradual improvement. The final result will be evident within one year. Rhinoplasty is permanent. Occasionally, a touch-up procedure needs to be done to improve results.

In/Out Patient

Rhinoplasty may be performed as an out-patient under general anesthesia. The surgery takes two or less hours depending on the extent of the surgery.

Information on this page is not a substitute for medical consultation or advice. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss the best treatments for you.

Call for a complimentary consultation:

(914) 241-7111
Lexington Avenue Suite 104 - Mount Kisco, NY 10549

(914) 997-9090
311 North Street Suite 408 - White Plains, NY 10605

(718) 548-5200
3333 Henry Hudson Parkway Suite 1-A - Riverdale, NY 10463