The shape of the nose is often determined, to a large degree, by heredity. However, its shape may also have been altered by an injury or previous surgery. Surgery of the nose, also known as rhinoplasty, is a common plastic surgery procedure. The goal of surgery is to improve the appearance and proportion of the nose, which enhances facial harmony and self-confidence. Nasal surgery may also correct impaired breathing caused by structural abnormalities of the nose.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgical procedures.
Rhinoplasty may alter the size, width and profile of the nose. The nasal tip may be adjusted from being large, bulbous, drooping or too upturned. Nasal asymmetry and deviation may be corrected. It is performed under general anesthesia in our surgical center as an outpatient.
An adjunctive procedure is a septoplasty that addresses the nasal septum when this contributes to nasal asymmetry or breathing problems. This surgery to improve the airway is covered by insurance.
Risks of rhinoplasty include bleeding and not achieving the desired appearance of the nose. It is very important to communicate the desired appearance with your surgeon using your preoperative photos to point out exactly what changes are desired. A splint is worn on the nose for six days to hold the bones in the desired position. Packing in the nose for two days is used for this same purpose. Swelling and bruising gradually resolve over four to six weeks.