Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
Nasal Surgery/Rhinoplasty
- 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 (Board Certified)
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) 752-2669
Lexington Avenue Suite 104
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914) 290-4700
311 North Street Suite 408
White Plains, NY 10605
(718) 548-5200
3333 Henry Hudson Parkway Suite 1-A
Riverdale, NY 10463
