Rhinoplasty – Nose Reshaping

Description: Rhinoplasty is a form of plastic surgery that modifies the shape and size of the nose. While most of these procedures are performed for aesthetic reasons, rhinoplasty can also be used as a solution to structural defects that may cause breathing problems.

Procedure: The nose reshaping procedure is an outpatient treatment that typically lasts one to two hours. During this time your plastic surgeon will sculpt the cartilage and bone of the nose to achieve a specific look. Rhinoplasty can be performed in two ways: open or closed. Open rhinoplasty requires an incision across the columella, and gives a surgeon easier access to the nasal tissue. During a closed procedure, all incisions are made within the nostrils. Your surgeon will decide the best treatment option for you based on your desired results.

Length of the procedure: 1 to 2 hours

Recovery: Since rhinoplasty is one of the more complicated forms of facial plastic surgery, a good rhinoplasty result is dependent on these instructions being conscientiously followed.

Stay hydrated

Use cold compresses to reduce swelling

Rest as often as possible

Avoid strenuous activities and exercise

During the first 24 hours following surgery, it is best for patients to rest and remain in bed with their head elevated. Your face may feel puffy, your nose will ache, and a dull headache may be present. Bleeding is also common, especially in the first 48 hours of recovery. It is important not to blow your nose, however, as this can adversely affect the results of the rhinoplasty surgery. At a follow-up appointment about one week after surgery, your surgeon will track your progress. If nasal packing was placed, this will be removed, as well as a splint and/or stitches. By this time, bruising will be subsiding, and swelling should only be minor. Many patients are able to return to work and a more normalized routine one week after nose reshaping surgery. It is important, however, that patients are cautious and avoid strenuous activities. Patients should not participate in sports or return to weight lifting for two weeks after rhinoplasty, and should not take part in any activity that may result in a blow to the nose for about eight weeks. It is strongly recommended to take the flight not less than in 10 days after the nose surgery.

Results: While some results of rhinoplasty can be seen shortly after surgery, the full effect of a nose job can take up to 1 year to develop. After swelling has subsided, patients will have a better idea of the final result. The amount of change that occurs following surgery is dependent on the treatment performed by your plastic surgeon. Even so, slight changes to the structure of the nose-sometimes as little as a few millimeters- can produce drastic and pleasing results. Scarring associated with nose reshaping surgery is minimal, and in the case of closed rhinoplasty surgery, is limited to the inside of the nose.

Risks and complications: Bleeding, infection, and reactions to medication or anesthesia are possible side effects of a nose job. In addition, there are several risks that are unique to nose reshaping surgery. These include burst blood vessels that can lead to red spots and small scars on the underside of the nose. Patients also run the risk of being unhappy with the results of the surgery. In those cases, revision rhinoplasty may be performed.